A participant of the ‘Azan’ competition receiving a certificate
Muslim parents across the country have been urged to instil discipline in their children to enable them uphold Islamic virtues and become productive citizens.
Dr. Mohammed Abubakar Marzuk Azindoo, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Osman Sharubutu, made the call when he joined scores of parents and children to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr funfair at the National Mosque in Accra.
He said Islam is not just a mere religion but a way of life that reflects the life of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, who enjoins them to be productive and responsible in all spheres of their lives.
According to him, the celebrations provided an opportunity for Muslims from various part of the country to meet and celebrate after fasting and praying for 30 days.
Touching on some aspects of the celebration which included an ‘Azan’ competition, he said the ‘Azan’ referred to the call to prayer, a critical aspect of Islam that will enable the children to learn, understand, comply and propagate Islamic virtues required of them by the Qu’ran.
He also asked Muslims to exercise their civic responsibilities in the upcoming general elections but, however, cautioned them not to allow themselves to be used to perpetuate violence before and during the elections to achieve the interest of political parties and their cohorts.
Deputy Administrator of the National Mosque in charge of Programmes, Alhaji Irbil Kango, for his part, said the funfair has not only brought them together to appreciate the significance of living in unity among themselves but also offered an opportunity for the youth to learn the teachings of Islam after the fast.
He said the annual funfair, instituted three years ago by the National Mosque with its partners such as Qatar Charity, Jil Al Quran, Hudai, Tinasco, and Maarif Foundation continues to attract scores of people from all parts of the country, including the international community.
Over four thousand participants including Palestinians, Egyptians, Lebanese, Turks among others also engaged in various kinds of games to mark the day, while certificates and some undisclosed amount of money were also presented to winners of the annual ‘Azan’ contest.
Municipal Chief Imam, Alhaji Nuhu Jajah earlier offered prayers for all Ghanaians, calling on especially Muslims to imbibe the teachings of Islam in all facets of their lives.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah