Monrovia — Thousands of Muslims over the weekend gathered at various mosques and open fields to offer special prayers to climax this year's Holy Month of Ramadan after undergoing 30 days of fasting and praying during the Holy Month in keeping with the Islamic faith.

Sheikh Abubakar M. Sumanworo, Grand Mufti of Liberian Muslims in the country, told reporters after special prayers were offered in commemoration of this year's Eid al-Fitr celebration, that the Muslim community through the various Imams resolved to put forward to national government that the Koran should be taught in all public schools across the country.

The Grand Mulfti of the Muslim Community revealed that they have prepared a 13-count resolution to be forwarded to the Government of Liberia for consideration and among which, is the need to have the Koran taught in public schools.

He indicated that recently a lawmaker from the House of Representatives, whom he did not name, submitted to plenary a bill seeking the House's approval to pass into law an act that would allow the Bible to be taught in all public schools.

He said to do this, would suggest that their children will be forced to study the Holy Bible in schools instead of adequately getting involved with the Koran.

Sheikh Sumaworo told journalists that as part of President Sirleaf's dream to have every child educated, they are appealing to the Government of Liberia to have the Koran taught in public schools as the Holy Bible is currently being taught.

He described this year's celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan as a unique one in the history of the Muslims as they all resolved to break the fast on the same day unlike the past where one group would break their fast on a specific day while others did theirs at their will.

As part of efforts to have the Koran taught in public schools, Sheikh Sumaworo challenged the Muslim Caucus to also advance a bill that would allow the Koran to be taught in public schools.

He called Muslim leaders and followers to help build Muslim schools in their various communities so as to address some of the problems facing the Muslim community especially those of school-going age.

The Grand Mulfti of the Muslim Community also called on the National Government to see the need to make the Eid al-Fitr, a national holiday. He called on the Muslim caucus in the House of Representatives to ensure that this is done.

Meanwhile, Sheik Sumaworo says some seven hundred Christians were converted to Islam during this year's Holy Month of Ramadan.

He lauded President Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for the gesture rendered to the Muslim community during this Ramadan and assured that the Muslim Community would support in the national peace building process for the advancement of the country.

Sheikh Sumaworo also commended the American Embassy, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Liberia National Police (LNP) and all other friendly organizations who contributed successfully to this year's observance of the Holy month.

In a related development, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has called on Muslims to continue to pray for the peace and reconciliation of all Liberians, irrespective of tribe and religion. She also expressed the hope that the spirit of Eid al-Fitr will strengthen the process of national reconciliation and healing in the country.

The President made the call yesterday in an address to Muslims in observance of the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. She also extended her congratulations in the name of the Government of Liberia.