Muslims in The Gambia recently joined the rest of the world in observing Eid-El-Adha, locally known as Tobaski.
However, if we are to go by the hint that some people had observed the day on Saturday, instead of Friday which was the day set by the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council as the feast, then there is a need for consultation to avoid such abnormality.
Despite the announcement made by the Supreme Islam Council some communities decided to pray on Saturday.
We urge the Supreme Islamic Council to look into possible ways and means of engaging religious leaders across the country in a confab so as to avert this unfortunate incident.
It’s sad to recall that even during last Koriteh, Muslims in the country had observed it on two different days. This is not encouraging and we therefore call on religious authorities, particularly the Supreme Islamic Council to look into this matter with all seriousness.
This brings into mind the need to have close relations with our neighbours and partner with them whenever the need arises, for instance
Most people in the country often use the feast to call on their parents and families to seek their blessings, especially those who do not have the opportunity to reunite with them.
Unity in Islam is indeed fundamental and we must strive to remain united for the betterment of this great religion.
The council should also exhaust every available means possible to help in the sighting of the moon.
It’s unfortunate that a small country like The Gambia prayed on different days.
However, we must also emphasise the need for people to respect authority like the Supreme Islamic Council, an authorised body mandated in presiding Islamic matters in the country.
The council must also engage people at all times so as to carve a way of the woes. We must respect our traditional values and norms.
"A man's conscience and his judgement is the same thing, and as the judgement, so is also the conscience, may be erroneous."
Thomas Hobbes
