Chief Imam Ali Krayee is no stranger to controversy. But his remarks during an interview on OK FM on Monday, November 17 -- warning against tribal monopolization of Islamic leadership, defending his role in the Red-Light eviction crisis, and reaffirming the push for Muslim national holidays -- have reignited debate over his leadership, impartiality, and moral authority within the Liberian Muslim community.
In a country where Islam sits at the crossroads of identity, history, and politics, the Chief Imam's declaration was bold. "The days when Islam was held hostage for tribal or personal reasons are gone."
But even as he spoke of unity, the criticisms mounted.
A Religion Held Hostage -- By Who?
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
The Imam cautioned those he described as "backward elements" -- referencing especially the Mandingo community -- accusing them of believing they exclusively own Islam.
"Islam is not a tribal religion. The progressive Mandingoes must rein in those who discriminate," he said. "The days when Islam was held hostage for tribal or personal reasons are gone."
This statement struck at decades-old tensions. Liberian Islam has long had Mandingo dominance at its top clerical ranks. Krayee, being Krahn, was always considered an outsider to some.
His rise was resisted. His leadership is still contested. And the Red-Light crisis seems to have become a flashpoint. He stressed that no individual or group would again be allowed to use Islam as a pretext to foment confusion or damage the religion's reputation.
"We will continue to work for Islam and for peace in this country," he said. "No more will anybody be allowed to hijack the good image of Islam under any pretext."
In a particularly pointed message, Imam Krayee took aim at what he described as "backward elements" within the Mandingo community who act as though they are the sole custodians of Islam.
He emphasized that the Muslim community must rise above tribal divides and uphold the universal principles of the faith.
For the Red-Light Eviction, it was many things in one -- Law, Mosque, and Blood. During the interview, Imam Krayee defended his silence on police violence and eviction tactics, saying the chaos was caused not by brutality -- but by defiance of the Supreme Court.
"When chaos erupts, anything can happen. Those who create chaos must take responsibility."
He insisted that he helped prevent tragedy. He ensured the mosque was not demolished, and he engaged the courts out of respect for the law. "We made sure the mosque would not be touched," he said.
This position came with a price. Many felt he sided with the courts against his own people.
"This Is Not Leadership," Critics Respond
The backlash was immediate and sharp.On social media, some Muslims -- particularly Mandingoes -- called him a betrayer and a government apologist.
Sheikh Abdulai Sanoe, a critic, wrote, "We needed a voice to stand with us in our pain. Instead, we got a lecture on law. This is not leadership -- it's abandonment."
Musa Sheriff, another critic noted, "How can an Imam see women and children being brutalized and blame the victims? That is not Islam. That is political loyalty wearing a turban."
"Krayee is more loyal to the system than to Muslims. He speaks of unity but divides us by tribe and authority. A real Imam stands with oppressed people," Sheriff added.
Others were blunter. "He's enjoying power. That's why he can't speak truth to power."
Supporters Fire Back: "He Stood for the Law"
Not everyone turned against him. Community member Moivee Sonie defended the Imam as a principled leader caught in a storm of emotion and misinformation.
"The Chief Imam did no wrong. He intervened. He urged respect for the law, as Islam teaches. He prevented greater violence."
Sonie argued that Krayee consulted former Justice Kabineh Ja' neh, held meetings with elders from both sides, ensured the mosque would not be demolished, and never abandoned the community
"People wanted the Chief Imam to incite resistance against the Supreme Court. That is dangerous."
But Sonie also admitted, "We condemn the riots. That behavior should not be allowed.
The Imam's insistence that the court must be obeyed raises a theological and political dilemma. Islam teaches obedience to laws--but it also commands believers to stand with the oppressed.
And many still ask: Why didn't Imam Krayee strongly condemn police violence? Why wasn't he physically present at the hour of crisis? Why did he seem to defend the process, not the people?
But even his critics concede one thing. He was involved behind the scenes, but to many, that wasn't enough.
The Muslim Holidays Debate: Silence or Strategy?
Imam Krayee pushed back strongly against the claim that he abandoned the fight for Muslim holidays. "This narrative that we stopped advocating is simply false."
He described major engagements with the government, including after Boakai's July 30 declaration. He revealed that Eid negotiations are ongoing, and dropped a bombshell: "If the Muslim people are ready, next year we will have an Eid holiday."
He also warned, "If they are not ready, we will announce that too." The question is who gets to decide what "ready" means?
Imam Krayee is often considered as a "A Man Between Worlds," as he is sometimes accused as both a critic of power, and a partner of power.
The landed Cleric has worked with governments, defied politicians, denounced tribal dominance, engaged in interfaith peacebuilding, and spoken against marginalization. But now--his leadership is under trial.
And the issue, as it appears, is not just land or eviction. It is identity.
"We Must Speak the Truth"
The Imam ended his interview with a plea, "When truth is sacrificed, human progress is sacrificed."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
He warned against religious protests, saying Liberia's interwoven families make sectarian conflict catastrophic.
"We cannot create mass protests based on religion. Families would be destroyed. We must avoid that."
As it stands, Imam Krayee is not simply a religious leader--he's a political and historical figure navigating tribal tensions, religious expectations, legal realities. He is representing a demanding community, as well as helping to protest the peace of a fragile state trying to rebuild.
His critics, however, seem to want a warrior. But his supporters defend a peacekeeper. Krayee, however, sees himself as a guardian of Islamic integrity and national stability.
But the crisis showed a painful truth -- he may no longer have the full trust of the people he leads.
Has the Red Light eviction exposed a fracture in Muslim leadership, a tribal wound inside the faith, or a struggle over who sits at the pinnacle of Islamic leadership in the country?
Whether Imam Krayee has lost ground -- or is being unfairly targeted -- depends on the answer to one question -- Can the Chief Imam still unite Liberian Muslims -- not just legally, but emotionally and spiritually?
Because if he cannot, then indeed -- "The days of holding Islam hostage" may be over. But the fight over who will lead Islam forward [in Liberia] is only beginning.
