As Muslims commemorate the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the values of peace, compassion, justice, charity, humility, tolerance and service to humanity associated with his teachings remain particularly important in a multicultural and multi-religious country such as Fiji.
This has been highlighted by National Federation Party Leader and Government MP Professor Biman Prasad, who says our diversity should strengthen our national community and deepen our respect and understanding for one another.
He says NFP's founding principle is that every community in Fiji must have an equal place in our national life and that Fiji is strengthened when the faith, culture and traditions of all its people are respected.
Professor Prasad says this year’s observance has special significance as it coincides with the centenary celebrations of the Fiji Muslim League, marking 100 years since its establishment in 1926.
The NFP leader says for a century, the Fiji Muslim League has been an important part of Fiji’s religious, educational and social development.
He says through its schools, community institutions, charitable work and advocacy, the League has made a lasting contribution not only to Fiji’s Muslim community, but to the development of our country as a whole.
Professor Prasad says the NFP congratulates the President, office bearers, branches and members of the Fiji Muslim League, as well as the generations of men and women whose voluntary service, sacrifice and commitment have sustained the organisation over the past century.
He says the Muslim community has been an integral part of Fiji’s political, economic and social development.
Professor Prasad says it has produced educators, professionals, cane growers, business people, community leaders and national leaders whose contributions have helped shape modern Fiji.
He says this history is also closely connected with the history of the National Federation Party.
The MP says one of the most important leaders in our Party’s and the nation’s history was the late Siddiq Moidin Koya, who worked alongside NFP founder leader A.D. Patel in the Federation movement and succeeded him as Leader of the NFP and Leader of the Opposition in October 1969.
He says Koya played a central role in the negotiations that led to Fiji’s independence and the adoption of the 1970 Constitution.
He says Koya's contribution to religious recognition in Fiji is equally significant.
Professor Prasad says in 1974, Koya, as Leader of the NFP and Leader of the Opposition, negotiated with the Government of then Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara for both Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and Diwali to be recognised as national public holidays.
He says that agreement ensured that two important religious occasions observed by large sections of Fiji’s population received formal national recognition.
The NFP leader says it was an important example of political dialogue and bipartisanship being honestly practised to recognise Fiji’s religious and cultural diversity. Fifty two years later, Fijians continue to benefit from that decision.
He says the NFP remains proud that this important part of our national history was achieved through the leadership of S M Koya and through constructive engagement across the political divide.
Professor Prasad says it reflected the unshirkable founding principle of the party, which is a basis of our continued existence as the nation’s oldest political movement founded 63 years ago.
The Party wishes all Muslims in Fiji and around the world a peaceful and meaningful observance of the Birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
They also congratulate the Fiji Muslim League on 100 years of faith, education, community service and contribution to Fiji, and wish the League every success as it begins its second century of service.
