‘Our new constitution guarantees religious freedom’

Islamic leaders and believers were yesterday reminded that all religions are equal.

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya made this remark while officiating at the National Miladun Nabi Jalsa Celebration at the Maruru Jame Mosque in Ba yesterday.

The event was organised by the Ma’unatul Islam Association of Fiji.

“The uniqueness of Fiji in our own region is we a multi-faith nation with a new Constitution that guarantees religious freedom and establishes a secular state,” he said.

“This auspicious celebration is to mark the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. We in Fiji have given respect to all religions and their beliefs.

“We have a public holiday for the Prophet’s birthday, just as we do for the commemorations of other major religions- Christians and Hinduism,” Mr Koya said.

He said very few countries did this and we do so very proudly.

“It is also a gesture of the respect that each Fijian pays to our fellow citizens of other faiths because we are one people, one nation and we know that we have a shared destiny, no matter what beliefs we hold.

“I strongly believe that religion can actually be unifying force, a bridge between us all no matter what we believe. That is because a sense of spirituality, a belief in something greater than ourselves, is common to the overwhelming majority of Fijians, no matter what their religious background.

Mr Koya also said our Muslim community in Fiji, despite being only 4.5 per cent of the population, has also played a pivotal role together with other Fijians in our country’s achievements.

“We are showing the world that in Fiji Muslims living side by side with people of other faiths can produce greater things.

“You have shown that Muslims of goodwill live their faith in a positive way every day and that the world is better for it. But we must always be vigilant,” he said.

Edited by: Manasa Kalouniviti

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