Alhaji Maulvi Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, has issued a strong call for religious restraint. He urged Muslims and all Ghanaians to avoid responding to religious provocation with insults or violence. This significant appeal follows a series of recent events that have heightened public discussion on religious tolerance.
The Ameer's warning comes after an imam allegedly called for violence against those insulting Prophet Mohammed. This was followed by the arrest of a pastor over alleged derogatory comments about the Prophet. The controversy escalated when a Muslim man was filmed slapping the handcuffed pastor at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra. This incident raised serious concerns about civilian access to suspects in police custody.
These events fit into a broader Ghanaian context where religious harmony is a cornerstone of national identity. Ghana has historically prided itself on peaceful coexistence between its diverse religious communities. The recent incidents, however, threaten this delicate balance, prompting interventions from religious leaders, police, and the Interior Ministry. Social media platforms have become significant conduits for rapidly circulating provocative religious statements and counter-reactions, intensifying real-world confrontations.
Speaking at the Majlis Ansarullah (Elders) gathering at Nasrat Jahan in Wa, Alhaji Bin Salih stressed that violence cannot defend Prophet Mohammed. He stated, “You cannot defend the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Even the Almighty God who sent him watched on when the Holy Prophet was insulted, vilified in his own lifetime.” The Ameer urged Muslims to learn from the Prophet's conduct, emphasizing forgiveness over retaliation.
Alhaji Bin Salih cited the Prophet's experience at Ta'if, where he was reportedly stoned. The Prophet rejected an angel's offer to punish his tormentors, demonstrating profound restraint. He also referenced the Conquest of Makkah, where the Prophet forgave those who had persecuted him and his followers. The message was clear: “No blame on you today. Those of you who think we will retaliate for atrocities you carried out against us, forget it. Nothing like that will happen. You are free.”
The Ameer questioned why religious differences should now become a source of confrontation in Ghana. He noted that Ghanaian families and communities often include both Muslims and Christians living together peacefully. “In Ghana we live communally. There is no family in Ghana you will not find a Muslim and also a Christian. No family,” he explained. This long-standing coexistence, he argued, should not be jeopardized by recent tensions.
A subsequent meeting between religious leaders and the police brought together the imam, the pastor, and the man accused of assault. They were later seen embracing, a gesture interpreted as a call for forgiveness and peaceful coexistence. However, Alhaji Bin Salih emphasized that protecting Ghana's peace is a responsibility extending beyond leaders to every citizen. He urged Ahmadi Muslim elders to lead by example, passing messages of tolerance to younger generations.
The Ameer concluded by stating, “We must know that we have a mission for this country. The future of this country is in our hands. If the country fails, we sitting down here are the ones who have failed the country.” His words underscore the critical importance of maintaining social cohesion for Ghana's stability and progress. The nation's economic development relies heavily on a peaceful and united populace, making religious harmony a vital national asset to protect.