History was made in Tamale this week when Muslim Clerics of the Tijaniya and Ahlisuna Islamic sects held a joint news conference in the Tamale Metropolis to appeal to the government to redouble its efforts in finding lasting solutions to the various ethnic and chieftaincy disputes that have plagued the northern region. At the news conference the Muslim leaders “served notice that the situation in Dagbon, Bimbilla and Bunkprugu could escalate during this year’s electioneering campaign season, hence the call for government’s rapid response.” The Muslim Clerics “reiterated the need for the three eminent chiefs mediating in the Dagbon chieftaincy stalemate to impartially implement the road map to peace in Dagbon.” Further, the Muslin Clerics urged “both Abudus and Andani families to show magnanimity and respect the decisions agreed with the three eminent chiefs mediating the conflict”. This news conference was the best thing to happen in Tamale in recent memory and was a complete departure from the incessant threats of war and mayhem that we are familiar with in the Metropolis.

The Ahlisuna and Tijaniya sects for the first time in many years consigned to the back burner their doctrinal differences and jointly appealed to the two Royal Gates of Dagbon to smoke the peace pipe and bring to permanent closure the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy crises. The group reiterated that the Abudus and Andanis come from the same ancestral stock and are brothers and should therefore commit themselves to living in peace, unity and tranquility. The unanimity of the Muslim Clerics in calling for peace and reconciliation in Dagbon and other parts of the north although belated is historic and should be commended, praised and encouraged. Many peace lovers in the north have indicted and faulted the men of God for practically sitting aloof and unconcerned or taking sides all these years while their teeming followers continue to hate, mistrust, maim and kill each other over ethnic, political, religious and chieftaincy differences. It is pertinent to remind the Muslim Clerics that by their calling they are to live above reproach and be non- partisan in matters that divide their followers. As men of God, you are enjoined not only to preach peace, love and unity but also to walk the talk in finding amicable and lasting solutions to societal problems and challenges be it political, economic, chieftaincy or religious. The scriptures say that “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall inherit the kingdom of God”. This simply means that it is not enough to love and preach peace but one should also go the extra mile to work assiduously and diligently to promote peace and unity.

To move their peace overtures to a higher notch, we advise the Muslim Clerics to put in place within the shortest time a Peace and Reconciliation committee to collaborate and work with all stakeholders in the search for lasting peace in Dagbon and other parts of the region. The Muslim Clerics should meet with the traditional rulers from the feuding gates in Dagbon, Na-Nung and other places where there are conflicts to instill in them the fear of Allah and urge them to settle peacefully conflicts among themselves. Allah says that “The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two contending brothers……” (Quran 49: 10). In line with Islamic jurisprudence, parties to a dispute can lay claim for compensation as part of a reconciliation process, more particularly when it involves the loss of life or property. On the other hand, disputing parties can be magnanimous and forgive the offender. Allah says” But whoever forgives the wrong –doer and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah” (Quran 42; 40).

It is expedient to remind the Muslim leaders and scholars that they are obliged to use their knowledge of the scriptures to promote peace, unity and understanding between and among the various faiths in the country and should therefore not be seen to compromise or renege on this crucial responsibility under any circumstance . This brings to the fore the current raging fiery discourses on Radio between orthodox Muslims and an emerging Shiite sect in the Tamale Metropolis over differences in beliefs and religious practices. It is pertinent to caution that this raging debate is needless and has the potential to disturb the peace and security of the region and the country as a whole. In matters of religion, people are entitled to their faiths and beliefs and should be allowed to hold or practice same without any let or hindrance. Moreover, it is pertinent to state that Islam frowns on sectarianism and as such it is not right to belong to any sect in Islam let alone to vilify and brand some sect as unbelievers and deviants. Allah says” And hold on firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (3:103). Again Allah says “Indeed those who have divided their religion and become sects, you (o Mohammed) are not associated with them in anything’ (6:159). It should be made clear that the bone of contention between the Sunnis and Shiites are not doctrinal but political and should not cause any upheaval in the religion. According to Robin Wright, a fellow at the non-partisan US Institute of Peace “The original schism between Islam’s two largest sects (Sunni and Shiite) was not over religious doctrine but over political leadership”. This sectarian bickering is an ancestral issue of over 1400 years in far away Arabia and should not create any religious tension or dichotomy in the Muslim community in this country. Is Allah not the best Judge?

We are therefore using this platform to appeal to Muslim Clerics in the Tamale Metropolis to be circumspect in their discourses on the Sunni-Shiites issue in order not to create unnecessary sectarian tension and conflict in the region and by extension to any part of the country. We hereby recommend to all the Muslim groupings in the northern region to as matter of urgency form one united umbrella body (Muslim Council) to coordinate and harmonize religious activities and also serve as the mouth piece for the Muslim fraternity in the region and beyond. We must live in peace as brothers of the same faith notwithstanding our sectarian differences and be united as Ghanaians with a common destiny.

On the side note,the Professional Muslim League, the Dagbon Youth Association (DAYA) and the Kumbungu Development Association all of the Western Region, congratulate Dr Nashiru Issahaku on his appointment as Governor of the Bank of Ghana and wish him Allah’s guidance and a successful tenure.

May Allah continue to bless Ghana and all Ghanaians.

Haj Adams Goldwater, Takoradi
020 8118057