-Pres. Boakai tells Liberian Muslims, embraces religious tolerance
By Jerromie S. Walters
As Muslims approach the climax of the Holy Month of Ramadan, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reminded them of their indescribable inclusion in Liberian society, says they must not be felt as second-class citizens in Liberia. Islam is the second largest religion in Liberia. The vast majority of Liberian Muslims and primary Muslim ethnic groups are the Vai and Mandingo but also Gbandi, Kpelle and other ethnic groups.
President Boakai’s emphasis on Liberian Muslims’ uncompromising inclusion In Liberian society was made late Friday, April 5, 2024, when he graced the occasion of the Ramadan Breaking Fast Dinner (IFTAR), at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. Ramadan begins on Sunday 10 March 2024 and is expected to conclude on Tuesday 9 April 2024, meaning Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on Wednesday 10 April 2024. Muslims in Liberia will join other Muslims around for the climax Of the month of Ramadan, following a month-long of fasting and praying.
As the Holy month continues, President Boakai has renewed Muslims hope for religious tolerance, as he assured: “This is your country, this is my country and nobody should make you feel like a second-class citizen because of your religion. Let the gathering tonight, sharing, touch our hearts and minds and open us to build bridges that will bring us together closer. Build bridges that will make us recognize our unity. Today, each of you, your contribution to this country is a contribution that makes Liberia what it should be. Each of you here has given something for this country, each of you here has made sacrifices for this country.“
The Liberian Leader admonished Liberian Muslims that regardless of the multiple religions Liberia has, or the dominance of the Christian faith, what remains significant is how Liberians can work together to have a better nation. “I want to say despite what we believe as being a Christian majority, what important to me is to recognize the richness of our coexistence as Liberans working towards building our country.”
“In the fabric of our nation, every faith, every belief is important in what makes Liberia. We are blessed in this part of Ramadan as we draw near to the end of this heartwarming event. I want to say it is beautiful that in diversity we have the beauty of our strength,” Mr. Boakai stressed.
President Boakai continued, “I’m humbled to stand here as the President of this country, to say one of the first and foremost tasks we have is to reconcile, make all of us feel as Liberians, make all of us do everything for our country. They talk about tolerance, but what is tolerance? Let’s just know that all of us belong to different families and different religions but there’s only one thing that makes us all together. It is that we are Liberians. Everything we do is in the interest of this country.”
“My request of you is that you should let nothing come between us that will make our country a country not respected, a country that will be undermined by foreign interest. Liberia should come first in whatever we do and that’s why sometimes I say we all should think Liberia, we all should love this Liberiatogether all of us can build Liberia,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Boakai is hopeful of Muslims having a prosperous Haj this year, as he disclosed that over the last few months, his office has worked closely with the Minister of State without Portfolio and those of huge influence, to ensure that it (Haj) works well for Liberians.
Boakai: “Mamaka Bility and I have done a lot of correspondings, we have done a lot of appeals concerning the haj and she will brief you. I want to let you know that the haj is very important for the unity of this country and I’m very happy to see all of us together here doing our best to serve the Mighty Allah in the interest of our country in a very relaxed mode.
He told the gathering: “We have gathered here tonight under the gentle globe of unity and understanding. Reminded that in unity is strength. Unity contributes to our country. I’m very proud about Liberia that of all of our existence, we have not had conflict concerning religion and we should be very proud of ourselves for the role we have played to do this. As I look in the crowd here tonight, I see nobody but brothers and sisters, Liberians working hard to have a better country.
In his opinion, “What affects one person affects everybody. That’s the spirit that I want to see demonstrated in this Ramadan. I want to assure you that our job is to continue to build unity and make all of us feel Liberia together in caring for this country. I want to thank you for the sacrifice you have made.
From her end, Minister of State without Portfolio Mamaka Bility acclaimed the president for his commitment and leadership role in uniting Liberians. “Thank you, Mr. President, for your visionary leadership and for providing us with this opportunity to come together in unity and fellowship. May this Iftar dinner be a symbol of hope, harmony, and everlasting peace for our beloved Liberia.”
Mrs. Bility: “As we breakfast today with our dynamic President, let us remember the open our hearts to the blessings of this holy month and extend a hand of profound lessons of Ramadan patience, compassion, and gratitude For our kindness to those in need.
Now, I must confess, as a Minister of State without a Portfolio, I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities without a clear portfolio to guide me. But tonight, as I stand before you, I realize that my most important role is simply to welcome you with open arms and an open heart. And for that, I say you are all welcome to dine with your President.”
She rallied the Islamic community, “Tonight, we are not just breaking fast; we are breaking barriers, embracing diversity, and celebrating the richness of our shared humanity, In the spirit of Ramadan, we gather here as a demonstration of the relentless commitment of our President and our nation to religious tolerance and inclusivity. It is a beautiful reflection of our collective belief that regardless of our hackarounds or beliefs, we are one people, united in our aspirations for a better, prosperous future for Liberia. So, let us cherish this evening, not just as a gathering of individuals, but as a celebration of our shared values and aspirations. Let us breakfast, share laughter, and forge bonds that transcend the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and politics.”
Imam Ali Krayee, the Chief Imam of the Republic of Liberia expressed confidence in the president’s leadership ability. He’s certain that Mr. Boakai will succeed.
From their end, the Liberia Muslim Elders Supreme Council appealed to the President to intervene in this year’s Haj observance.“This harsh 2024, should be a successful hash for us.” He says without the president’s intervention, it will be difficult for them to achieve this,” they appealed.
Islam in Liberia is practiced by over 12.2% of the population. Historically, Liberian Muslims have followed a relaxed and liberal form of Islam that is heavily influenced by indigenous religions that were integrated into Islam when it came to Liberia in the 16th century with the collapse of the Songhai Empire in Mali. Islamic religious practices vary in cities and towns across the country. Younger Liberian Muslims, particularly in the cities along the coast, tend to be more secular but still practice Islam in everyday life. In rural areas, Liberian Muslims are more conservative in dressing modestly, performing prayers and attending religious studies. The practice of Islam in Liberia has been compared to Islam common in Senegal and Gambia, with strong orientation toward Sufism.
Islam first appeared in Liberia during the 16th and 17th centuries, brought by Mandinka merchants and clerics. Further migration by Mandinka merchants to Liberia by the 18th century led to a increase of Islamic influence, eventually leading to conversions among the several of the local population such as the Gola, Gbandi, Vai and Loma peoples.[5] Muslims played a significant role in the construction of Liberia throughout its recent and modern history.
