President Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese to embrace compassion, charity, and social responsibility as the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, calling on citizens to ensure that national progress uplifts everyone, not just a few.
In his Ramadan 2026 message, President Ali extended greetings to Muslims across Guyana and emphasised that the values of Ramadan carry lessons for the entire nation.
“As-salamu alaykum. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon all as we enter this Holy Month of Ramadan,” the President said.
President Ali said Ramadan is a period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal, but also a time for reflection on how people treat each other.
He posed a direct question to the nation: “What do we owe one another?”
Citing teachings from the Holy Quran, the President noted that righteousness must be reflected in action—through giving to relatives, orphans, the needy, travellers, and those who ask, as well as demonstrating patience in hardship and honouring commitments.
“This is the standard against which we are measured,” he said.
The President highlighted that Guyana is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, with resources and opportunities now becoming realities.
However, he warned that development must be measured by inclusion and compassion.
“Our nation is building wealth at a pace we have never known… and yet, even as we ascend, we must ask ourselves: Who ascends with us?” he said.
Ali stressed that the true measure of progress is not physical infrastructure or exports, but how deeply the country cares for its most vulnerable citizens.
“The truest measure of our progress will not be the height of our buildings but the depth of our compassion,” he stated.
The Head of State called on all sectors—businesses, communities, and individuals—to show mercy and generosity, especially toward those less fortunate.
He encouraged successful citizens and organisations to create opportunities for those left behind and urged Muslims to give generously through zakat.
He also called on all Guyanese to view charity not as an occasional act, but as a continuous duty.
“Let this be the Ramadan when compassion becomes our national habit,” he said.
Recognising that not everyone can donate large sums, President Ali said every citizen has something to offer, whether through time, support, advocacy, or simply standing with someone in need.
“Your time. Your attention. Your voice advocating for fair treatment… These, too, are forms of wealth,” he said.
The President offered prayers for Muslims observing Ramadan and called for national unity, urging citizens to emerge from the holy month not only spiritually renewed but practically transformed.
He said Guyana must remain a country where wealth serves the people.
“May we resolve that the Guyana we are building will be a Guyana where wealth serves people, not the other way around,” Ali said.
President Ali ended his message by repeating the theme of shared responsibility and urging Guyanese to “lift as we climb.”
“Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept from us and from you. May God bless our Republic,” he said.
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