Gambia: Tuesday, 07 July | Alkali Cham
The Caliph General of Brufut Majlis sect who also doubles as the self proclaimed President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council has appealed to the Government of The Gambia under President Adama Barrow to drop all charges against 18 imams in the country.
It could be recalled that recently the Minister of Interior, Yankuba Sonko informed deputies at the National Assembly of The Gambia that 18 imams up and down the country were charged for not adhering to Covid-19 health protocols and they appeared before the courts.
Sheriff Muhammed Sanusi Nano Hydara made this appeal over the weekend during an exclusive interview with this reporter at his Brufut residence in Kombo North District of West Coast Region.
Considering the position and the critical role Imams play in our societies, the Brufut Caliph General explains that they should not see themselves in such a situation as it can tarnish their image.
According to Sheriff Nano Hydara, some Imams lack awareness of the dangers of getting Covid-19 virus. This was why they did not adhere to its health implications. Since the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, not a single person has contracted the Covid-19 virus as a result of congregational prayers in our mosques, marriage and naming ceremonies.
“True Islamic scholars are always peace makers not peace brokers, so I am urging the concerned authorities to withdraw the charges against all the 18 Imams for the sake of the Islamic Religion and forge ahead as One People and One Nation,” Brufut Sheriff Hydara said.
I will welcome it with joy if the authorities drop the charges against the said Imams and allow them (Imams) to perform their religious functions as Islamic scholars without fear or intimidation.