Muslims acknowledge religious tolerance

Islamic preacher Sheikh Mohammed Komara says the dual nature of observing Liberia’s Independence Day intercessory services both in the Church and the Mosque is a clear testament of promoting religious tolerance by President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf and her government.

“The dual nature of this occasion is a testament to the willingness and the desire of the President and the Government of Liberia to promote religious tolerance and coexistence in [the] Liberian society”, Sheikh Komara says at an Intercessory Service held at the 72nd Central Mosque on Friday, 21 July as part events leading to the 170th Independence celebration on 26 July.

During the Friday Prayer, President Sirleaf expressed happiness for Liberians coming together on the Independence Day of the nation to show that there is unity, peace, solidarity and security throughout the nation.

At the Prayer were Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and other senior officials including Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Henrique Tokpah, Montserrado County Superintendent Florence Brandy, and Deputy Police Inspector for Operations Abraham Kromah, among others.

“As one people we come together during this Independence Day, reaching out one to the other as brothers and sisters …”, Mrs. Sirleaf says.The President thanks the Muslim Leaders and the congregation at the intercessory service, noting that what they say government has been able to do in the past 11 years could not have been achieved without them.

She acknowledges that it has been the leaders who have been able to give the guidance, to set the stage, to set the example in what they preach for their followers to make a contribution to the peace that Liberia has enjoyed.She particularly thanks Liberian Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakar Sumaworo for his participation in the process of peace, recalling that together with Archbishop Lewis Zeigler, they represented the Christians and Muslims and promoted a concept of peace through wise counsel that saw all political leaders put aside their differences and sign a peace compact at the ECOWAS Summit at Farmington.

Sheikh Komara earlier suggested that the problem of participation has been solved by taking the Independence service to the Mosque and the Church, arguing that nowhere in “our history” has there been Independence Intercessory service held in such dual faction.He urges the succeeding administration to emulate the enviable example of Mrs. Sirleaf and the government, noting that one of the most important attributes of leadership is the inclusiveness of all segments of the society.

Sheikh Komara also pleads with Liberians to exercise patience, reminding the citizenry that the country is gearing for transition which could be successful if the people are patient.“… So Madam President, we believe that our desire for sustained peace, the foundation is already laid down and what we can do is to allow that foundation to grow”, Sheikh Komara says.

Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf has dedicated a number of projects here in observance of Liberia’s 170th Independence celebration, key among them being the Chinese – renovated Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.

The President’s Office has also distributed holiday gifts with physically challenged people in Monrovia at the Coconut Plantation. The items included bags of rice and cartoons of fish. By Winston W. Parley