Muslims asked to overcome hatred

An Islamic Scholar has rallied Muslims to overcome intolerance and reject the path of hatred and violence.

Ustaz Umar Mohammed, Chief Imam of Atonsu, Kumasi, said Islam has no place for criminality.

He told the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Monday that banditry is un-Islamic and cannot in anyway be justified.

Ustaz Mohammed was reacting to the recent attack on Kenya’s Westgate Mall that left 67 dead including the prominent Ghanaian poet, Professor Kofi Awoonor, and dozens hurt, by Islamic extremist group – al-Shabab.

He said Islam stands for peace and love and therefore its followers need to demonstrate high level of discipline and exemplary conduct.

Ustaz Mohammed encouraged the country’s Muslim youth to live within the law and in harmony with all others to project a positive image of the religion.

He said it is important to act together to uphold “our common humanity” and global peace