Sheikh Askary Kromah of the Shia Muslim community, with stronghold in western Liberia, said there were some Muslims who were calling on other Muslims not to vote for Christian candidates in Grand Cape Mount County in the just-ended elections.
Speaking over recently at program marking the beginning of Friday prayers of the first Shia Mosque in Liberia in the Brewerville community of Jah Tondo that was dedicated in October, Sheikh Kromah said it was important for Muslims to accept that there were more Christians in Liberia than Muslims, and Muslims could not succeed in marginalizing Christians.
He stressed that it was not only incumbent upon Muslims to foster coexistence with Christians and those of other faiths because of peace, but also because of their very survival.
“Allah calls for religious and tribal tolerance. We should not allow our little differences to result into another round of conflict in this country,” Sheikh Kromah told a large audience inside the mosque, comprising leaders of the National Muslim Council of Liberia.
“People who sow seeds of religious and tribal tension do it to satisfy their own interest, not for Allah. We should remember what Allah said: ‘Don’t agree to be divided. You will be powerless,’” he quoted a verse in the Quran.
He urged Islamic leaders in the country—Imams and Sheikhs—to take up an assignment in eschewing violence everywhere for the good of all Liberians.
“We as Imams and sheikhs must put stop to this. We see elsewhere in the world and even right here that religious conflicts can cost lives and properties. We must get on our feet now.”
On the issue of general unity, Sheikh Kromah said it was not understandable that Muslims and Christians could not coexist wherein Christians were the first to accommodate Muslims, referencing how Prophet Mohammed sent men to a Christian ruler of Ethiopia for assistance back during the emergence of Islam.
He reminded Liberians that all must see others as brothers and sister by creation or relations, which he said will foster peace and harmony in society.