What the Koran Say
Why Are Muslims Fighting Each Another?
By Mohamed Asmieu Bah
May 8, 2008, 05:45

No doubt Prophet Muhammad will be weeping in his grave when he comes to the realization about the manner in which Muslims have been tearing one another apart. Wherever one looks one can either sees or hears Muslims fighting or throwing dust in one another’s eyes. From the Middle East to Africa, Shiites fight Sunnis vis- a-viz all in the name of Islam. What is however sad is when one sees Muslim pundits fighting their colleagues for Imamate or other Islamic titles. Interestingly, Sierra Leone is not left out in this quagmire as she too has joined the line of fighters for Muslim positions.

Quite recently, after the Daawah conference organized by Muslims in the Diaspora at the Milton Margai campus, honorary titles were given to academics and politicians. An African- American scholar, Dr. Hakim Quick was bestowed with the title of Hydara Kontofili. The Minister of Mines was honored as Sheik and Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh was titled ‘QUADIR’ or Muslim Judge.

Less than 24 hours of this development, the United Council of Imams issued out a press release denouncing Dr. Jalloh’s appointment. The release referred to the process as “corruption” and something that could lead to state crime.

The press release created cracks in the Muslim community. Instead of seeing themselves as brothers and sisters of the same religion, they now see themselves as foes.

However, what is disturbing is the fact that some of the Muslim believers seeing their Islamic religious leaders fighting for positions is sending the wrong signal or mixed feelings. These religious leaders were supposed to be the touch bearers of the religion and the society; therefore must serve as models of examples and not seen fighting each other. Many people have opined that if these people that are supposed to guide us allowed their egos to override their reasoning, and then the essence of preaching and converting people is therefore considered irrelevant. “If our religious leaders are only working for Allah’s heaven I don’t think they will fight for positions. Haven’t we heard of cases where mosques have been closed down because Imams are fighting each other for control of these establishments? Definitely, if their aims weren’t to amassing wealth or fame, they would not have fought or undermine each other against the teachings of Islam.

Sometimes the religious leaders condemn politicians for not living up to expectations. Ironically, they are doing worse than those they are criticizing. When politicians fight for power, sometimes it is understandable, unlike leaders of religious bodies and organization whose behaviours has baffled the entire Islamic world. Another press release written by the United Council of Imams states that error was made in the previous release. In its follow up, the second release claimed that no mufti installed. This baffles the more, followed by question as to how can such a reputable organization like the Council of Imams could misinform the whole public, including Muslims. In the first place, many Muslims including this writer are pondering as to why these bodies should issue out press releases without conducting proper investigation.

Well one is not too surprised. Muslims are always divided even on Hajj matters. This is an open secret which many Muslims are happy about. Instead of fighting for positions, this writer thinks that Muslims must save their fellow Muslims brothers and sisters in various forms poverty, education and through the preaching of the message from Allah such as, what Islam truly means to the people and the world. In the areas of corruption, Muslim clergies accused the government of misappropriating tax payers’ monies.

Ironically, they too have failed on numerous occasions to account for lots of monies received from Islamic and humanitarian missions abroad, meant for development and other humanitarian purposes such as taking care of the orphans. Many of the Islamic clergies use Islam as a front to achieve their selfishly ambition. Those persons appointed as Quadri should not see themselves as the best or master rather than servants of Allah and the people.