Make compassion a national habit – Pres Ali urges all Guyanese in Ramadan message

President Dr Irfaan Ali is urging Guyanese to make compassion a defining national value as Muslims observe Ramadan 2026, calling on citizens to ensure that the nation’s growing wealth translates into care for the vulnerable and opportunities for those left behind, in a message marking the start of the holy month.

Ramadan 2026 (1447 AH) commenced following confirmation of the crescent moon. The holy month will last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the next moon sighting, and is therefore expected to conclude around March 18 or 19. Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal, is anticipated to be observed around March 19 or 20, subject to official confirmation.

In his message titled “Let compassion become a national habit,” the President extended greetings of peace to the Muslim community and the wider nation, noting that Ramadan carries “a message meant for us all.” He described the month as one of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal, but also as a period that demands deep reflection on collective responsibility. “What do we owe one another?” he asked, framing the observance as both a spiritual and national moment of reckoning.

Citing the teachings of the Holy Qur’aan, President Ali reminded citizens that true righteousness is demonstrated through action, giving of one’s wealth despite love for it, supporting relatives, orphans, the needy, and travellers, showing patience in hardship, and remaining faithful to promises. He urged Guyanese to measure national progress not by the height of buildings or the volume of exports, but by “the depth of our compassion” and “the reach of our care.”

Highlighting Guyana’s rapid economic transformation, the Head of State said the country is experiencing unprecedented growth and opportunity.

“And yet, even as we ascend, we must ask ourselves: Who ascends with us? We are our brothers’ keepers. We are our sisters’ keepers,” he stated.

Ali called on every sector of society to ensure that success is defined not only by profit margins but by the opportunities created for the less fortunate and those left behind, encouraging generosity in the giving of zakat and other forms of charity.

The President also appealed to every citizen, regardless of faith, to examine their own capacity for giving. Not everyone can contribute large sums, he noted, but everyone can give something: time, attention, advocacy for fair treatment, presence beside someone suffering, or a refusal to ignore injustice.

“These, too, are forms of wealth. These, too, are righteousness,” he said.

CIOG
Echoing similar themes, the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) extended Ramadan greetings to the Muslim community and the nation, describing the month as “a divine invitation to refine our character, purify our intentions, and realign our lives with the pleasure of Allah.”

In a message signed by its President, Shahabudeen Ahmad, the organisation highlighted three defining qualities of the fasting believer: Taqwa (God-consciousness), Sabr (patience), and Rahmah (mercy).

Quoting from Surah Al-Baqarah, the CIOG reminded believers that fasting is prescribed so that they may attain Taqwa, a constant awareness of God that shapes conduct in public and private. The organisation said Ramadan trains Muslims not only to abstain from food and drink but also from dishonesty, injustice, and arrogance, fostering integrity and emotional discipline. It further emphasised that fasting should awaken compassion for those who suffer hunger and hardship daily, encouraging charity, forgiveness, and service to others.

The CIOG also pointed to the global trials facing the Muslim Ummah, urging believers to stand firmly for justice, mercy, and truth, and to ensure that Ramadan becomes a period of genuine transformation rather than ritual observance alone.