Saiks,
I would like to believe that the Imam is mis-quoted by the observer reporters.

Allah did not send politicians but Prophets!

With regards to family planning, I know there is fear and suspicion that the
idea is coming from the west but according to Shaik Abbass Segujja, family
planning was practised during the time of the prophet in traditional way by
way of "azl" abstaining/withdrawing from intercourse. And it was not opposed
by him.

On the Gambia being an Islamic State:
There is a difference between an Islamic country and Islamic state because
there is no Islamic state in the world. Only three states Saudi Arabia, Iran
and Pakistan claim to be Islamic states but are they a true Islamic state?.
They can call themselves muslim countries because there is a muslim
majority but that's not the same as an Islamic state.

There is no where in the constitution stating that the Gambia is an Islamic
State and therefore I still want to believe that the Imam is mis-quoted.

The Gambia is a secular state and and it is clearly stated in the constitution
that "Every person in The Gambia, whatever his or her race, colour, gender,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or status, shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights
and freedoms of the individual......."

About the Ahmadiyas:
It was during the 1980's when Pakistan under Zia-ul-haq  wanted to be leader
of the Muslim world when he made a decree denouncing the Ahmadiyas as
non-muslims. Before that, they were accepted as a muslim sect for more
than 80 years and all of a sudden they were banned which was just a
political move.

regards,
Momodou Camara

On 6 Sep 99, at 17:13, saiks samateh wrote:

> Dear Momodou,
>
> The Imam must be very serious!!  is he telling us that Gambia becoming an
> Islamic state is just a matter of time and formalities.Where is our country
> heading to ?What has an Imam to do with issues of legislation,who is in
> control of the State in the country ?What guarantee has he for our Christian
> brothers and sisters,what about the non believers ?should we trust this
> Imam,when we still have at the back of our minds what he told Demba Jawo,who
> was just doing his work. Why is there a need for The Gambia to be an Islamic
> State ? I think those who will leave under the laws of Sharia should move to
> Afghanistan or Iran.let this Imam leave our dear country alone and in peace.He
> claimed that he is not an Islamic fundamentalist,but the contradictions in his
> statement shows what type of a person we are dealing with here.
>
> For Freedom
>
> Saiks
>
>

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