Muslim community sets up Ramadan village

Ramadan – a month of prayer, reflection and fasting for Muslims across the world commences soon.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin on Monday, March 11 and so too will Guyana’s first national Ramadan Village be opened at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) along Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

It is a collaborative effort between the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Muslim Youth Organisation, the Guyana Islamic Trust and the Government of Guyana.

On Friday, Director of CIOG Shaikh Moeen Ul-Hack said the village will be open for three days each week – Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The initiative is aimed at creating greater appreciation for the religion to the wider public.

“With an open-air concept, the National Ramadan Village, in addition to offering a unique opportunity for all Guyanese to experience the spiritual ambiance of Ramadan, is also intended for families to gather and share with others for the breaking of fast together,” Moeen Ul-Hack said.

On Monday, President Dr Irfaan Ali is expected to commission the village and this is expected to create widespread awareness and appreciation for the month of Ramadan.

Moeen Ul-Hack said the village will not undermine the activities traditionally done at masjids but rather will create a greater appreciation for prayer and fasting. Reminding that fasting is not unique to Muslims as Christians and Hindus are also fasting in March, Moeen Ul-Hack said it is an opportunity for Guyanese to come together.

“It also serves as a timely reminder of our shared values that unite us and the importance of embracing diversity as a source of strength,” Moeen Ul-Hack explained.

The space is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Muslims can utilise the area for Taraweeh, a prayer specific to the holy month, and it will be the central location for the Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power) generally on the 27th night of Ramadan.

But for non-Muslims, it is an opportunity to learn about the religion and its values. During the evenings, there will be discussions on women and youth empowerment, sweet meat master classes, literature and other aspects of Islam’s teachings.

For persons living outside of the region, the location has amenities for these persons to stay during their visit.

Meanwhile, also on Friday, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh announced several tourism activities for persons to visit renowned masjids across the country, including the Queenstown Masjid and the oldest Mosque Site in Region Three.