Ishmail Menk was born in Harare, where he undertook his initial studies under his father. Menk then went on to obtain a degree in Shariah Law from the University of Madina and later specialize in Islamic jurisprudence in Gujarat in India. He has delivered several lectures across the globe. In video message, Menk has confirmed his arrival and sympathized with Sierra Leoneans on the current disaster in the country. He prayed for peace and mercy for Sierra Leone.
The renowned scholar would land in Sierra Leone on Thursday 21 of September, 2017 and has his first lecture on Friday 22nd of September, 2017 at the National Stadium. He would then move to the Freetown Central Mosque at Rokupa on the 23rd of September, 2017.
Giving a declaration statement, Abdul Lathief Kargbo who is the Director of FOISIL said ‘Mufti Ishmail Menk is a leading Global Islamic Scholar. He is active in the International Arena and a strong propagator of Peace and Justice, Human Rights, speaking against all forms of terrorism. His series of lectures have earned him the highest respect and honour in the world’. Abdul Lathief added that Menk’s numerous lectures have positively impacted Sierra Leoneans and therefore call the people to welcome the scholar to Sierra Leone. Lathief also commented on the importance of honouring as he quotes Sahid Bukhari 1142 one of the Islamic books appreciated by muslims and it reads “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day; let him honour his guest”. Lathief called on Sierra Leoneans especially the Muslim community to put hands on deck to support the propagation of Islam.
Abdul Lathief also revealed that His Excellency, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma is accordingly informed about Mufti’s arrival and that the government will receive him in good faith.
Speaking at the event, one of Sierra Leone’s most popular preachers, Sheikh Farouk Adam Bah said calling people to Islam has a great reward to Allah (God). Farouk Adam Bah Said the holy prophet of Islam did call on the people to Islam on to the point of death. The Sheikh therefore said the calling of people to Islam is the symbol of Muslims. He said there are different forms to help in calling the people to Islam; it could be through one’s money, strength, talent, opportunities and a lot more. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to use any of these attributes to propagate Islam.
Other participants include Imams, Islamic scholars, and chiefs among others, expressed gratitude upon receiving the message. They call on Sierra Leoneans to receive Mufti Ishmail Menk at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi on the 21 of September, 2017.
