Our prayers were answered, and we are back to our normal way of life - Bainimarama

As thousands of Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan today, Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says we have endured the adversity of the pandemic, and we have come through it with discipline, resolve and concern for our fellow Fijians and our prayers were answered, and we are back to our normal way of life.

He says now we deserve to enjoy these days of faith, joy and gratitude to God.

Bainimarama has wished all Muslims in Fiji a blessed month of faith, fellowship and self-reflection.

He says Ramadan is always a time that brings us closer to God through acts of fasting, charity and prayer and this year’s Ramadan celebration is especially precious because we are free once again to celebrate fully with others.

The Prime Minister says once again, we can pray with our community at our mosque, once again, we can break the fast each day with family, friends and neighbours, we can greet and embrace each other in faith and love.

He adds God meant for human beings to live and pray together, in community.

Bainimarama is also urging all Fijians to join in celebrating Ramadan this year in whatever way they can.

He says we join the Muslim community in acts of charity.

He says we Fijians are bound together by love for our country, concern for each other, and deep respect for each other’s faiths and Ramadan gives them a chance to show that.

The Prime Minister says he prays that all those observing Ramadan will receive the rewards of inner peace and happiness that come from putting God first and serving others, particularly those who are less fortunate than we are.

He adds may their acts of piety, charity, compassion and sacrifice bring them closer to God and closer to fellow human beings, and may they enjoy health and happiness throughout the year.