Muslims in Sekondi-Takoradi celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr

Takoradi, Nov.3, GNA - Hundreds of Muslims in Takoradi and its environs converged at the PWD Park to offer prayers to Allah for his blessing and guidance in the coming years to mark the end of their one month fasting and prayers.

Alhaji Awal Shaibu, the Chief Imam who led them in the prayers called on Muslims to be law abiding and work hard to support development programmes of the Government.

He also called for unity among Muslims and other religious groups to foster national unity and progress.

Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister said the end of the Ramadan should strengthen Muslims spiritually and morally to enable them stand up against temptations.

He hoped this would bring spiritual renewal particularly among the youth to be able to fight indiscipline, corruption and other vices that continued to militate against national development. The Regional Minister; said the occasion should be used to prepare Muslims to discharge their duties as good citizens of society. Mr Aidoo reminded the people of the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country and advised them to observe basic personal hygiene, sanitation and environmental cleanliness.

He urged those who have not registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to register for better health care delivery. "We should not play the ostrich or the vulture only later to regret for our inactions," he added.

At the Takoradi Polytechnic Park, Maulvi Maveed Ahmad Aadil, Western Regional Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, advised Muslims to practise moral values adopted during the Ramadan and not to revert to their past lives.

He said the spiritual practices undertaken during the Ramadan were aimed at reforming them and these should be continued. Maulvi Aadil said the Ahmadiyya religion was a peaceful one and its adherents were encouraged to practice good neighbourliness and good human relations.

He said since the formation of the religion about 116 years ago, none of its members had been involved in terrorism and other forms of violence in any part of the world.

Maulvi Aadil said there should be no compulsion in religion and Ahmadis should endeavour to convert others to their faith by their good lives. He said the religion condemned terrorism and did not support Muslims who were using terrorism to achieve their political objectives adding; "Terrorism and suicide bombing are against Islam." Maulvi Aadil urged Ahmadis to offer prayers for Muslims engaged in terrorism to know the right path as taught by Islam.