National Chief Imam condemns incitement to violence …calls for responsible religious preaching
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has condemned calls by a Muslim preacher for Muslims to unleash violence against persons who denigrate the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad. He said such utterances were inconsistent with the teachings of Islam and had no place in Ghana’s peaceful, democratic and religiously diverse society. “The … The post National Chief Imam condemns…
Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, has strongly condemned a Muslim preacher's calls for Muslims to resort to violence against those who insult the Prophet Muhammad. He emphasized that such incitements are contrary to the teachings of Islam and are incompatible with Ghana's peaceful, democratic, and religiously diverse society.
A statement released in Accra on Saturday and signed by the Executive Secretary of the Office of the National Chief Imam affirmed that the National Chief Imam staunchly opposes any call or encouragement to violence, regardless of provocation or circumstance.
The statement underscored that religious disagreements, offensive expressions, or alleged insults should not be dealt with through violence or vigilantism but via lawful and constitutionally sanctioned procedures. It acknowledged the public apology extended by the preacher and expressed gratitude for his recognition of Ghana's secular constitutional order and the importance of maintaining national peace and security.
The National Chief Imam called upon religious preachers, scholars, and teachers to exercise caution, responsibility, and restraint in their roles.
Religious teachings must be based on accurate knowledge and communicated in a way that promotes peace, tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, the statement advised. Religious leaders were urged to refrain from emotionally charged or provocative expressions that could be misconstrued, misinterpreted, or manipulated to incite hatred, violence, or public unrest.
The statement also cautioned religious leaders about the potential national security ramifications of their statements. Sheikh Dr Sharubutu appealed to Muslims and adherents of other faiths to maintain composure and refrain from sharing or reacting to provocative materials in ways that could exacerbate tensions.
The National Chief Imam reaffirmed his dedication to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, mutual respect, and national unity. He urged Ghanaians to respect the rule of law, show restraint, and collaborate to safeguard the country's peace, stability, and security.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
