By Samuka V. KonnehThe National Muslim Council of Liberia (NMCL) on Friday held its intercessory prayer service for the nation as Liberia marks the 163rd Independence Anniversary. The prayer which was held at the Ganta Central Mosque was attended by Muslims and graced by Her Excellency Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, president of the Republic.
Serving as guest preacher at the intercessory program was Mr. Mohammed Bamba. In his speech, Mr. Bamba asked for forgiveness, protection and guidance from Allah, the Almighty. He stressed the need for education to be a religious obligation as a way forward in changing the society.
What was very stunning to the ears of the listeners, including the President, was when the preacher said “If you divide your people, you will end like Pharaoh.” He said the criterion set for leadership was justice and equality for all. He narrated histories of leaders who were not just to their people like King Pharaoh of Egypt and how his life ended. This part of the sermon saw the president changing posture in her seat as she stared at the preacher.
For his part, the Grand Mufti of Liberia, Sheikh Abubakar M.D. Sumaowolo praised the president for her numerous development programs evident by running water, peace, trust or confidence of the international community, electricity in Monrovia and other parts of Liberia, such as Sanniquellie, and Gbarnga amongst others. Sheikh Sumawolo noted, “The prayer we are doing here today is not equal to what we do every day. We pray for you and the nation every time we pray.” The Mufti used the same occasion to announce that the month before Ramandan (fasting month) has started since Monday of last week. He urged Muslims to continue counting so as to make sure of the date of the holy month of Ramandan.
In response, the president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and honor given her. She praised citizens of Nimba County and described them as profound. “When the belly is filled, there is little that the month can say,” the president said during her speech. As for the sermon delivered by Mr. Bamba, the president described it as scholarly. In attendance were Nimba Junior Senator Adolphus Dolo, former Superintendent and now Internal Affairs Minister Harrison Kanweah, Acting Foreign Minister Bull and so forth.
Also speaking was the Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Liberia who thanked the president and government of Liberia and praised God that Islam in Liberia is serving as unifier. He disclosed that instead of the familiar Kamara, Sheriff, Konneh or Kromah as Imams, the Siaways, Tuah, Duo who are not Mandingo, were now Imams leading the Muslims in Nimba. The Chairman of the National Council has, just the day before, received a telephone call that the Supreme Court has ruled in his favor in a complaint filed by some individuals after the Council’s election.
Another development attracting the attention of our reporter was the president’s rejection of the Hijab (or veil) that was presented to her at the entrance of the Mosque. The president, according to the report, waved away a veil that was given her by a woman upon her arrival.
