Amir Baba F. Trawally, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at,The Gambia has called on Gambians preach and practice peace before, during and after the national assembly elections on Saturday 9th April 2022.
In a statement made available on Monday, he appeals to all Gambians to continue to be peaceful, tolerant and law abiding, saying that “elections come and go but the country, The Gambia shall remain.”
“And while we can all agree and or disagree, we can do so in peace and with sympathy for one another. Consequently, all candidates, political parties, and all others should continue to conduct themselves in a manner that is conducive to peace, tranquility and security.
We have a collective responsibility to establish a generous and compassionate atmosphere in society throughout, especially during times of elections. Each person whether politician or not has a responsibility to live in accordance with the traditions and laws of our dear motherland, The Gambia. And we must do so with absolute tolerance, respect, sympathy and justice for each other,” Amir Trawally pointed out.
According to him, as Muslims, the Holy Qur’an explains that no matter what the circumstance, we are not to abandon tolerance and sympathy noting that this is even more essential because these National Assembly elections are taking place during the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan. “Therefore, remain peaceful and kind to one another,” he noted.
“Even if you are wronged, you are not to act other than with justice and that you should not take revenge by being unjust and cruel to your fellow human beings. If anyone does that, then you have flouted a fundamental teaching of the Holy Qur’an. We read in the Holy Qur’an in Chapter five, verse nine: “…and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do,” he said.