What was his crime? Being a Muslim?

After reading the story of Mustapha Abdul I as a Ghanaian Muslim am truly stunned and disappointed at the behaviour of the teachers/ management Adisadel College.

I always thought Ghanaians were fair people who wanted good for fellow Ghanaians regardless or tribe, religion or any other differences that may be visible amongst us. I am also very shocked that Ghanaian Muslims are being oppressed in this way. Living in the year 2008 I would have thought that people had progressed and had left this backward, oppressive thinking behind and that the Ghanaian community had moved forward enough to allow an individual to practice their religion. Above everything I am most saddened that for how many years Muslims in Ghana have attended Christian influenced schools however there has been a failure to recognize and appreciate that Muslims do not go to church and have a different way of worshipping God as legislated by the Holy Quran an in accordance with the teachings of the prophet Mohammed (peace and bless be upon him). This ignorant way of bullying people to adhere to religious practices contrary to their own belief is very unjust especially as one’s religion does not interfere with their education or that of those around them.

I am very sad by this event and hope the Almighty ALLAH will forgive our brother Mustapha and grant him the highest rank in paradise Ameen. I think it’s about time for teachers who feel it is appropriate to treat people in this way to rethink and give Muslim students their right to practice their religion just as Christians practice their religion. It is worth noting that the issue of forcing Muslims go to church is completely against Islamic teachings and should therefore not be seen as a minor issue. Ideally Muslims should have their own prayer rooms to allow practice of the religion; in many non-Muslim countries Muslims are given the right to practice their religion without fear of persecution!

I would also urge the Muslims in Ghana to speak up against this cruel treatment which has lead a student to his death. After all what was his crime? Being a Muslim?

Yasmin. UK

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