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Regional News of Sunday, 12 March 2006

Source: GNA

MP calls on Imams to help curb violence in Muslim communities

Kumasi, March 12, GNA - Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, has asked Imams and Ullemaus to come together and evolve strategies to combat violence and other anti-social activities in the Muslim communities.

He said it was time all the stakeholders in Muslim communities not only exposed criminals but also ensured peace and the protection of innocent lives and property in their areas of jurisdiction. The MP was speaking at the launching of two books, "The Holy Quran Speaks" and a 418-page "Life Realities and Strategies" written by Sheikh Ishaak Ibrahim Nuamah, an Islamic Theologian and educationist in Kumasi on Saturday.

Alhaji Muntaka said the need for the youth to change their attitudes was crucial, adding that if they continued to remain in that state there would be a time that they would not get anybody to speak for them when they got into trouble.

He called on the young Muslim students to be serious with their education, stressing that knowledge is the key to all human endeavours. Mr Muhammad Braimah Youseph, the Administrative Secretary to the United Forum for Islamic Affairs, who launched the books, commended the author for his work hoping that those who would have the opportunity to read the books would be able to live good spiritual and social life.

He stressed the need for writers not only to focus on intellectuals but should also write in simple style and language for the ordinary people on the street to appreciate.

Sheikh Ishmael Adam, proprietor of Sakafia Islamic Education Complex in Kumasi, speaking on the topic, "Educational Empowerment - The Engine of Human Development", pointed out that ignorance and illiteracy destroy things.

He therefore stressed the need for Muslim adults and parents to send their children to school and encourage them to study hard while they also try to involve themselves in adult literacy programmes to improve on their standard of living.

Sheikh Adam called on the affluent Muslims and scholars to draw the young Muslims to their folds and support them to acquire employable skills through financial support and educational programmes. Dr Alhaji S.N. Konney, Skin Specialist at the Kokofu General Hospital, who presided, called on Muslims to put everything in contemporary realities and strategise.

Sheikh Nuamah already has five books namely "Islam - A Misunderstood Religion", "The Fruits of Wisdom", "A Case for Educating the Muslim Girl", "Marriage - A Lifelong Vow" and "Child Training" to his credit.