Chief Imam calls for peace over ASWAJ Eid dispute
The National Chief Imam, Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called on factions within the Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWAJ) to embrace peace and reconciliation following confusion that erupted during this year’s Eid Al Adha celebrations in Accra. He described the incident as a painful development that undermined the spirit of Eid Al Adha, which is … The post Chief Imam calls for peace over ASWAJ Eid dispute appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
Black News 
The National Chief Imam, Shaikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called on factions within the Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWAJ) to embrace peace and reconciliation following confusion that erupted during this year’s Eid Al Adha celebrations in Accra.
He described the incident as a painful development that undermined the spirit of Eid Al Adha, which is meant to foster celebration, reflection and unity among Muslims.
A statement, issued by the Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo, and shared with The Ghanaian Times yesterday, said the disagreement centred on which of the two Deputy National Imams of ASWAJ was authorised to lead the Eid prayer at the forecourt of Parliament.
The statement explained that the dispute was broadly linked to issues of leadership legitimacy, constitutional validity and financial accountability within the sect.
According to the Chief Imam, the commotion defeated the fundamental purposes of the sacred day and highlighted the need for all parties to work towards restoring harmony within the Muslim community.
He noted that Ghana had earned global recognition for its interfaith harmony and stressed that cordial relations within religious groups should equally be upheld and celebrated.
The Chief Imam, therefore, advised members of the Ahlussunnah fraternity, particularly the youth, to respect leadership and uphold values that promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging that Islam permits criticism, he emphasised that such criticism must be exercised within the confines of decency, rationality, humility and legality.
“Indeed, language vulgarism in the name of leadership criticism is incompatible with Islamic moralism,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The Chief Imam also appealed to the leadership of the sect to prioritise patience, tolerance and forgiveness in handling their followers and addressing internal disagreements.
He stated that the failure of Ahlussunnah was not determined by the possibility of conflicts among its members, but by the inability to find solutions to such conflicts.
Moreover, the statement indicated that the Chief Imam was ready to leverage both religious and secular mechanisms to facilitate a resolution of the dispute, but reminded members that achieving peace was a collective responsibility and civic duty.
He urged the membership to be guided by the words of Allah in Quran 49:10, which states: “The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”
The Chief Imam prayed for unity and blessings for the Muslim Ummah and called on all parties to work together to preserve harmony within the Ahlussunnah community.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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The post Chief Imam calls for peace over ASWAJ Eid dispute appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
