National Chief Imam condemns Eid-day confusion among Ahlussunnah over Parliament Forecourt Prayers
His Eminence the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has expressed deep discomfort at the confusion that erupted among members of the Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWAJ) on the day of Eid-Al-Adha 2026, describing the incident as a painful irony that undermines the fundamental purpose of the sacred day.
The intra-sectarian dispute, according to a statement issued by the Chief Imam's office on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, is broadly related to leadership legitimacy, constitutional validity and financial accountability. However, the Eid-day commotion was specifically about which of the two Deputy National Imams of Ahlussunnah was authorised to lead the festive prayer at the forecourt of Parliament in Accra.
His Eminence called on the factions involved to allow peace and reconciliation to prevail, emphasising that in a country renowned for interfaith harmony, intra-faith cordiality should be a celebrated norm.
Call for respect and decency
The Chief Imam advised the Ahlussunnah fraternity, particularly the youth, to respect leadership. He stressed that while Islam endorses criticism, Muslims are obliged to criticise within the confines of decency, rationality, humility and legality.
"Indeed, language vulgarism in the name of leadership criticism is incompatible with Islamic moralism," he emphasised.
In a balanced tone, His Eminence also appealed to the leadership to prioritise patience, tolerance and forgiveness in handling the fellowship.
'Impossibility of solutions'
In the words of the Chief Imam, the failure of Ahlussunnah is not determined by the possibility of conflicts among them, but by the impossibility of solutions to the conflicts.
His Eminence declared his readiness to leverage an amalgamation of religious and secular mechanisms in search of a solution to the dispute. He reminded the Ahlussunnah fraternity that an amicable solution is a collective responsibility and a civic duty.
Quranic admonition
In conclusion, His Eminence admonished the Ahlussunnah membership to be guided by the words of Allah from the Holy Quran: "The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy." (Quran 49:10)
The statement was signed by Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam.
