Muslims have been urged to reflect on their roles in shaping their communities and ensuring that the values of justice, equality, and progress were upheld.
Addressing the Muslim congregation within the Adentan Municipality and its environs after the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers last Monday, the Chief Imam of the Adentan Municipality, Sheikh Mutawakil Abubakari, said Islam faith did not permit Muslims to be mere spectators in society.
According to him, the Islam faith behoves Muslims to engage, reform, and build their communities.
Sheikh Abubakari was speaking on the topic, ‘Harnessing Faith for Community Transformation: The Muslim role in Nation-Building.’
“On this blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, we glorify Allah for granting us the strength to complete Ramadan, a month of self-discipline, spiritual renewal, and commitment to righteousness.
As we bow in gratitude, let us reflect on our role as Muslims in shaping our communities and ensuring that the values of justice, equality, and progress are upheld”, he mentioned.
“Our faith does not permit us to be mere spectators in society; rather, Islam calls us to engage, reform, and build society,” Sheikh Abubakari added.
He explained that it was important for Muslims and the entire citizenry to ensure that the peace and security of the country were not only protected but built upon, and also hold leaders accountable.
“Leadership, governance, and social responsibility are all burdens, but they are not beyond our ability. If we are given peace, we must not waste it. If we are granted security, we must build upon it. If we have leaders, we must hold them accountable while also supporting their efforts for the common good,” Sheikh Abubakari elaborated.
Furthermore, he urged the leadership of the country as well as the citizenry to uphold integrity in every aspect of their life, adding that, “the role of faith in development is not merely about roads and buildings. True democracy is measured by the moral and ethical strength of a society.”
Sheikh Abubakari also commended the Muslim youth for adhering to the virtues of the Ramadan while highlighting the significant role they play in the socio-economic development of the country.
He said Allah (SWT) tells us in Surah Al-Imran (3:110): “You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.”
“This verse calls us to a life of active engagement—to be defenders of justice, advocates of fairness, and champions of the downtrodden. We cannot speak of development without speaking of justice. We cannot build communities while ignoring the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the oppressed.”
“If we truly desire a just and prosperous society, we must uphold integrity in all aspects of life: in business, in governance, in family, and in worship,” he said adding that, “Development is not merely about roads and buildings. True development is measured by the moral and ethical strength of a society.”
“We must ask ourselves: Are we raising children who are God-fearing? Are we ensuring that wealth is not hoarded by a few while others languish in poverty? Are we promoting knowledge, skills, and opportunities for the next generation? As Muslims, our faith should be the moral compass that guides our economic and social progress.”
“Let us prioritise justice and fairness, ensuring that no one is left behind. This is the time to translate our faith into action,” he added.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) reminded us: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim).
BY CYNTHIA ASAMPANA
