Students of Suva Muslim Primary School and College were reminded of the essence of living in a country where all religion and their beliefs were respected and celebrated.

On the occasion of celebrating Eid-ul-fitr with the students yesterday, the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Land and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya reiterated that Fiji had given respect to all religions and their beliefs.

“It should be noted that very few countries do this, and we do so very proudly.

“It underlines the uniqueness of Fiji in our own region – a multi-faith nation with the 2013 Constitution that guarantees religious freedom and establishes a secular state, in which all religions are equal,” Mr Koya said.

In addition, it was a gesture of respect that each Fijian paid to fellow citizens of other faiths.

“I strongly believe that religion can actually be a 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 us – is common to the overwhelming majority of Fijians, no matter  their religious background, he added. He urged the students to carry on with the message of love and peace in their daily lives.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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