16 October 2007
analysis
Divisiveness in Liberian society has been increasing from time immemorial, especially with the onset and consummation of the just concluded civil war.
The divisiveness finds expression in families, tribal groups, communities, social classes, factional, religious, fraternal or sorority affiliations.
One chord that has been noted to be of bitter disparity in Liberian society is the religious flank, where Islamic critics maintain that the government of Liberia has been buttering the bread for Christians in all spheres of opportunities available in the society.
True or otherwise, it is yet to be seen what the government's reaction will be to a claim made by none other than a moderate and Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Sheik Kafumba Konneh.
The Analyst reporter, J. Edwood Dennis was at the historic Providence Island to hear the sheik address an after Ramadan gathering of over two thousand followers of Islam, and herewith reports.
A statement from a renowned Muslims Cleric says government is responsible for what he claims is the dominant chunk of opportunities and privileges given to Christians of the country.
Speaking Saturday to enthusiastic Muslims, who had completed Ramadan at the historic Providence Island in Monrovia, Sheik Kafumba Conneh said that there are no justifiable reasons to convince people of the Islamic faith about the many opportunities Christians continue to enjoy in the country.
Using the historically significant cradle of the establishment of the Liberian nation-state, which was discovered by Christian settlers from America, Shiek Conneh indicated that he has personally debated with Christians and people of other religious persuasions that there is nowhere in the Liberian Constitution providing more rights for Christians against other faiths in Liberia.
According to the Sheik, who also serves as a Commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the 1847 Constitution that people especially Christians always refer as saying that "Liberia was founded on Christian principles" does not have any such mention. He said he has never spotted any such reference within that Constitution.
Because of these differences one wonders how people, especially successive regimes in Liberia have created more opportunities that make Christians to feel more privilege than Muslims in Liberia.
The Commissioner, who expressed his frustration over the situation regarding his faith, spoke in a serious and activist tone in his white Mohammedan white costume, the Shack also stressed that despite the many opportunities and privileges been provided to Christians in the Liberian society, the faith of Islam was making impact gradually in population than Christians in Liberia.
Besides, he pointed out though he agreed with people who says that Christians are the majority in the government so they are influential in political and other decisions, Muslims will continue to constructive engage people to populate the faith of Islam.
Shiek Kafumba further encouraged all those of Islamic faith to persuade the rights of Muslims in line with the Liberian constitution since it was the only way that any good human being can achieve their goal in a society.
But contrary to Shiek Conneh claim that Liberia's constitution is yet to prove the exclusive rights of Christians in Liberia, Peter Davis of Monrovia said it's unfortunate that the Islamic cleric was by the constitution committee to frame the constitution and at the same time declared Liberia as an independent state in Africa and the world in 1847.
Mr. Davis said those who were involved with the preparation of the Liberian constitution were all Christians and the declaration of independence was done in a church was a clear and sufficient prove for Shiek Kafumba Conneh and all Muslims to be educated to the historic act that Liberia was founded on Christian principles.
Davis said the framing of the 1847constitution and the declaration of independence of Liberia by then constitution committee did not mention the name of Muslim as such he see no reason why the Islamic Cleric shifting blames on the government.
Besides, Davis noted that the Islam isn't growing as claimed by Shiek Kafumba Conneh, on ground when aliens pulled out of the number of Muslims in Liberia there will be strength of Liberia Muslims will be far below 15% through out the country.
But whether his statement is justifiable, there are others who also claim that as a Liberian, the Islamic Cleric is entitled to his opinion as guaranteed in the Liberian Constitution which calls for freedom of speech.
At the same time, his statement, according to observers, run contrary to that of his Islamic Cleric, the Grand Mufti of the Liberian Muslim Community, Sheik Abubarkar Sumaworo who recognized the value of the Christian faith.
During the activities marking the official close of the month-long Muslims feast, Ramadan. He denounced reports in many quarters linking the Islamic Faith to anti Christ.
In his remarks to thousands of the Muslims who jam-packed the Gurley Street Mosque, he clarified that the people of the Islamic faith are not anti Christ and will not be.
Speaking at Gurley Street Mosque to mark the end of Ramadan, the Sheik said Muslims the world over have recognized that Jesus Christ came to the world to redeem mankind and will therefore not engage into acts that would lead to the distortion of the fact.
He said Muslims were equally awaiting the return of Jesus Christ to continue his work on earth as was long declared by the Prophet Mohammed.
Commenting further, the Islamic Cleric noted that no Muslim can be a qualified Muslim when he fails to recognize the truth of Jesus Christ which will be exhibited on judgment Day when Jesus Christ shall return to the world.
Apart from saying something which many may see as unprecedented, the Muslims Cleric has called on Muslims in political positions, especially those in the National Legislature to advocate and introduce bills that would create what he called "greater opportunities for the teaching of the Quran in public schools throughout the country."
He made reference to the move of one of the few lawmakers in the National Legislature, Rep. Eugene Fallah Kpagai who according to him is sponsoring a bill to make the teaching of the Quran in Liberian schools.
According to the Sheik, the teaching of the Quran in public schools will create the chance of equal opportunity of religious education in the country.
Besides, the Cleric said the Muslims welcome President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf call for Compulsory Education but cautioned that Islamic Parents will stop their children from attending schools, especially schools where the bible is taught so that those children according to him would be corrupted with different doctrines.
He indicated that Imams in Liberia have recognized the role and system the president was using to administer the state of affairs, especially when it comes to the Christian and Muslims faiths.
The Cleric t called on the Liberian government to create an opportunity for the month of Ramadan to celebrate as National Holiday in Liberia. He concluded that there was a need for religions equity in the country, therefore the Liberians needed to provide that opportunity for both Musilms and Christians to practice their beliefs.
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