By Omar Bah
Dembo Bojang, special adviser on religious affairs at the President’s office has advised Islamic religious leaders to refrain from bickering over who is a Muslim.
Speaking at the recent Islamic religious leaders meeting with the President on Koriteh, Mr Bojang said no Muslim can declare his fellow Muslim a non-believer especially one who prays like every other Muslim.
“The Government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence,” Bojang said.
He urged all religious groups, belonging to the majority or the minority to avoid inciting hatred against others, overtly or covertly.
“We need to have respect for one another because no one can tell which Muslim is better than the other and if we want to cement the religions tolerance the country is known for, we should do away with such unceremonious and judgmental rhetorics about our fellow religion practitioners,” Bojang said.
He added: “The entire message of Islam is that this life is a test and we have the option of choosing the path to hell or to heaven. Even the messengers were sent to inform about the choices and to warn about the consequences of not choosing the right path”.
The veteran politician reassured religious leaders that the coalition government has no intention to interfere in religious affairs. “We are aware of the intimidation you went through over the past years but we want to assure you that the president is willing to give you all the support you need,” Bojang told the religious leaders.
