National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Sharubutu, has urged Ghanaians to protect the country’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, describing interfaith harmony as a blessing that should never be taken for granted.
Speaking at a police dialogue in Accra on August 14, the Chief Imam said Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths all share a common human origin and should therefore regard one another as members of one family rather than as enemies.
Drawing on the Holy Quran, Sheikh Osman Sharubutu explained that humanity was created from common parents, Adam and Eve, before God made people into different communities and groups.
He said these differences were not meant to create conflict or division but to help people understand, support and learn from one another.
“Not because our diversity should give rise to conflicts or war,” he said, stressing that religious and cultural differences should instead provide an opportunity for greater understanding.
The Chief Imam praised Ghana for maintaining peaceful relationships among people of different faiths, describing the country’s interfaith harmony as a “great favor and grace” from God.
He urged Ghanaians to protect the peace that has existed between Muslims and Christians over the years and cautioned against actions or comments that could undermine it.
Sheikh Osman Sharubutu also called on religious leaders to continue promoting dialogue and cooperation, noting that Ghana’s experience of peaceful religious coexistence could serve as an example to other countries.
He encouraged Ghanaians to remain thankful for the peace enjoyed in the country, referring to the Quranic teaching that gratitude for God’s blessings leads to an increase in those blessings.
The Chief Imam also used the occasion to encourage reconciliation among religious leaders. He appealed to the apostle whose recent comments had become a subject of discussion, along with other leaders present, to exchange handshakes before leaving the event.
The gesture was met with applause from participants.
The Chief Imam’s message forms part of broader efforts by religious and national stakeholders to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Ghana.
For Ghana, where Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths have long lived alongside one another, the Chief Imam stressed that preserving this tradition of interfaith harmony remains a shared responsibility.
By : Rachael Djabakie