Osman Nuhu Sharubutu – National Chief Imam
Yesterday, Muslims in Ghana joined their counterparts around the world to observe Eid-ul-Adha, the festivity of sacrifice.
The main feature of the festivity is the slaughtering of livestock in commemoration of the divine test imposed upon Prophet Abraham by God. Just as the blessed man of God was on the verge of abiding by the divine dictate – sacrificing Ishmael his son – a ram was presented by an angel in replacement.
The story of Abraham in both Biblical and Quranic terms are points of convergence which, as the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu said, should enhance interfaith harmony between Christians and Muslims, both Abrahamic faiths.
This is a period of reflection, as the Islamic spiritual leader in the country enjoined all members of the faith to do.
This is a period for us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of Godliness which is anchored upon righteous lives.
The motley ills of society shall all be addressed when humanity adhere to the tenets of our faiths, the bottom-line of which is righteous lives.
Egotism, avarice, selfishness, greed and irresponsible lifestyles with no fear of God as though the world is not ephemeral are causative factors for the ills of society, as we encounter them in various ramifications today; from the corridors of power to the vulnerable in the neighbourhoods.
The sharing of meat to our neighbours regardless of their faiths and the poor enhances good neighbourliness.
The Chief Imam’s statement to commemorate the occasion should not be taken for granted but rather considered as critical in today’s circumstances, especially in Ghana.
We live in a country where because we are blessed with peace, many take this attribute for granted and engage in loose and irresponsible talks, which do not inure to interfaith peace-enhancement.
Peace can easily be disrupted and the outcome of which is too serious to be imagined.
Our words, especially as uttered by politicians and amplified by their followers, must be managed so they do not rock the boat of state.
Irresponsible use of social media by both Muslim and Christian youth require intervention by leaders of the faith through convincing and effective sermonisation.
As members of the Abrahamic faiths, it is incumbent upon us to avoid words, attitude and conducts which do not promote interfaith harmony.
Our attitudes beget the kind of society we find ourselves in. It was important therefore when the Chief Imam, in his speech, demanded of us all to be mindful about our attitude so that society would be better than when we conduct ourselves irresponsibly.
Let us reflect upon our conducts in the past year and determine whether we have met the test of morality. This way, we can proceed from the standpoint of negativity to positivity from which society will benefit immensely.
Muslims are still in a celebratory mood and, as they do, it is our wish that they would remember those who have not had the blessings of slaughtering livestock and share with such persons what they have, for therein lies the spirit of the Eid of festivity.