‘Conduct clean campaigns’
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has urged presidential and parliamentary candidates to avoid any acts that will jeopardise the prevailing peace in the country in the run-up to the December 7 general election.
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He specifically asked political leaders to conduct clean campaigns devoid of insults.
The Administrator of the Office of the National Chief Imam, Mallam Musah Abubakar, was sharing the Eid-ul-Adha message on behalf of the National Chief Imam.
Eid-ul-Adha is a Muslim celebration that honours the Prophet Ibrahim for his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to Allah.
It also marks the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
The occasion of the Eid is a test of the faith and obedience of Muslims to the command of Allah. Those who can afford are required to buy and sacrifice animals.
No Insults
Sheikh Sharubutu said if political leaders engaged in hurling insults at one another, it would be difficult for them to control their followers.
Therefore, the National Chief Imam asked politicians to concentrate on selling their messages to the electorate.
"The campaigning should be clean, do not hurl insults at one another. You can make promises without insults," he said.
Sheikh Sharubutu urged Ghanaians to remain calm and maintain the peace in the country.
He asked the people not to allow political affiliations, ethnic or religious differences to create a wedge between them.
He said with unity, Ghanaians would propel the country's socio-economic development.
Sheikh Sharubutu said Allah had blessed Ghana with peace, which had enhanced the country's democratic credentials.
Therefore, he said, any act that would create confusion and destabilise the country before, during and after the elections would be a demonstration of ingratitude to Allah.
Youth/EC/media
Sheikh Sharubutu urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used by selfish politicians to engage in violence in the run-up to the elections.
Rather, he said, the youth should conduct themselves peacefully since any disturbance would jeorpardise their future.
The National Chief Imam asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to be transparent in the conduct of the elections.
He employed the media to be circumspect in their reportage.
Eid-ul-Adha
Sheikh Sharubutu said the spirit of devotion, selflessness, unity and tolerance that characterised the Eid-ul-Adha festivity, started by Prophet Abraham and amplified by Prophet Muhammed more than 1,400 years ago, was still relevant today.
He asked Ghanaians to join Muslims in the celebrations and let the virtues resonate in their activities.