Sheik Ibrahim Sesay, a member of FoRB, said that there should be no compulsion in religion as justified by the Holy Quran citing surah 18 verse 256 “there is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in taghut and believes in Allah, he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-hearer, All-knower”. He said Allah who knows and is a witness to all things knows about religious difference. Therefore, people must not be fighting each other over religion. He said Islam is a peaceful religion and so its followers should practice the same because no one knows who to guide or has the power to guide anyone except Allah, citing Surah 28 verses 56. He gave several instances in the Holy Quran that preach peace and the peaceful relationship that exist between Christians and Muslims, making reference to Surah 6 verse 82.
One of the participants, Isata Moses, said based on the exposition from the two Holy books, there was no need to disrespect another person’s religion; fight, disturb, or force people to join one’s religion. “The knowledge I have acquired from this workshop has given me a change of mindset of how I perceive another persons’ religion.” She vowed to be an ambassador to sensitize others in her community.
Bishop Arnold Temple, CCSL’s Ecumenical Desk Officer, explained that Muslims and Christians have the same spiritual descendant (Abraham). He said, “We are different in doctrines and interpretation of who God is, but that does not change who God is because He is infinite; He goes beyond human experience”.
Kambia Chief Imam, Sheik Nabil Dumbuya, who has a twelve-year teaching experience in religious studies said the peace building programme was a step in the right direction given the background that Kambia previously suffered from religious conflicts. He promised including the Freedom of Religion or Belief messages in his future lectures on platforms at his disposal.
The District Coordinator for Peace, Dr. Nabieu Yayah Yillah said, the message of Freedom of Religion or Belief is timely because Kambia has learned from the mistake of fighting over religion in the past. Dr. Yillah said that “Region goes with responsibility; everyone has the responsibility to respect another’s religion”.
Ahmed Tejan Sandy from the Office of National Security (ONS), said ONS is responsible for identifying possible threats and interventions. He said ONS works with the Inter Religious Council and the CCSL because they play a pivotal role in preaching peace in society.” He assured all that Kambia is a peaceful community and they would maintain peace to ensure development.
The occasion was climaxed by a football competition. At the final game between All Stars and Great Scarcies, CCSL President, the Rev. Henry Samuels said football is a channel that connects people and promotes peace. He said he was pleased with the attitude with which the Kambia people received the message of Freedom of Religion or Belief. He encouraged the people of Kambia to remain peaceful and respect each other’s religion.