Ghanaian Muslim Clerics are alarmed by the rising political tension ahead of the November 7 general elections.
They anticipate chaos if appropriate measures are not put in place to safeguard the nation’s tranquility.
All Imams across the country have therefore been instructed to intensify peace advocacy in their sermons.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day 22nd Ramadan conference held at the Tamale central Mosque.
The conference was dubbed, “Peaceful election prerequisite for national development.”
The statement signed by Alhaji Mohammed Gazali and Alhaji Dawuda Baba Nuhu, members of the Ramadan Conference Communication team requested that Sunday June, 2016 should mark the first day for the sighting of the moon.
“If seen, Monday the 6th of June shall be the first day of Ramadan 2016. If not seen, Monday becomes the 30th day of Shaban. Tuesday 7th of June automatically becomes the beginning of the fasting 2016,” the statement underscored.
Islam and Terrorism
The statement decried attempts to tag Islam as a religion of violence. “Islam is a religion of peace that preaches peace and peaceful co-existence.”
“Therefore, Muslims should not be misconstrued as terrorists in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Cleanliness/Godliness
The statement reminded Muslims of their responsibility to always keep their environment clean.
“Muslim communities should attach a considerable amount of seriousness to the national monthly cleanup exercise to ensure proper disposal of solid and liquid waste in order to enhance hygienic condition for good health.”
Girl child education
The statement urged Muslim parents to invest in their children especially girl child education.
“This will empower women by throwing the necessary support behind them to enable them give proper upbringing of children in the light of secular and religious education.”
Desertification/Climate change
The statement condemned the indiscriminate cutting of trees. “Muslim communities especially the rural poor should desist from indiscriminate cutting of trees that lead to climate change.”
“We should therefore embark on mass tree planting to replace the lost ones to enhance sustainable land use including food security.”
–
By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/Citifmonline.com/Ghana