–Scheduled To Open Fish Market’s Mosque On Friday
The Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe and popular Islamic preacher, Dr. Ismail ibn Musa Menk, commonly known as Mufti Menk, along with Sheikh Wael Ibrahim and Dr. Muhammad Salah, are in Liberia on a two-day preaching and prayer mission. They came on the invitation of the Muslim community of Liberia on Wednesday, October 6, 2024, and are expected to officially open the Liberia Islamic Unity Foundation Mosque, Fish Market, on Friday, November 8, 2024.
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, which coincided with Thanksgiving Day, Mufti Menk and his entourage were hosted at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS), Lynch and UN Drive, where they offered prayers for the country, the government and its citizenry, and spread messages of peace, unity, love and hope.
Speaking to the tens of thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims who graced the occasion, Mufti Menk prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy upon Liberians, and prophesied that a bright future is in their way.
“The greatest of the prophets, Muhammad (may peace be upon him) came to us and told us to worship Allah (God) alone; he told us to respect one another; he told us to be kind. He told us that all of mankind was created from dust, and so we are all brothers and sisters. He told us to protect, respect and honor one another. These are the teachings of Islam,” Mufti Menk observed.
The Mufti emphasized the beauty of sharing and the blessings that come with it. The preacher entreated Muslims to be charitable to others who cannot afford the necessities of life, be it food, clothes or shelter. He urged the congregation to cultivate the attitude of praying not only for themselves, but for others too.
“Some people would say, ‘How do we become charitable when we ourselves do not have money or lot of sustenance?’ Allah Almighty teaches us that your attitude and your character and conduct become charitable when it is pleasant. When you smile, when you talk to people; and when you’re happy when you look at people—it is charity. Remember to treat people with respect.
“If you have a little to share, share in order to be rewarded with Jannatul Firdaus (heaven’s garden). Now, are we ready to share the little we have? Are we ready to share our food, our drinks and clothes in the cause of Allah?” Mufti Menk mesmerized the congregation.
The outspoken orator warned Liberians not to fight against each other. He said if there are disputes, Liberians should be able to intervene and solve the problems. He urged Liberians not to be instigators of violence but protectors of peace.
“Some of you have problems and difficulties in your lives…we pray for you today. Today is a day of prayer; you must pray for the nation. May Allah protect Liberia; protect all the tribes and people of Liberia; guide you and accord you unity and strength,” he prayed.
Mufti Menk, who is also the head of the Fatwa Department for the Council of Islamic Scholars of Zimbabwe, affirmed that there are many development initiatives in the country as compared to his previous visit some years back. He said he observed new roads, buildings and sports facilities, and urged Liberians to praise Allah for the peace they enjoy. “Don’t allow anyone to take away your peace; don’t allow anyone to make you fight each other. We have already learned so many lessons in history. Don’t allow the dark history to repeat itself; rather, unite for a brighter future,” he added.
The occasion was graced by the leaders of the Muslim faith in Liberia, including the National Muslim Council of Liberia, the Mufti of the Fatwa Council of Liberia, Sheikh Abubakar Sumaworo; the Grand Mufti of the Republic of Liberia, Sheikh Usman James Sesay, the Imam of the United Da’wa Ummah Mosque, Alhaj Mustapha Balde, as well as the Muslim community of Liberia. The ATS was fill to its capacity.
After the ATS occasion, the delegation headed to the United Da’wa Ummah Mosque, 17th Street, where they continued to spread the Word of Allah and the importance of fostering peace, unity, love and hope.
Meanwhile, Mufti Menk and the other clerics are expected to grace and lead the official opening of the newly built Liberia Islamic Unity Foundation Mosque, Fish Market, and continue their supplication for the country and its citizens.
After the official opening and dedication ceremony of the mosque, Mufti Menk, Sheikh Wael Ibrahim and Muhammad Salah will have their final preaching session at the EJS Ministerial Complex Theatre, Congo Town, at about 3:30 p.m.