Spokesperson to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, has said religious tolerance has been deepened with Sunday’s gesture by the head of the Islamic community in Ghana.
Sheikh Shaibu explained Tuesday that Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu sent a strong message to the world about Islam’s foundation of peace when he joined the Christ the King Parish in Accra for the Easter Sunday service.
Related: National Chief Imam 'worships' with Christians on Easter Sunday
“Indeed [he attended the church] to send a certain signal in a radical way that the narrative of Islam must change from a religion that is seen to be a religion of hate and war mongering to a religion which is rooted in the principles of love and compassion for humanity,” Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu said on PM Express.
Photo: Spokesperson to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu
Ahead of the celebration of his 100th birthday celebration on Tuesday, April 23, the National Chief Imam, also a member of the National Peace Council, made a symbolic visit to the Catholic Church in Accra with an entourage.
The gesture has received commendation from many Ghanaians who see the move as a testament of religious tolerance in the country.
However, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu said in his view, the leader of the Islamic community wants to cure the “Gulf of ignorance even among some Moslems” about what Islam is and how they should respond to matters of religious diversity.
“And [ the Chief Imam] did so excellently,” the Islamic scholar said.
Also on the nightly show was Rev Steve Wengam, Lead Pastor at Cedar Mountain Chapel, who urged politicians in Ghana to emulate the Chief Imam’s message of unity and tolerance.
”Our [Christains and Moslems] doctrinal differences are stronger and powerful than what divides the NDC and NPP.
“if the Chief Imam could defy all the radical beliefs in his faith and visit the church, why can’t our sitting President...extend the same hand to the Opposition and together we can build a united and a prosperous country,” Rev Wengam urged.
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