I'm neutral - National chief Imam

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu has reacted to public criticism of how the NDC is trying to involve him in partisan politics and says he is "neutral".

He has also apologized for any embarrassment caused Ghanaians by the way some people used the sad occasion of his late wife's funeral to do partisan politics.

In a deeply moving statement which was issued last Friday, and presented below he said "I wish to advise all Muslims in this election year to be on their guard because all sorts of people will try to use them for political gain. I have been used during the funeral of my wife. These people will try to use your marriages, naming ceremonies, funerals etc for their political campaigns"

The Statement

On the eve of the celebration of the 47th anniversary of our Independence, I pray to Allah, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate to bless our great country. I plead with Allah, Subhanahu Wataa-Alla to favour us and our country with prosperity, with stability and peace abundantly. I also pray for the President, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, his government and all the good people of Ghana for Allah's guidance and sustenance.

As this is an election year, we ask Allah for his mercies and respect for a successful and peaceful election.

On a personal level, I should like to take this opportunity to thank sincerely all those individuals, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims who attended and paid their condolences during and after the burial and funeral ceremonies of my wife who passed away last month. I am touched by the spontaneous show of sympathy by all, during my hour of grief.

To conclude my remarks, I should like to touch on a number of incidents which occurred during the funeral ceremony which gave me much pain and sadness. This was the attempt made by some Muslim sympathizers and some members of my office to turn the solemn occasion for their own political advantage. This took place on the seventh day of the funeral.

Then on the 40th day remembrance which I planned to be low-keyed, I was informed that ex-President J.J. Rawlings would be calling on me to pay his condolences since he was not in the country when my wife passed away. I agreed and asked members of my office to arrange a low-key meeting. I then left for Medie to attend a funeral.

I was therefore surprised when I returned to find an elaborate arrangement had been prepared for the reception of the ex-President.

As my guest, I had no choice but to come out to meet him out of courtesy. I prayed and hoped for a brief ceremony. I was speechless when I realized the occasion had been turned into an open-partisan political rally. This was most unfortunate. I wish on this important occasion to apologise to all those embarrassed by actions and speeches made during the funeral of my wife.

As most of you know, my status as the national chief imam places me in a special position as the spiritual leader of Muslims irrespective of their political membership or association. This position requires me at all times to be neutral and above partisan politics. I plead with all of you, Muslims and non-Muslims alike to respect my neutrality. It is even incumbent on Muslims in particular to jealously guard my neutrality, because failure to do so may break our ranks to the detriment of all of us. History must be our guide.

I wish to advise all Muslims in this election year to be on their guard because all sorts of people will try to use them for political gain. I have been used during the funeral of my wife. These people will try to use your marriages, naming ceremonies, funerals etc for their political campaigns. Please be on your guard to stop them before they do unnecessary damage to the Muslim ummah.

May Allah in His boundless mercies give us the wisdom and basira to discern what is proper from what is not proper, to discern what is appropriate from what is not and what is good from what is not good. Assalamu alaikum wa rahamatula wa barakatahu.