Eid Sermon by Imam Baba Leigh of Kanifing Mosque

By Madi Jobarteh

Not only did Imam Baba Leigh praise Allah, but the good imam also spoke to good behaviours and actions which must be upheld and embraced by individuals and leaders. In this regard he also highlighted ills in our society that must be shunned by all such as insulting people on society media like religious leaders, politicians and others. And rightly so, he also spoke about leadership and the duty of those in charge of public affairs to serve honestly and selflessly, lamenting the widespread corruption in public offices.

Islamic scholars have defined that the purposes of the khutbah are to praise God, declare His Oneness and that Muhammad is His Messenger, to remind the congregation of the Hereafter, to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and to address current issues.

These are the issues our imams raise when they speak about the country and government. So why is te government angry? Why shouldn’t our imams and citizens not criticize their government especially if we see corruption?

If you are a president or minister, it is to listen and follow the advice and guidance in such sermons than to threaten imams because they raise pertinent issues and concerns about corruption in the government. They are saving you and the country.

Corruption is a very serious societal problem in the Gambia today that is at the heart of all evils.