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| Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh |
The delegation, led by the President of the GSIC Alhaji Muhammed Lamin Touray, was received by the Vice President and Minister of Women's Affairs at her office.
His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh Babili Mansa declared The Gambia an Islamic Republic in December, 2015 at a meeting in the country's coastal town of Brufut towards the end of his 2015 Dialogue with the people tour.
The religious leaders described President Jammeh's decision as appropriate and a step in the right direction, saying it will strengthen the fundamentals of the Islamic religion, which, they said, teaches peace and harmony.
"We came here today to show our appreciation to President Jammeh for his decision to make The Gambia an Islamic Republic. "The GSIC, Banjul Muslim elders and The Gambia Muslim community views the move as Allah's additional bounty to the country and the people," Alhaji Muhammad Lamin Touray the President of the GSIC and Imam of State House Mosque said.
Imam Touray affirmed that The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and other Muslim elders will continue to pray for Allah's increased defence and blessings on the country. He further told the gathering that President Jammeh's proclamation of The Gambia as an Islamic Republic alone is bigger and heavier than the mountain, saying only a strong, brave, faithful and true Muslim can make such decision.
"President Jammeh has made numerous strides in support of Islam. It was Allah who gave him to us and we are thankful to Allah for that. GSIC and all the Muslim elders have welcomed the decision," he stated.
According to him, the dividing line between an Islamic Republic and a non-Islamic Republic is thin. He said if there will be difference, it will be that an Islamic Republic's law will strengthen the other existing laws of the country.
The Vice President and Women's Affairs Minister Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy said President Jammeh has strong faith in Allah, saying his support to the Islamic religion has gained global recognition. "He has taken several numbers of Muslims to conduct pilgrimage in Mecca and Christians to Rome," she reminded.
VP Njie Saidy appealed to the country's religious leaders to remain steadfast and support the President's proclamation and make more researches on the detailed requirement to become an Islamic Republic. "Islam always stands for and teaches peace and what is right. I am confident that every genuine Gambian Muslim will support the decision," she added.
Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, the Imam Ratib of Banjul said Allah brought man on earth to be His slave, therefore, worshiping Him through the Islamic faith and promoting the religion is the responsibility of man himself. While commending President Jammeh for the decision, Imam Ratib Kah called on Gambians, irrespective of their religious affiliation to continue to be united.
Momodou Aki Bayo, Lands and Regional Governments Minister and Fatou Lamin Faye, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education said President Jammeh is always a consistent Muslim and a strong supporter and promoter of the Islamic faith. Minister Bayo said President Jammeh is always prepared to defend the truth at all times and that is why Allah will continue to guide and protect him in his leadership.
Alhaji Alieu Mboge, Secretary General of the Banjul Muslim Elders and Alhaji Ousman Jah, both declared their strong support for the President's decision.
By Amadou Jallow AllAfrica.com
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