Chief Imam lauds interfaith harmony at Eid prayers
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called on Muslims to embrace the virtue of “sacrifice of self” over “sacrifice for self”, as the nation joined the Muslim world to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha yesterday.
Delivering his sermon through his spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, at a well-attended event at the Black Star Square in Accra, the Chief Imam reflected deeply on the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, drawing several enduring lessons for the faithful.
“It is a celebration of unalloyed loyalty to the Almighty Allah. A celebration of renewed faith in God.
A recommitment to absolute submission and surrender to the will of God,” he said.
The Chief Imam distinguished between two kinds of sacrifice. “In the sacrifice of self, you give out what you have of precious nature so that others may benefit.
The sacrifice for self is that which you do for your own personal benefit. The one we highlight as a matter of virtue is the sacrifice of self.”
He also urged Muslims to cultivate patience, fortitude and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges, citing the examples of both Ibrahim and Ismail.
The Chief Imam further reminded the congregation of Allah’s infinite love and kindness, noting that Allah ransomed a ram in place of Ismail to teach compassion for children.
Turning to modern societal concerns, he expressed concern about the decline in respect for the elderly and obedience to parents.
“In this modern day, when obedience to parents and respect for the elderly no longer have a place in our scheme of things – Your Excellency, this is a matter of major concern. Our values regarding respect for our parents are something we must uphold. Where we find challenges, we must reignite a process to revisit this culture of respect,” he said.
Loyalty to leadership
The Chief Imam also called for loyalty to national leadership, directly addressing President John Dramani Mahama, who was seated next to him.
“Your Excellency, you have been elected as the leader of our nation. We owe you a duty to be loyal to you and to give you support so you can succeed in all your best wishes for the nation,” he said.
The Chief Imam, through the spokesperson, conveyed his appreciation to President Mahama.
First, he thanked the President for a seamless organisation of this year’s Hajj.
“Apart from the earlier support you granted by reducing the fare, we have not heard in the news nor through any other channel that there has been any challenge. The Chief Imam is so glad.”
Second, he praised the President’s international advocacy.
“We have informed the Chief Imam about how you spearheaded the campaign for recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest, most hideous, and most horrific crime against humanity, and for seeking reparations. The Chief Imam says you have clearly indicated that you are a true African who fights for all people,” he said.
Third, he expressed gratitude to the President for introducing a fee-free e-visa for African passport holders.
“Wherever any African is rejected, you have opened the doors of Ghana,” the Chief Imam said.
Call for interfaith tolerance
Later, while offering the special Eid prayers, the Chief Imam praised Ghana’s long-standing interfaith harmony.
He reminded Christians and Muslims of their common origin.
“We all came from Adam. God made us from clay,” he said, and called for tolerance and mutual respect among all religious groups.
President Mahama was accompanied by the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, and the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, among others.
