(Excerpt from the Friday Khutba delivered by Muneeb Nasir on February 22, 2008 at the Guyana Islamic Trust, Georgetown, Guyana)
There is anxiety and fear following the two recent massacres in this country - in the regions of Lusignan and Bartica.
You have witnessed the brutal killings of innocent people which was meant to terrorize the nation. A feeling of helplessness has set in across the country.
What to do, many people are asking in resignation.
The government, politicians and civic leaders have their jobs to do.
But, I would like to suggest to you a believer’s approach to times such as these.
First, we should seek help in prayer and supplication – turn to the Lord in sincere supplication asking Him to ease the fear, apprehension, inflamed racial tensions and rumor mongering gripping the country.
But equally important we should turn to Allah with the most sincere repentance and ask Him to forgive us, all believers and other people for the injustices and wrongs we have brought to bear on each other. It is through repentance that God’s mercy and forgiveness are made manifest in our world.
Times of uncertainty and fear require from us acts of goodness to wipe away the burdens of accumulated transgressions. We should engage in acts of charity, voluntary fasting and kindness to those around us.
Also, in these times it is important that we do not fall victim to the overwhelming flood of information - the wall-to-wall news coverage compels and then hooks people to their television sets.
This CNNization can lead to despondency and for some into a downward spiral to a depressed state. We should rely on reliable sources and not be pulled into the voyeuristic habit of watching scenes of death constantly replayed on the television. This is especially important for the young children and the house bound elders.
We should support each other and share one another's fears and worries. These are the times that we must make peace with each other. Each one of us can set an example, lead people toward standing together as a community at peace one with the other.
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