My fellow Fijians,
- Ni Sa Bula Vina’a, Namaste, and warm greetings to you all.
- Today, I join our Muslim brothers and sisters across Fiji, and Muslims around the world, in commemorating the birth of the Prophet Mohammed – peace be upon him.
- On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, I extend my warmest wishes to the Muslim community on this special occasion.
Recognition of Prophet Mohammed’s Legacy
- The birth of the Prophet Mohammed is not only an occasion for celebration. It is also a time for reflection — on his life, his character, and the values that he taught and lived by.
- His message emphasised compassion, justice, generosity, respect for others, and responsibility to care for the vulnerable and those in need.
- These are values that speak not only to Muslims. They are values that also resonate across different faiths, cultures and communities, and they remain deeply relevant to the kind of nation we want Fiji to be.
- As we reflect on his teachings, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, and service in strengthening our communities and fostering a more just, and harmonious society for all.
- His teachings remain a source of guidance, encouraging understanding, service, and peaceful coexistence among all people.
Unity and Hope
- On this occasion, let us reflect on the values of compassion, understanding, and service that lie at the heart of the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. In a world facing many challenges, these principles remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to care for one another.
- We are blessed to live in a country of many faiths, cultures and traditions.
- We are strengthened by our diversity and thus enriched by the contributions of people from all faiths and backgrounds.
- A strong Fiji is one in which a Christian can wish a Muslim neighbour well on this occasion; where a Muslim family can share in the joy of Diwali with their Hindu neighbours; where we respect the traditions and values of our indigenous communities; and where people of every faith and background can live together in dignity and mutual respect.
- That is the Fiji we must continue to build and cherish.
- A Fiji where we do not merely tolerate our differences, but where we respect and appreciate one another.
- A Fiji where no person feels less Fijian because of his or her religion, ethnicity, language or cultural background.
- And a Fiji where our children grow up understanding that diversity does not weaken a nation — division does.
- Our responsibility, therefore, is to ensure that the bonds which unite us remain stronger than the differences that distinguish us.
- May the spirit of Mawlid al-Nabi inspire us to deepen the bonds of respect and goodwill that unite us, to embrace understanding, and dialogue and to work together in advancing peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.
Appreciation to the Muslim Community
- The Muslim community has long been an integral part of Fiji’s national journey.
- Across generations, Muslim Fijians have contributed immensely to our nation’s development — in education, agriculture, commerce, the professions, public service, charitable work and community development.
- Many Muslim organisations and individuals continue to serve not only members of their own faith, but Fijians from every community. Their commitment to faith, family, and service continues to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the wellbeing and progress of our country.
- That spirit of service reflects one of the most important lessons we can take from this occasion: that our faith is expressed most meaningfully through the good that we do for others.
Peace And Harmony
- At a time when conflict, division, and uncertainty continue to affect many parts of the world, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad remain a powerful reminder of the virtues of peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect.
- Prophet Mohammed imparted through his very own life demonstrated the importance of good character, compassion towards neighbours, generosity to the poor, respect for human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
- These principles have particular meaning for us today.
- Fiji must continue to choose a different path — a path of understanding, of moderation and peace consistent with our aspiration for Fiji and for our wider Pacific region: that differences should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation, and that peace must always be protected and nurtured.
- But peace does not begin only between governments or nations.
- It begins in how we see and speak with one another.
- It begins in how we treat our neighbours.
- It begins in the respect we show to another person’s faith and culture.
- It begins when we refuse to allow prejudice, intolerance, even hatred, to find a place in our communities.
- And it grows when we choose kindness over hostility, understanding over suspicion, and unity over division.
- As we commemorate this special occasion, let us renew our commitment to fostering harmony within our communities and strengthening the bonds that unite us as one people. Guided by our national vision of being an Ocean of Peace, may we continue to promote tolerance, goodwill, and cooperation, ensuring that peace remains the foundation of our nation’s stability, progress, and future aspirations.
Values and Service
- As we commemorate Mawlid al-Nabi, we are reminded that building a peaceful and united nation is a responsibility shared by all of us.
- Religious leaders have a role.
- Community leaders have a role.
- Parents and teachers have a role.
- And every citizen has a role.
- We must continue to reject racial and religious intolerance wherever it appears. We must teach our young people to respect people whose beliefs or backgrounds may be different from their own. We must have the courage to speak against words and actions that seek to divide us.
- Our different places of worship may have different names and traditions, but the values of love, dignity, service and peace are values that can and will unite us.
- On this special occasion, I therefore encourage all Fijians to reflect on what each of us can do to strengthen the bonds within our communities.
- Help someone who is struggling.
- Care for an elderly person.
- Reach out to someone who may feel alone.
- Forgive where there has been disagreement.
- And wherever possible, choose words and actions that bring people together rather than drive them apart.
- These may appear to be small acts, but nations are ultimately built through the everyday actions of their people. By embracing these values in our daily lives, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us and help build a brighter and better Fiji for generations to come.
- We must also recognise that we all have a role to play as we pursue the aspirations of Vision 2050, including achieving higher-income status and sustaining economic growth of six percent annually. By working together, supporting one another, and contributing our talents and efforts to the common good, we can create greater opportunities for all and realise our shared vision of a more prosperous, resilient, and united Fiji.
Conclusion
- To our Muslim brothers and sisters, as you gather with your families and communities in prayer and reflection, may this occasion renew your faith and bring peace, happiness and blessings to your homes.
- And to all Fijians, let us use this national observance to renew our commitment to the values that bind us together as one nation.
- We are a country of diverse communities, but we share one Fiji and one future.
- Let us continue to build that future together — with compassion, with respect for one another, and an unwavering commitment to peace and unity.
- May the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad continue to inspire peace, compassion, and service to humanity. May they embolden our collective efforts to build a stronger, more harmonious, and prosperous nation
- On behalf of the Government of Fiji, I extend very sincere best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Fiji and around the world on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. May this special occasion bring peace, joy, and blessings to you, your families, and your communities.
- Eid Milad-un-Nabi Mubarak.
- May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji.
- Vinaka vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, Shukriya, and Thank You.
[END]
