Declaring the workshop open, the Head of DawahMunazamat Al-DawahIslamiaAlhaji Saied Alpha Bangura expressed his gratitude to Imams for their great sacrifice in guiding the community and reiterated that Allah is proud of those who sacrifice the world and go in search of Islamic Knowledge to benefit the people.
AlhajiBangura cited a hadith from Al-Bukhari which reads “Each of you is a guardian and is responsible for those whom he is in charge of. So the ruler is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects; a man is the guardian of his family and is responsible for those under his care; a woman is a guardian of her husband’s home and is responsible for those under her care; a servant is the guardian of his master’s wealth and is responsible for that which he is entrusted with; and a man is the guardian of his father’s wealth and is responsible for what is under his care”. So each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for what he is entrusted with.”
AlhajiBangura stressed that if everyone from this Ummah knew his own position and worth, and realized the responsibility upon him and do not seek to overstep it and take on the responsibilities of others and he carried out the obligations which is placed upon him, then that would be a comprehensive and universal good and a very great treasure which safety and security would become widespread. He stressed that scholars are the successors of the Holy Prophet Mohamed (SAW) and encouraged them to be professionals and stand firm to advice and work with the people and encourage them to be God fearing if they carry their responsibility their reward will give them greater success
In his remarks Dr. Ibrahim SalieuKamara who gave a lecture on Dawah Methodology emphasized that there are principles of Dawah and one best principle is the willingness to listen to other people as everyone statement is important and one should learn to listen to others. He stressed that a Muslim must first display his religious call through his own good actions and beautiful manners as they must first implement the laws as People are influenced by actions and behaviors more than they are influenced by mere words and statements.“ O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? [61:02]
Dr. Kamara stressed that every caller to Islam must maintain moderation in calling to Allah and His religionas Da’wah must be based on a methodology which is apparent, fair and moderate; “we must maintain a moderate methodology in passing judgments on situations, people, ideologies, intentions, intended objectives, societies, scholars, preachers and people” he warned.If you do not understand the circumstances in which people are implementing their work don’t pass a judgment and encourage them to concentrate in giving their Friday jumah sermon a topic so that it will not be bored.
In his lecture the role of Imams in the maintenance of the Mosque Sheikh MaroofKalokohsaid that Imams should exercise their utmost effort to look after these mosques and provide all the necessary services related to maintenance and furnishing, as it is important to attain the reward expressed in the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: “Who built a mosque seeking Allah’s sake, Allah would build a similar one for him in Paradise”.
Sheikh Kalokoh described the mosque as a place built for prayers, school, and hospital and to arrange the affairs of the community and settling disputes. He cautioned Imams to encourage their worshippers and not to drive helpers of Allah in the Mosque as even the cleaners are playing a pivotal role in the Mosque.
Delivering his lecture on the Quality and role of Imams Sheikh Abdallah M. Kamara stressed that the Imam must be a role model in the community and should serve as a mirror that shape the behavior of society; He called on the Imams to be soft hearted, lenient, gentle, straight forward and not hot-tempered to the people they are serving in their communities.
Earlier the National President of the organization Alhaji Abdullah Sesay gave a brief overview of the organization which was borne out of the need to promote Islam and work in collaboration with other Islamic Institution like the United Council of Imams to strengthen Imams in the country more especially Imams of the smaller Mosque.
