By Maltiti Sayida Sadick
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show about the influx of beggars on the streets from neighboring countries, mostly seen to be Muslims and fueling a misconception that Islam promotes begging, Sheikh Mustapha Abdul Latif Saani an Islamic cleric, a Professional Internal Auditor and an Officer in the Chief Imam’s Office said the Leaders of the Muslim Community, Chiefs and the bodies in charge of Immigration and enforcing Assembly By-Laws which say begging is a crime.
He said in the Holy Quran Allah says he will not change the condition of a person, as man must take the first step to do it for themselves, and also one must work to live in comfort and so physical challenges should not bar people from seeking jobs that they can do, to make money for a livelihood. He added that most interpretations of verses in the Holy Quran are done with the implementers’ biases or self-interest paramount instead of the practicing it as Allah has ordained, Sheikh Mustafa said ‘Allah saying one should give birth and fill the earth does not mean one should have children more than they can cater for, and end up shirking their parental responsibilities as is seen in recent times.
A Lecturer at the University of Applied Management, Dr. Mohammed Marzuq who was at the Table as well took a bite at misconceptions and misinterpretations of Quranic verses by Muslims and Non-Muslims as an exhibition of ignorance and sociological factors. He entreated Ghanaians to do deep research and seek knowledge to understand the faith of others in order to practice Islam well or understand the practices by people of that faith.
Both guests also called for better parental responsibilities and leadership in Muslim dominated Communities,
They asked that Government create opportunities for Muslims across Ghana, especially in areas popularly called, the Zongos’, to prevent Muslims from engaging in miscreant activities due to unemployment, and wrong socialization.
According to the Panelists, poverty and ignorance fuels formation of gangs and criminal activities in these Communities.
