The National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has condemned calls by a Muslim preacher urging Muslims to resort to violence against individuals accused of insulting or denigrating Prophet Muhammad.
The National Chief Imam said such statements are contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam and have no place in Ghana’s peaceful, democratic and religiously diverse society.
In a statement issued in Accra on Saturday and signed by the Executive Secretary of the Office of the National Chief Imam, Osumanu Seidu, Sheikh Sharubutu stressed that there should be no justification for encouraging violence, regardless of the circumstances or alleged provocation.
“The National Chief Imam strongly condemns any call or encouragement to violence, irrespective of the provocation or circumstances.”
National Chief Imam Calls for Peaceful Resolution of Religious Disputes
The statement emphasised that disagreements over religion, offensive comments or alleged insults against religious figures should never be settled through violence, vigilantism or mob action.
Instead, such matters should be addressed through Ghana’s constitutional and legal processes, which provide peaceful avenues for resolving disputes.
Sheikh Sharubutu also acknowledged the subsequent public apology issued by the preacher and welcomed his expression of regret, particularly his recognition of Ghana’s secular constitutional system and the importance of maintaining national peace and security.
Religious Leaders Urged to Preach Peace
The National Chief Imam has called on Islamic preachers, religious scholars and teachers to exercise greater responsibility, caution and restraint when delivering sermons and religious messages.
According to the statement, religious teachings should be based on sound knowledge and communicated in ways that promote peace, religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Religious leaders were also urged to avoid emotional, provocative or inflammatory language that could be misunderstood, misinterpreted or deliberately used to promote hatred, violence or public disorder.
The National Chief Imam further cautioned religious leaders to consider the potential national security implications of their public statements, particularly in an increasingly interconnected media environment.
Muslims and Other Faith Communities Urged to Remain Calm
Sheikh Sharubutu appealed to Muslims and members of other religious communities in Ghana to remain calm and avoid engaging with provocative content in ways that could escalate tensions.
He urged the public to exercise restraint and refrain from sharing materials that could fuel religious intolerance or create unnecessary conflict.
The National Chief Imam reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, national unity and mutual respect among Ghana’s diverse faith communities.
He called on all Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law, reject violence and work collectively to protect Ghana’s peace, stability and national security.
The call comes as the National Chief Imam continues to emphasise the importance of responsible religious leadership and peaceful coexistence in Ghana’s democratic society.
Source: newsthemegh.com