Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on Fijians to strengthen unity, reject religious and racial intolerance, and embrace compassion and service as Fiji commemorates the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

In his national address, Rabuka extended the Government’s best wishes to Fiji’s Muslim community, saying the occasion provided an opportunity not only for celebration but also for reflection on the Prophet’s life and teachings.

He said values including compassion, justice, generosity, respect for others and care for vulnerable people remained relevant to Fiji’s efforts to build a peaceful and harmonious society.

Rabuka says these are values that speak not only to Muslims.

The Prime Minister said Fiji’s diversity should be viewed as a source of strength, stressing that people of different religions and backgrounds should be able to live together with dignity and mutual respect.

He said the country should strive for a Fiji where no person feels less Fijian because of their religion, ethnicity, language or cultural background.

Rabuka says diversity does not weaken a nation – division does.

He also recognised the contribution of Fiji’s Muslim community to the country’s development, citing contributions in education, agriculture, commerce, the professions, public service, charitable work and community development.

He said Muslim organisations and individuals had continued to serve people across religious and community lines.

The Prime Minister said the spirit of service was one of the key lessons of the occasion, adding that faith was expressed most meaningfully through the good people did for others.

Rabuka said the teachings of Prophet Mohammed carried particular significance at a time when conflict, division and uncertainty continued to affect many parts of the world.

He said Fiji must continue to pursue a path of understanding, moderation and peace, with differences resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.

He urged Fijians to reject prejudice, intolerance and hatred, and instead choose kindness, understanding and unity.

Rabuka said building a peaceful and united Fiji was a shared responsibility involving Government, religious and community leaders, parents, teachers and every citizen.

He encouraged Fijians to undertake simple acts of service, including helping those struggling, caring for elderly people, reaching out to those who may feel alone and resolving disagreements through forgiveness.

The Prime Minister also linked the call for unity and service to Fiji’s broader development ambitions, including the aspirations of Vision 2050 and the goal of achieving higher-income status while sustaining annual economic growth of six percent.

He said greater opportunities and a more prosperous Fiji could be achieved through collective effort, mutual support and contribution to the common good.