Imam Lee Cautions Against Divisive Politics The Independent (Banjul) August 6, 2001 Posted to the web August 6, 2001 Imam Lee Cautions Against Divisive Politics Email This Page Print This Page The Independent (Banjul) August 6, 2001 Posted to the web August 6, 2001 PK Jarju Banjul, the Gambia The outspoken Imam of the Kanifing East mosque Baba Lee has cautioned Muslims against the consequences of divisive politics, which he said causes enmity and hatred among individuals of the same society and retard the collective will for national development. Speaking during his hutba last Friday the imam who was recently arrested by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for perceived political statements, instead called for the promotion of peace and solidarity. Imam Lee stated that it is the responsibility of Muslims irrespective of their political affiliations to ensure that peace prevails in the country. Hence according to him the Islamic religion is the religion of peace propagated by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) to bring together people of different tribes, races and colours. He added that he is now afraid of the recent events unfolding in the world especially in the political arena which cause killings, and the abuse of human beings "for the sake of politics which is nothing but a worldly thing". He added that the worship of Allah is in gratitude for all the good provisions He was done for us. However he observed that people find it more compelling to be involved in politically motivated quarrels from which they derive nothing. He admonished people, especially the poor who derive nothing from politics, continuing to quarrel and fight among themselves, while those politicians for whom they fight for are at peace and talking to each other. He cited the example of the recent death of the mother of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe when he said President Jammeh sent a high powered delegation to sympathize with him. He also cited the death last week of Alhaji Kebba Conteh, father to the KMC Chairman, when he said several high ranking people, both from the government and opposition went their to pay their respects. "Why should we the ordinary people allow our political differences to interfere with our relationships with our relatives and neighbours?" he asked. Imam Lee added that it is high time maturity set in among Gambians to place the country on a progressive path to development and social justice. He dismissed as untrue accusations that he is supporting a party. He added that recently on his way for the early morning prayers two men approached and asked him if he was Imam Lee and he replied in the negative because he did not know what the men were up to. "What benefit would those people derive from that?" he asked. He said he only believes and preaches the Holy Quran, which contains the word of the Almighty Allah. He said he would continue to do so even if it would cost him his life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PK Jarju Banjul, the Gambia The outspoken Imam of the Kanifing East mosque Baba Lee has cautioned Muslims against the consequences of divisive politics, which he said causes enmity and hatred among individuals of the same society and retard the collective will for national development. Speaking during his hutba last Friday the imam who was recently arrested by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for perceived political statements, instead called for the promotion of peace and solidarity. Imam Lee stated that it is the responsibility of Muslims irrespective of their political affiliations to ensure that peace prevails in the country. Hence according to him the Islamic religion is the religion of peace propagated by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) to bring together people of different tribes, races and colours. He added that he is now afraid of the recent events unfolding in the world especially in the political arena which cause killings, and the abuse of human beings "for the sake of politics which is nothing but a worldly thing". He added that the worship of Allah is in gratitude for all the good provisions He was done for us. However he observed that people find it more compelling to be involved in politically motivated quarrels from which they derive nothing. He admonished people, especially the poor who derive nothing from politics, continuing to quarrel and fight among themselves, while those politicians for whom they fight for are at peace and talking to each other. He cited the example of the recent death of the mother of Lawyer Ousainou Darboe when he said President Jammeh sent a high powered delegation to sympathize with him. He also cited the death last week of Alhaji Kebba Conteh, father to the KMC Chairman, when he said several high ranking people, both from the government and opposition went their to pay their respects. "Why should we the ordinary people allow our political differences to interfere with our relationships with our relatives and neighbours?" he asked. Imam Lee added that it is high time maturity set in among Gambians to place the country on a progressive path to development and social justice. He dismissed as untrue accusations that he is supporting a party. He added that recently on his way for the early morning prayers two men approached and asked him if he was Imam Lee and he replied in the negative because he did not know what the men were up to. "What benefit would those people derive from that?" he asked. He said he only believes and preaches the Holy Quran, which contains the word of the Almighty Allah. He said he would continue to do so even if it would cost him his life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------