Sallah Bash Stopped In Takoradi

Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu

Some Muslim clerics in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis stopped the Muslim youth in the area from organizing a bash dubbed “Sallafest” last Saturday.

The move was to prevent the young muslims from indulging in immoral acts after the prayers to mark the end of their 30-day fasting also called Eid-ul-Fitr.

It would be recalled that last year, a teenager was shot dead at the Total Filling Station near the Manhyia roundabout in Kumasi.

The victim, Osman Abdul Karim, was part of revellers who had trooped to the filling station near the Manhyia roundabout to have fun as part of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

According to the clerics, Sallafest was an event that had been created to sway the young ones from the right moral attitude Islam had placed on them.

“So we need to come together as a people to ensure the celebration does not gain roots in our areas”, they pointed out.

A broadcaster, Saeed Hamid Jallo, who confirmed the story, noted that the Muslim leaders heard that MTN was organizing the event so they quickly went to the offices of the telecommunication company.

Saeed Jallo added that MTN explained that they were not the organizers of the event but they were rather sponsoring it. They then called the organizers to a meeting.

The organizers, led by one Sadat, explained that they were organizing a musical event to celebrate the Eid in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.

Saeed mentioned that the Western Regional Mamprusi Chief, Alhaji Shuaibu Issah, who was among the leaders cautioned the event planners not to organize any Eid-ul-Fitr related event.

“He made it clear that they cannot stop them from holding their dance, but they should not use Sallafest or connect the event to any Muslim”, he added.

He indicated that MTN withdrew their sponsorship subsequently.

Saeed commended the Muslim leaders for exhibiting positive leadership qualities.

“If our chiefs in other jurisdictions are ready to do this the organization of activities that bring about immoral behaviour during our holiest periods will be a thing of the past”.

He continued, “Elsewhere, we see the Muslim chiefs gracing the launch of such programmes with hiplife musicians and other artistes in attendance.

“For us to undertake a 29 or 30-day spiritual exercise and end it with a salla dance will be very unfortunate”.

At the closing of his Tafseer, the Deputy Western Regional Imam of the Ahlussunna Wal Jamaa, Sheikh Abdul Kaeim Yusuf, cautioned parents against allowing their children to participate in such ungodly programmes.