Muslims express shock at corruption within judiciary
Muslim leaders in the country have expressed shock at the revelations of corruption within the judiciary. They said even though it was a commonly held view that corruption in the country was pervasive, the revelations involving some judges was a “big shock”.
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In an address read at the celebration of the 2015 Eid-Ul-Adha at the Independence Square yesterday, the spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohammed Gado, said the alleged misconduct of the judges implicated in the scandal undermined national integrity and that, if left to continue, would erode the gains made by the nation.
He said there was the need to institute measures to deal with corruption not only in the judiciary but within the civil and public services.
Chief Justice, Judicial Council commended
The National Council of Muslims, he said,had taken note of the decisions taken by the Chief Justice on the issue and wished to commend her and the Judicial Council for “taking the bull by the horn”.
He expressed the hope that the measures taken so far would restore confidence in the judiciary and deter others who might be tempted to engage in corrupt acts.
The sermon of the National Chief Imam, Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, which was read on his behalf, reminded Muslims to reflect on the significance of the sacrifices of Prophet Abraham who showed his readiness to do the will of Allah by accepting to sacrifice his beloved son, Ishmail, to Allah.
“Let us all learn from the need to sacrifice whatever good thing we may have for one another so that the world will be filled with love, mutual respect, compassion and peace,” he said.
He entreated worshippers to remember the Quran teaching that neither the meat nor the blood of the sacrificed animal was what Allah was looking for but “our piety and the sincerity with which we do his will”.
He said the Holy Prophet emphasised the need to sacrifice ram according to the Islamic tradition, which he did with two rams, one for himself and the other for his followers who could not do so.
“Therefore, whoever has the means but refuses to sacrifice has sinned against his or her creator. Healthy rams which are over a year old are preferred. We can also sacrifice a goat, cow, camel or even a cock. All Muslims should try to perform the act of slaughtering,” he urged.
Prayer for peace
The National Chief Imam prayed to Allah for peace for Ghana saying Allah is the essence of peace.
He prayed for Allah to protect and guard the country from violence and social disturbances, saying: “prevent our nation from all misfortunes and calamities. Make our nation safe and conducive for normal life, prosperity, progress and development”.
In his personal message, he called on Ghanaians to be patriotic; politicians to be very careful and do the the right things and the clergy to place Allah before anything else and preach nothing but the truth.
He also entreated the security agencies and the general masses to do what was expected of them, adding that “if we can all be law-abiding in our homes and communities, then the nation as a whole will be free of corruption, which has entered every corner of our society”.
Writer’s email: victor.kwawukume@graphic.com.gh