Muslims advocate for constitutional rights

The National Assembly for the Revival of Islamic Heritage in Collaboration with the National Union of Muslim Students has ended a one day workshop for Muslim Stakeholders on theme “Contributions of Muslims in  the Constitutional Review Process” on Sunday 4^th May, 2014 at the British Council Auditorium Tower Hill.

In his opening remarks the Chairman of the occasion Senior Lecture University of Sierra Leone Alhaji Dr. Momodu Turay commended the organizers for taking the lead in stimulating debate to collect views of Muslims in the Constitutional Review Process. He called on participants to protect the interest of the minority whilst trying to advocate for the rights of Muslims so that they can practice their religion without hindrance.

Alhaji Dr. Turay reiterated that Islam preaches peace amongst people despite ones religion, race or color. He narrated the story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) whilst in Madina, where he demonstrated the bonds of Islamic brotherhood as he fraternized each Muhajireen with an Ansar as a supreme symbol of brotherhood, fraternity and solidarity in the Islamic society. He further noted the importance of unity and speaking with one voice as that is the only way we can influence the constitution, as it is the people’s constitution.

In his remarks Barrister and Solicitor Mr. Abdallah Sesay catalogued the differences between the Constitution and Acts passed by Parliament. He urged all to go through the 1991 Constitution and highlight grey areas before attempting to suggest ways to amend it. He encouraged the Imams to join in the campaign to sensitize their community through their sermons.

Barrister Sesay maintained that as Muslims we should be problem solvers as the Holy Quran has addressed all Issues relating to our daily lives, but instead of finding solutions to our problems, we just grumble. He encouraged all to harmonize their thoughts with one voice as we they have what it takes to influence the constitution.

In his contribution Alhaji Yazid Raschid attributed the reason why Islam triumphs in the West than Sierra Leone, which is due to selfish desires, instead of coming together to promote the religion, everyone is looking for personal benefit. He said that though Muslims are in the minority, their rights are respected more in the West, as women are at liberty to wear their veils to work and Muslims have greater chances to secure jobs whereas in Sierra Leone, women are not allowed to work in Banks, Hospitals etc. just because of their veils or their beards.

Giving an overview of the program, the Secretary General of National Assembly for the Revival of Islamic Heritage brother Ibrahim Bangura said that as Muslims are the custodian of peace and development in Sierra Leone, they thought it wise to articulate the views of Muslims with the aim of analyzing, forecasting and  preparing documents of the Muslim’s perspective towards the constitutional review process. He narrated the several strides made by the organization to sensitize Muslims on how they are marginalized and for them to come out collectively to speak with one voice but he revealed that they are trying and called for more support to address the Issues of Muslims in the country.

The program was climaxed with group discussions with several recommendations which includes the call for Government to strengthen Islamic Institutions in the country, setting up of a Commission of Islamic Affairs, setting up a Federal Islamic Court system, permit Islamic code of dress in working institutions and to introduce policies on Islamic education and banking.

By: -Alhaji Mohamed Wusha-Conteh

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