Chief Imam Seeks Peace Amidst Eid-ul-Adha Dispute

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, is calling for calm and unity. He wants peace in the Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWAJ) community. This follows disturbances during this year's Eid-ul-Adha in Accra. A statement was issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The leader expressed worry about the confusion. It happened in parts of the Muslim community during the Eid festivities. He described the events as unfortunate. They were contrary to the sacred spirit of the occasion.

The statement came from his Personal Assistant, Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo. Disagreements are the cause of the dispute. These are long-standing issues. They involve leadership legitimacy. Constitutional interpretation is another issue. Financial accountability within ASWAJ also caused problems. Tensions increased on Eid day. This was about who could lead the main prayer. Two Deputy National Imams were in question. The prayer was at Parliament House in Accra. The Chief Imam found this incident ironic. Eid-ul-Adha is for worship and strengthening bonds.

Ghana is known for its religious tolerance. This national respect for different faiths is important. The Chief Imam stressed maintaining good relations among Muslims. Ghana's reputation for interfaith harmony is a model. It should inspire unity within the Muslim community. The Grand Imam stated that inter-faith peace should lead to intra-faith harmony. This should be a celebrated norm.

Sheikh Sharubutu urged the youth to respect leadership. He asked them to avoid actions that divide the Muslim Ummah. Islam supports constructive criticism. Accountability is encouraged. However, these must be done respectfully. Criticism should be within limits of decency. Rationality and humility are also important. So is legality. The statement highlighted that vulgar language is incompatible. Personal attacks are also unacceptable.

The respected cleric asked leaders to be patient. He encouraged them to show tolerance and forgiveness. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the impasse. Disagreements are normal in any group. True leadership is about finding solutions. Peace and lasting solutions are key. The statement noted that ASWAJ's failure is not about conflicts. It is about the impossibility of solving them.

To help reconciliation, the Chief Imam is ready to assist. He will support efforts for a settlement. These efforts can use religious or secular means. However, the responsibility for peace rests on all members. This includes all stakeholders in the ASWAJ community. The Holy Quran guides Muslims. Brotherhood, unity, and respect are paramount. Quran 49:10 states believers are brothers. It urges reconciliation between them. It also calls for fearing Allah for mercy.