Poverty and ignorance the bane of Muslims

Tamale, Sept 17, GNA- A study carried out by the Centre for Islamic Development and Propagation (CIDP), an indigenous non-governmental organisation in Tamale, has singled out ignorance and poverty as the common enemy facing Muslims.

The survey carried out by the CIDP in 21 communities in the East Gonja, West Gonja, Tolon/Kumbungu, Savelugu/Nanton and Yendi Districts of the Northern Region, indicated that 80 per cent of Muslims lived in abject poverty while 85 per cent had no sound foundation in Islamic studies.

The research findings was issued to the Ghana News Agency in a press statement issued by the Zonal Director, of the CIDP, Mr Amadu Sulemana in Tamale.

The statement urged Muslims to explore ways of improving their standards of living.

It advised Muslims to forge unity and discourage public perceptions that Islam was a violent religion.

The statement said Islam could only grow if Muslims were united and development-oriented.

The CIDP appealed to Muslim scholars to establish good relationship with their neighbours to promote unity and love.