Imam Lee Cautions Against Divisive Politics
The Independent (Banjul)
August 6, 2001
Posted to the web August 6, 2001 Imam Lee Cautions Against Divisive Politics
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The Independent (Banjul)
August 6, 2001
Posted to the web August 6, 2001
PK Jarju
Banjul, the Gambia
The outspoken Imam of the Kanifing East mosque Baba Lee has cautioned
Muslims against the consequences of divisive politics, which he said causes
enmity and hatred among individuals of the same society and retard the
collective will for national development.
Speaking during his hutba last Friday the imam who was recently arrested by
the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for perceived political statements,
instead called for the promotion of peace and solidarity.
Imam Lee stated that it is the responsibility of Muslims irrespective of
their political affiliations to ensure that peace prevails in the country.
Hence according to him the Islamic religion is the religion of peace
propagated by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) to bring together people of
different tribes, races and colours.
He added that he is now afraid of the recent events unfolding in the world
especially in the political arena which cause killings, and the abuse of
human beings "for the sake of politics which is nothing but a worldly
thing".
He added that the worship of Allah is in gratitude for all the good
provisions He was done for us. However he observed that people find it more
compelling to be involved in politically motivated quarrels from which they
derive nothing. He admonished people, especially the poor who derive nothing
from politics, continuing to quarrel and fight among themselves, while those
politicians for whom they fight for are at peace and talking to each other.
He cited the example of the recent death of the mother of Lawyer Ousainou
Darboe when he said President Jammeh sent a high powered delegation to
sympathize with him. He also cited the death last week of Alhaji Kebba
Conteh, father to the KMC Chairman, when he said several high ranking
people, both from the government and opposition went their to pay their
respects. "Why should we the ordinary people allow our political differences
to interfere with our relationships with our relatives and neighbours?" he
asked.
Imam Lee added that it is high time maturity set in among Gambians to place
the country on a progressive path to development and social justice. He
dismissed as untrue accusations that he is supporting a party.
He added that recently on his way for the early morning prayers two men
approached and asked him if he was Imam Lee and he replied in the negative
because he did not know what the men were up to. "What benefit would those
people derive from that?" he asked. He said he only believes and preaches
the Holy Quran, which contains the word of the Almighty Allah. He said he
would continue to do so even if it would cost him his life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PK Jarju
Banjul, the Gambia
The outspoken Imam of the Kanifing East mosque Baba Lee has cautioned
Muslims against the consequences of divisive politics, which he said causes
enmity and hatred among individuals of the same society and retard the
collective will for national development.
Speaking during his hutba last Friday the imam who was recently arrested by
the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for perceived political statements,
instead called for the promotion of peace and solidarity.
Imam Lee stated that it is the responsibility of Muslims irrespective of
their political affiliations to ensure that peace prevails in the country.
Hence according to him the Islamic religion is the religion of peace
propagated by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) to bring together people of
different tribes, races and colours.
He added that he is now afraid of the recent events unfolding in the world
especially in the political arena which cause killings, and the abuse of
human beings "for the sake of politics which is nothing but a worldly
thing".
He added that the worship of Allah is in gratitude for all the good
provisions He was done for us. However he observed that people find it more
compelling to be involved in politically motivated quarrels from which they
derive nothing. He admonished people, especially the poor who derive nothing
from politics, continuing to quarrel and fight among themselves, while those
politicians for whom they fight for are at peace and talking to each other.
He cited the example of the recent death of the mother of Lawyer Ousainou
Darboe when he said President Jammeh sent a high powered delegation to
sympathize with him. He also cited the death last week of Alhaji Kebba
Conteh, father to the KMC Chairman, when he said several high ranking
people, both from the government and opposition went their to pay their
respects. "Why should we the ordinary people allow our political differences
to interfere with our relationships with our relatives and neighbours?" he
asked.
Imam Lee added that it is high time maturity set in among Gambians to place
the country on a progressive path to development and social justice. He
dismissed as untrue accusations that he is supporting a party.
He added that recently on his way for the early morning prayers two men
approached and asked him if he was Imam Lee and he replied in the negative
because he did not know what the men were up to. "What benefit would those
people derive from that?" he asked. He said he only believes and preaches
the Holy Quran, which contains the word of the Almighty Allah. He said he
would continue to do so even if it would cost him his life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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