Alhaji Mohamed Wusha-Conteh

The Forum of Islamic Organisations for Peaceful Coexistence in Sierra Leone in partnership with the entire Muslim Community has joined Muslims around the world in celebrating Maulid Un-Nabie, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with great reverence and joy.

This annual event, observed on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar, serves as a time to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, who is a model of compassion, integrity, and peace.

In many communities, the celebrations began with vibrant processions featuring recitations from the Holy Quran and praises of the Prophet, known as Salawat.

In several regions, special programs were organized, including lectures and discussions led by Islamic scholars highlighting the significance of the Prophet’s message of love, tolerance, and coexistence.

Community members engaged in charitable acts, distributing food and essentials to the less fortunate, embodying the Prophet’s teachings of kindness and generosity.

The Celebration commenced with a March pass, form the Up-Gun round about by Kissy Road, and the procession was led by the Forum President Alhaji Justice Abu King and the  three spiritual leaders, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sallieu Kamara, representing the Sunni, Musa Mewa Esq representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Sierra Leone and Sheikh Muaz Bah representing the Shia Muslim community marching along the major streets of Freetown to the forecourt of the Freetown City Council and  the event was followed with an Islamic conference with the theme , Prophet Muhammad (SAW), an Architect of Peace , Compromise and Diplomacy.

In his welcoming address, President of Forum of Islamic Organizations for Peaceful Co-existence in Sierra Leone, Alhaji Justice Abu Bakarr King expressed his sincere thanks to Allah and appreciated all the various Islamic Schools for attending the program. “Maulid Un-Nabie is a moment for spiritual reflection and renewal,” said Alhaji Justice Abu Bakarr King. “It is an opportunity for us to strengthen our bonds as a community and recommit ourselves to the values that the Prophet Muhammad exemplified.”

In his remarks, Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Sierra Leone, Musa Mewa Esq urged all Muslims irrespective of Islamic sects to love one another and don’t harbor hate for anyone even the Non-Muslims. He admonished Muslims to learn about the Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW) so that we will emulate the good example of him.

Amir Mewa states that after years of conflict, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) approach to reconciliation with the Quraysh, including the peaceful entry into Mecca, demonstrated his commitment to peace and his ability to overcome animosity. He noted that the Prophet engaged in diplomatic relations with various tribes and states, including sending letters to leaders inviting them to embrace Islam, demonstrating his commitment to peaceful outreach.

In his remarks, Guest Speaker, Alhaji Murtada Sesay who double as the Chairman of the Hajj Committee in Sierra Leone admonished Muslims to avoid conflict and be tolerant to one another, noting that to engage in peaceful dialogue is the best means to resolved conflict and disputes among Muslims.

Alhaji Murtada reiterated how the Holy Prophet established the treaty of hudaybiyyah between the Muslims and the Quraysh tribe, a notable example of diplomacy, despite it was unfavorable to the Muslims initially, and it allowed for a period of peace and facilitated the spread of Islam through peaceful means.

The program featured various speakers representing the Sunni, Ahmadiyya and the Shia sects, who dilate on the theme of the conference Prophet Muhammad (SAW) an Architect of Peace, and Diplomacy

Other notable speakers were the Iranian and Turkish Ambassadors who shared their perspective on the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

The ceremony mark not only a celebration of the Prophet’s birthday but also a reaffirmation of the principles of mercy and peaceful coexistence amongst the three prominent sects in Sierra Leone which is central to Islam. As the day concluded, participants expressed hope that the values celebrated during this time would continue to inspire efforts toward harmony and understanding in societies worldwide as the enduring legacy of the Prophet Muhammad and the ongoing commitment of Muslims to promote peace, understanding, and community service.