Liberia: Muslims Unite To Simultaneously Begin Observance Of Holy Month Of Ramadan

MONROVIA – The Muslim community in Liberia under the leadership of the Acting Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Liberia Shiek Oumara A. Kamara has decided that this year’s Ramadan should be observed by Muslims with peace and unity being the key point of focus.

The decision was reached following a meeting held on April 18, 2019 called by Internal Affairs Minister, Honorable Varney A. Sirleaf at his Capitol Hill Office.

The meeting brought together stakeholders including the National Muslim Council of Liberia, National Imams Council of Liberia, League of Islamic Scholars, and the Office of the Grand Mufti of Liberia Sheikh Abubakar Sumaworo. 

Meanwhile, the Islamic leaders agreed on the a setting up of a 5-member Committee which will discuss formalities leading to the sighting of the Moon of Ramadan and work with other stakeholders to foster peace and reconciliation among the Muslim community.

Having concluded its mandate, the committee has reported to the Acting Chairman of the National Muslim Council and Muslims across Liberia that observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan will be announced officially to the nation upon receipt of indications from Saudi Arabia and or a credible source from a neighboring West African Country, which will be communicated through a joint statement of the key stakeholders of the Muslim Community in Liberia.

At the same time, Internal Affairs Minister Honorable Varney Sirleaf is commending leaders of the Islamic community for the timely decision and called on his fellow Muslims to observe the decision.

Minister Sirleaf called on Muslims to use the Holy Month of Ramadan to pray for solution to the current economic situation and the overall success of President George Manneh Weah’s Administration.

According to an Internal Affairs Ministry release, the decision is intended to avoid the repeat of last year when Muslims began observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan on different dates.