‘Trust the planner, embrace the journey’ – President Ali’s Eid message

Destiny is Written by the One Who Sees What We Cannot

I extend heartfelt Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all Guyanese but especially to our Islamic communities here in Guyana and in our diaspora. As we gather to mark this sacred occasion, of Eid-ul-Adha, let us reflect not only on our intentions and efforts, but also on the quiet, guiding hand of Allah in all our affairs.

Eid-ul-Adha reminds us that while we are called to act with purpose and conviction, the ultimate course of our lives is shaped by divine wisdom. We are agents of our choices, but Allah is the Master of all outcomes. The Holy Quran states (at 81:29) “But you cannot will unless Allah wills – Lord of the Worlds.”

Let us observe this important occasion reaffirmed in the conviction that to surrender to Allah is not to give up—it is to rise above fear. For it is written in the Holy Quran (65:3). “And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.”

In a world often driven by the desire for control and certainty, may this Eid be a gentle reminder that true peace comes not from having all the answers, but from trusting the One who does.

The story of Ibrahim and his devotion to Allah instructs us that Faith begins where certainty ends. Faith is what keeps us moving, keeps us believing, and keeps us trusting when everything else tells us to stop, to reject and to doubt. It is in that spirit of absolute trust—of moving forward even when the path is unclear—that we find the true essence of Eid.

Let us, therefore, celebrate this festival with gratitude, walk forward with intention, and rest in the assurance that what is meant for us will come to pass and what misses us was never ours.

On this magnificent occasion, let us rejoice, let us pray and let us give with gratitude and generosity. Trust the process. Trust the Planner. Trust Allah.

My wish for you is that this Eid will find you filled with peace, your heart overflowing with contentment and your journey blessed with divine clarity. May you walk the path Allah has written for you—with grace in your steps and a radiant light in your heart!

Eid Mubarak!

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana