Activist of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asawase constituency Mustapha Hameed has slammed critics of the National Cathedral Project, especially Muslims who have taken offense to the National Chief Imam’s cash donation of GHC 50,000 towards its construction.
In a write-up sighted by MyNewsGh.com, the Manager for the Accelerated Oil and Gas Capacity (AOGC) program at the Petroleum Commission argues that the gesture by the Eminent Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Shaributu affirms the Quranic principle of Islamic hospitality.
He cited several instances in the Holy Quran where the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) welcomed Christians and even offered them the Madina Mosque, which is deemed as one of the holiest Islamic monuments offer their worship, citing also several instances where Christians have opened their doors to Muslims in trouble times.
He called the bluff of the opponents who are not angry because of Islam but because the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is vehemently opposed to the construction of the National Cathedral, for their own political ends.
“Cathedral no de3, mo mini 3po mu nsuo nyinaa koraa yebesi!”, which literally means, “we will build the Cathedral even if you swallow all the water in the sea”, he wrote.
Read below the full write up by Mustapha Hameed.
When those first Muslims were persecuted in pagan Mecca, they sought asylum in the Christian kingdom in Ethiopia. Fast forward several years later, when the Noble Prophet ruled over Madina, he was visited by a group of Christians from the city of Najran, he did not only welcome them, he actually gave them his mosque, the mosque in Madina, to worship. The mosque in Madina which is considered as one of the holiest sites in Islam was given to Christians by the prophet to worship.
It was during this visit that the Prophet (SAW) signed a treaty with them, which read:
“There shall be no interference with the practice of their faith. No bishop will be removed from his bishopric, no monk from his monastery, no priest from his parish.”
Harmonious coexistence between Islam and Christianity, and to a larger extent religious pluralism, was perfectly captured in the Holy Quran when Allah Himself is said to protect: “monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned.” (22:40)
It is the only verse in the Quran that mentions churches — and only in a reverential tone.
One of the rules of engagement for the Muslim army during warring times was that Churches must be respected and not destroyed, and pastors, monks, etc must not be harmed in any way.
Clearly, Islam recognizes the significance of the church/cathedral in society hence the above.
The Chief Imam clearly knows more about Islam, and its history, and what Allah enjoins us to do with regards to cathedrals, churches, monasteries, synagogues, etc than all of you who are experiencing this meltdown, largely because of your politics.
You’re not even angry because of Islam, you’re upset and outraged and disappointed because the NDC vehemently opposes the establishment of the cathedral. How, those who steal our monies to build mansions for those who provide them sexual gratification find a problem because a donation has been made towards the building of a cathedral is something I cannot for the whole life of me, fathom!
If not for your gaping hypocrisy, there’s a church in Accra here that makes available its premises to be used by Muslims on Friday for Jum’ah prayers. I’ve seen Christian organizations support Muslims during Hajj, Eid, and Ramadan. You applaud that, yet, you want to rise up in arms because a donation has been made towards a beautiful cathedral.
The point, this donation by His Eminence, is just but also a great symbolic gesture that will for ages to come, illuminate the annals of history. Point also is, with or without this donation, the edifice will be built to beautify Accra’s bourgeoning skyline, and fact also is, with or without your useless anger and vacuous rants, the cathedral will be built to the glory of the Lord.
Pastor Otabil used to pain the National Chief Imam’s Mosque yearly.
Don’t hide behind partisanship and ignorance to drag the name of His Eminence into your silliness.
Ghana is known for its religious tolerance, and how Muslims and Christians co-exist.
One of the biggest Islamic Schools in this country is named after Otumfuor Osei Tutu because of his contribution towards its establishment.
I will contribute to the building of the cathedral for so many reasons, first because of the aesthetic appeal of the design and most importantly, it provides a place where my Christian friends can go and worship.
Somebody, please text me the shortcode for donation again.
Cathedral no de3, mo mini 3po mu nsuo nyinaa koraa yebesi!
NB: Madina here refers to the Islamic Holy City in Saudi Arabia, not the one near Adenta where Faisal Guvnor is Deputy MP.
