A cross section of Sierra Leonean Muslims in the tri
states of Washington Virginia and Maryland have on August 8, 2014 immediately
after the (14.00hrs) “Juma” Friday prayers joined hands with some erudite
Christian cleric and prayed to Papa - God/Allah for the instantaneous
fulfilment of the wish of Sierra Leoneans to see the end of Ebola virus in
Sierra Leone.
Addressing members of the Muslim and Christian Faith at
the Ebilleh Jamaat in Hyattsville Maryland USA, Alhaji Teslim Alghali, Acting
Imam of the Ebilleh Jamaat described Ebola as a deadly disease and an enemy
which is consuming our people for no just course. Illness like Ebola is part of
a test from Allah that must be passed with patience (As-sabra), Courage
(A-Jira) and hope (A - Raja). Allah is indeed merciful to all.
He thanked Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens for his time
and dedication to the course of Sierra Leoneans by attending important
functions like this.
“Today, we join our hearts in prayers to the Almighty
Allah for our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers and our brothers and
sisters who are either dead or living with the Ebola virus.” Said Alhaji Teslim
Alghali.
The Acting Imam said the sanctity of life is given huge
weight in Islam and quoted Sura Maida verse 32 and I quote: “And who so
ever saves the life of one person is as if he saved the life of all mankind.”
According to him, “the true believers have to perform lofty deeds in life and
discharge heavy responsibilities of state. “It is imperative therefore that
they should have robust physique, intellect and sound mind, firm will, high
morale and a life full of spirit, enthusiasm and sublime passion, and these are
all what Ebola is taking away”.
Today, we- together with our Christian brothers and
sisters believe that “any health intervention should always acknowledge the
importance of spiritual fulfilment and a healthy soul in completing a healthy
mind and body. And most important for the world we live in today and as the
Holy Prophet (SAW) himself showed through his example, we need to work with
people of other faiths as we are doing with Rev. Gloria Cline –Smythe towards
our common goal of improving health.
We continue to pray for the Government and People of
Sierra Leone, the United Nations Agencies and other development partners as
they collaborate to curb the scourge of Ebola and promote universal access and
Rights. Sura Yasin and Sura Mulk were recited by the Jamaat.
In his reaction, Ambassador Bockari kortu Stevens thanked
the Ebilleh Jamaat for the organization of such event and praised the
authorities for working closely with their Christian Counterparts at a time
like this. “It shows the unique of religious tolerance we Sierra Leoneans
have.”
He said Ebola has been described as an “International
Health Emergency” by World Health experts and it requires a coordinated
approach.
He made reference to a meeting he (Amr. Stevens) attended
together with Dr. Matthew Samurai Kamara Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister where
it was clearly stated that the possibility of further international Spread is
likely.
The disease is beyond the capacity of the three
Countries, we need greater International awareness.
In as much as we are getting International support, there
is need for you the diaspora to add your own input.
He said Sierra Leone estimated the cost of its emergency
measures at about $25 Million, but only have $7Million.
The government has contacted the United Nations and its
partners to help meet the budget deficit.
The last time I was in Sierra Leone two weeks ago, I took
some money from donors and five boxes of Emergency and essential kits. As I
speak, we are about to take two forty feet Containers to Sierra Leone filled
with emergency kits donated by philanthropists, so I take this opportunity to
appeal to you for Gloves, Facial Masks, goggles, Isolation gowns, Bio hazard
trash Bags, Sanitizers, Bleach Wipes Chlorine etc.
Earlier, acting secretary General of Ebilleh Jamaat
Alfa Saidu Yansanneh welcomed guests including Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura, United
Nations Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, Rev,
Ken Toure, Rev.Philip Robinson and other distinguished personalities.
The delegation was received by Alhaji Dinnie
Davies.
Pasco Gerald Temple
Information Attache
Embassy of Sierra Leone to the United States
Information Attache
Embassy of Sierra Leone to the United States
1701 19th St. NW
Washington, DC
20009
Tel:+202 4466958
Tel:+202 4466958
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