Chief Imam calls for peaceful co-existence among religions
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called for religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among Muslims and adherents of other religious faiths in the country.
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He cautioned Muslim and Christian preachers who engaged in unguarded, inflammatory and provocative preaching on radio and television to refrain from the act.
A statement signed by the Chief Imam said: “I am aware of smouldering inter-religious tension caused by occasional unguarded, inflammatory and provocative style of preaching by some public preachers, both on radio and television.
“Both Muslims and Christian preachers should be minded of the atrocious conflicts brought about by such inflammatory remarks in some African countries not too long ago.”
Choose dialogue
It said in the event of any of such developments, the affected communities, especially Muslims, should “choose dialogue as the preferred approach in resolving the issue, without resorting to violence”.
“I urge Muslims at all levels to respect the beliefs, rights and concerns of non-Muslims and to be kind and fair to them at all times.
“I am fully convinced that such an approach will definitely deepen and strengthen inter-faith solidarity, foster stronger collaboration and further enhance the state of peace and security in Ghana,” it said.
National Peace Council
The statement lauded the Chairman of the National Peace Council for managing the recent misunderstanding between Christian missions and the Muslim community on the issue of religious freedom, human rights and discrimination in public educational institutions and public workplaces.
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It again thanked President John Dramani Mahama for appreciating the concerns raised by Muslims and making positive statements about the issue.
It asked Muslims to engage in ceaseless prayers for greater peace and enhanced security in Ghana in particular and all troubled nations of the world in general.
World experience
The statement said the Chief Imam was keenly following events unfolding in countries afflicted by the scourge of religious extremism and its attendant threat to life.
It said in view of the increasing menace of the so-called Muslim extremists in affected countries, Sheikh Sharubutu’s commitment and strong desire and urge to promote national security and peace had been growing in strength in recent times.
“Hearing about the horrific experiences of the affected people makes my heart heavy, distressed and sorrowful. Hence, I have become preoccupied with matters of peace and security both in Ghana and elsewhere in the world.
“My worries and concerns have kept me in an endless mood of reflection, mediation and prayerfulness, hoping for Allah’s Mercy and Care for the afflicted nations and their people,” it said.
Keeping the pledge
The statement urged Imams and leaders of Muslim communities to caution members of their congregations against possible penetration of their ideological influences by extremist groups who were using all available means, including the social media, to extend the frontiers of their operations.
“Beyond caution, Imams in particular are further entreated to use sermons to encourage members of their congregations to be watchful to identify and expose foreigners who may infiltrate our communities with signs of connection to extremist groups, such as Al-Qa’eda or Boko Haram,” it said.