Max: Guard religious freedom
By Julien Neaves
Story Created: Aug 29, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
Story Updated: Aug 29, 2011 at 11:44 PM ECT
PRESIDENT George Maxwell Richards has encouraged citizens to defend the country against those who would seek to erode their rights to religious freedom.
“This freedom to pursue our daily lives without prejudice because of our religion or particular sects thereof, should inspire us to be ever more resolute in defending our country against those who would seek to introduce, subtly or otherwise, elements that would take us down a path of erosion of these very rights. Let no one change or impede our pursuit of peace,” he stated.
Richards, in his Eid-ul-Fitr message yesterday, noted that this year two national holidays were “juxtaposed”, Independence Day on August 31 and Eid on September 1.
“As this religious festival is now being highlighted on our national calendar, we can flow easily into consideration of the contribution of the Muslim community to the development of Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.
He noted this contribution was “considerable and in several spheres of our life, including at the highest level of leadership in our relatively young nation”.
Richards stated that despite events elsewhere in the world this country has a “history of inclusion of people of all faiths in the building of our nation”, noting that freedom of religion is a right enshrined in Section 4 (h) of the Constitution.
“This is not just a paper contract but a reality which is lived out daily in the conduct of our business, personal and otherwise. It is important that we be ever mindful of these facts and be guided by them, especially as we see what is taking place in other parts of the world, sometimes in the name of democracy,” he added.
Richards pointed out that currently a number of Islamic nations were “under siege” and he has “no doubt that during the period of prayer and fasting, which is coming to a close, this situation would have had a central place in the petitions of Muslims in our country“.
Richards reiterated to the local Muslim community that their “discipline of restraint, evident during the days of Ramadan, is a good example to be emulated by all of us, especially if it transcends the borders of season and becomes a way of life”.
“I commend this way to the national community as my family joins me in extending Eid greetings to all. Eid Mubarak. May God bless our nation,” he added
YouSpeakWeSpeak T&T 
Section 4 of the constitution:
4. It is hereby recognised and declared that in Trinidad and Tobago there
have existed and shall continue to exist, without discrimination by reason of
race, origin, colour, religion or sex, the following fundamental human rights
and freedoms, namely–
(a) the right of the individual to life, liberty, security of the person
and enjoyment of property and the right not to be deprived
thereof except by due process of law;
(b) the right of the individual to equality before the law and the
protection of the law;
(c) the right of the individual to respect for his private and family
life;
(d) the right of the individual to equality of treatment from any
public authority in the exercise of any functions;
(e) the right to join political parties and to express political views;
(f) the right of a parent or guardian to provide a school of his own
choice for the education of his child or ward;
(g) freedom of movement;
(h) freedom of conscience and religious belief and observance;
(i) freedom of thought and expression;
(j) freedom of association and assembly; and
(k) freedom of the press.
Our ‘religious freedom’ was eroded a bit due the curfew in the month of Ramdhaan, when our night prayer had to be shaved to finish before 9 in some areas…..I guess for a justifiable reason?
@ Ali
“I guess for a justifiable reason?”
The jury is still out on that one.
The SoE and curfew aside for now, it’s amazing to see the level of turmoil and wanton bloodletting across the Middle East and North Africa in recent times because of Muslims fighting to enjoy some, if not all (in some cases), of the privileges we take for granted here everyday…Allah is the source of help!
That’s a really good point…we really take for granted what we have here, in terms of religious freedom, in T&T. Let’s try to make use of it.
“Let’s try to make use of it.”
….and not abuse it! We must always be mindful of ‘not crossing the line’.
We should not look at this article as a statement that the government supports Religion Freedom, or that Trinidad and Tobago promotes this. Cause this is not the case. We should use this law against those who deny us these freedoms. For example Boss dont want to give you time to attend Jummah sallah, boss says you have to shave your beard or take off your Hijab or you are not allowed to wear the the Hijab in the proper manner for national IDs. This a tool, a tool that muslims should learn to use to carry on with their daily lives. Hang your oppressors with their own rope. Know your rights.
Well Brother Ghost Face, I agree with you that we should know our rights as Muslims and not become complacent. At the same time however, we must admit that we are allowed (for the time being at least) to practice our religion to a significant extent when compared to other countries (muslim countries included, check out some of those Central-Asian states like Tajikistan etc). Won’t you say?
@Manzan
Once a country does not jeopardize what is from the pillars and the sunnah of islam, Muslims should not have a problem. Most Muslim nations are like that, but when we speak of muslim nations, we generally speak of nations with a majority of muslims and not a nation that holds to the Sharia. I am still waiting to be shown a nation that fully implements the true Sharia laws. Yes the muslims in Trinidad are blessed but are they using it to the full potential. Over 100 Masjids, 8-10% muslim population but yet they cant come together and unit upon what is clear as day, Sunnah and the understandings of the as-Salaf as-Saleh.
I’ll just leave this here:
Thauban reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “It is near that the nations will call one another against you just as the eaters call one another to their dishes.” Somebody asked: “Is this because we will be few in numbers that day?” He said: “Nay but that day you shall be numerous, but you will be like the foam of the sea, and Allah Will Take the fear of you away from your enemies and will place weakness into your hearts.” Somebody asked: “What is this weakness?” He said: “The love of the world and the dislike of death.” [Abu Dawud]
Abu Hurairah reported that whilst the Prophet, Allah Bless him and Grant him peace, was talking, a bedouin came to him and asked: When will the hour come to pass?” He replied: “Wait for the hour when trust will be destroyed.” He asked how it would be destroyed and he said: “Wait for the hour when the rule will be entrusted to those who don’t deserve it.” [Bukhari]
@ Brother Ghost Face
“Yes the muslims in Trinidad are blessed but are they using it to the full potential.”
Very good question! My own opinion is that they are not…and Allah is the ultimate source of all help.