Accra, Sept. 02, GNA-The Rock of Islam Preaching Association (RIPA) on Sunday marked their 50th Anniversary Celebrations in Accra with a call on Muslims to unite and forge ahead towards development. ''There is strength in unity, you can never be in Allah if you are divided,'' he said.

Sheikh Mohammed Bagnya, an Islamic Scholar and the host of the media programme, IQRA, who was the Guest Speaker said divisions among religions groups were the causes of conflicts in the communities and the world as a whole.

''Why should we allow religion to divide us, it is eating into the fabrics of the Islamic communities, we are all one in the sight of Allah,'' he said. Sheikh Bagnya added that the divisions in the world today were due to the fact that people refused to respect other religions and persons. He advised all Muslims to practise the religion in its totality by loving one another and be good to all persons, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.

''We all have a responsibility to restore the good name of Islam and tell the world that Islam is not a violent region'' he said. The RIPA was formed to preach the message of Islam to Muslims, non-Muslims and other members of communities in Accra. Sheikh Alhaji Abass Sowah, Founder and President of RIPA said sacrifice had been the main drive of the association for the past 50 years. ''It gladdens my heart today to see how we have grown from a four-member to thousands, it was not easy for us back then, but with sacrifice, we have been able to achieve our main objective, which was having more people embracing Islam in our communities,'' he said. He said it was very difficult putting up a place of worship for the Accra Islamic community in the past. However, Mr Mohammed Hilal, the then Egyptian Deputy Ambassador to Ghana assisted with an initial donation of 30 pounds sterling and other monthly assistance. This was complemented by the provision of communal labour by the youth of the Association.

Sheikh Sowah said the achievements of the Association could be seen in the population of Muslim communities and the number of Mosques in La, Osu, Teshie and Nungua.

He called on members to lead good lives as Muslims in their communities to serve as role models for the youth of the Association. Major Sheikh Seidu, Chief Imam of the Armed Forces, in his goodwill message called on parents to educate their children to acquire the necessary skills for life since they are the future leaders of the country. He advised Islamic leaders to preach peace, harmony and unity in their communities to enable them to progress. Certificates were presented to deserving and hard working members of the Association.

02 Sept. 07