DECLARING Fiji a secular state is, among other things, to provide everyone, without exception, the right to practice, uphold and promote one’s religion, says His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The concept of secularism, the head of state said, gives greater meaning to the talk on equal citizenry which Fiji is pursuing for the first time in its history.
“When a nation talks about equal citizenry, it is important that it also makes provision within the supreme law of the land – the Constitution that is - for all citizens to be treated equally irrespective of one’s ethnic, cultural, or religious affiliation,” the President said.
Speaking on the occasion of Holy Prophet Muhammed’s Day or seeratun nabi jalsa being marked by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Suva today, Ratu Epeli said secularism also protects all religions and ensures that no one religion or sect within a religion has undue advantage over other religions or sects.
He said it prevents victimisation of followers of a religion or a sect for their beliefs and practices.
Ratu Epeli noted the existence and growth of Islam as a religion of peace and prosperity in Fiji and encouraged the continuation of the good work by the followers and its leaders for greater and more peaceful co-existence.
Acknowledging the work done by the Ahmadiyya community in promoting education by building primary and secondary schools in Fiji, he encouraged the group to continue working with Government and other religious organisations to strengthen social cohesion.
“We need to emphasize moral education and commitment to the family, the community and the nation. We need to promote mutual respect, tolerance, goodwill, compassion, care, peace and equal prosperity,” Ratu Epeli said.
“We owe this to our children and to Fiji’s future generations.”
Public Service Commission permanent secretary, Mr Parmesh Chand reflected on the life of the Holy Prophet and highlighted the virtue of simplicity which was a characteristic that stands out and is valued in the eyes of even non-Muslims.
“It has helped us to economise and live within our means, look after our environment, practice sustainability and most of all maintain harmony and peace in our respective lives,” he said.
Mr Chand said the Holy Prophet’s belief and commitment in the principle that justice and fair dealing to apply to all is universally accepted.
The jalsa was attended by diplomats, religious leaders from other denominations and in big numbers by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
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