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Current Feed ContentIndependence Drive Mosque at 154
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 The Elders of the independence drive Mosque in Banjul, led by Alhagi Makumba Jaye, chairman and head Imam of the Mosque, under the permanent distinguished chief patronage of his Excellency Alhagi Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, president of the Republic of The Gambia, held their annual Gamo on the 6th of June 2008, according to a report from the committee of that Mosque. The guest speaker of the occasion was Alhagi Abdul Aziz Sy jnr, spokesperson of the Khalifa General of the Tijanniya Serign Mansour Sy and family of Alhagi Malick Sy of Twaoune. And, the report went on, in the first of its kind, high profile figures from key Christian denominations in the persons of Bishop Solomon Tilewa Johnson and father Edu Gomez, the latter being the representative of Bishop Elison, were at hand to grace the occasion. According to the report, on arrival in Banjul, on the 5th of Friday, June 2008, the guests from Twaoune performed prayers at the State House Mosque, which was followed by recitations of the Holy Qur’an, at the independence drive Mosque. Prayers were also offered for the people of the Gambia as well as for President Jammeh and his family and for the entire world. The report further stated that the Gamo, which started at 10:30pm, lasted until 5:00am with preaching by Tamsir Gai, who headed a delegation from Thies in Senegal. The topic of discussion was how peace could be shared amongst the people of this world, with reference to Prophet Mouhammad (SAWs) who is said to have been given this peace to spread to his people. Islam, the report declared, is a religion of peace not of terrorism; and that it calls on other religions to live in peace and understanding. Quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an, the report said: “If there is peace, Islam wants us to be in good terms with the other religions, if they are not out to destroy us. (Stated in Sura Muntahave) (60th Sura) v.8-9. The relationship between Muslims and Christians was also discussed at the Gamo, with emphasis on the respect the religion of Islam has for Christianity as well as common attributes of the two religions. The distinguished scholars argued that this is manifested by the mentioning of Mariam (Mary) and prophet Essa (Jesus), in the Holy Qur’an. At the home front, the scholars sought to remind participants that the Christian and Muslim communities in Banjul were related by blood, and that government had given each religion the freedom to practice. They took the opportunity to convey profound gratitude to the Gambian leader, who they said gave them his moral and financial support, by offering a bull and an amount of money for the occasion. Imam Alhagi Tafsir Gaye, special speaker and coordinator of the occasion, congratulated president Jammeh on his 43rd birthday, observing that Jammeh corresponds to 43 in the Arabic calculation, with Geem meaning (3), and Meem meaning (40), which equals to 43 years. “We are praying that president Jammeh will live for many years as head of state of the Gambia.” Imam Jay extended a special gratitude to their Christian brothers, saying that it was the first time that distinguished personalities of their caliber graced an occasion of that kind and spend the whole night. “May we have peace and harmony,” the Imam concluded. Author: DO Kerewan must be commendedMonday, June 09, 2008 Editor, Kindly allow me a space in your widely read newspaper to air out my views on the recently ended annual Qur’anic recitation and Gamo at Baddibu Kerewan. I am a citizen of Kerewan who has been closely following the town’s activities from afar. For many years Qur’anic recitation and Gamo is organised annually in the town. Previously, it used to be based on clans and held on different dates. As a result, that led to some sort of duplication, because of the fact that Kerewan is also one of The Gambia’s big villages, where everyone is related one way or the other. People make repeated journeys from far and wide to attend one clan’s Gamo or stay in village over a period of time for other clans’ Gamo. Thank God, eventually the think tanks of the village sat down and came up with the laudable idea of a joint-organisation of this holy event. Haven followed the events of the last Gamo and that of this year. I am greatly moved by the spirit of unity, collaboration and togetherness in the whole events. Thus, I found it necessary to extend my heartfelt congratulations and commendation to the initiators of this sound idea and to all those involved. There is no doubt that the economic and social implications of this move are cost effective and positive. So many good people descends on the town during this holy occasion and that apart, it also serves as a magnet in reuniting residents, families, friends and well-wishers of mother Kerewan. They pray together for all and sundry. Therefore, on behalf of all citizens of Kerewan based in the UK and on my own humble behalf, I wish to send our congratulations to Kerewan for the understanding. Keep up the spirit and may God continues to guide and protect us all. May He accept our prayers and showers His blessings on our beloved Gambia. Alh. Yahya Ceesay London, UK Author: DO Oustass arrested for ‘rape’Wednesday, June 04, 2008 Musa Jabbi, an ‘Oustass’ at Brufut Village is being held under detention at Banjul Police Station, following his arrest in connection with a ‘rape incident’ involving an 18-old girl. Sources informed the Daily Observer that Mr Jabbi was arrested on Sunday at around morning by the police in Tallinding, after attending a ‘Gamo’ held in Tallinding. Some elders at the Gamo were said to have appealed to the police to allow Oustass Jabbi to attend the Gamo as he was scheduled to recite some religious songs (Zikarr). However, ASP Sulayman Secka, the public relations officer of the Gambia Police Force, said the suspect had informed them that the girl consented to have sex with him. On the contrary, ASP Secka told the Daily Observer that the girl had informed the police that the oustass forcefully shut her mouth to prevent her from crying out for help. Author: by Assan Sallah Chamen Kerr Bai Dam (ckbd) 21st. annual gamoWednesday, May 28, 2008 A respectable crowd gathered at The night was a good and great night of prayers, partaking in a galaxy of African traditional dishes, singing praises to Allah and remembering the customs and traditions of the life and times of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and Islamic preaching on the teachings of the Holy Quaran. Also on revelation were the distinguished characteristics that make-up the lives and times of BAI NYASSE (CHEIKH AL ISLAM). The speakers The speak were varied and transcends borders in the distinguished personalities of Mr. Ousman Cham the (MC) Master of Ceremony, Serign Baboucarr Cham was the Grand speaker on the night, Bai Ebra Nyasse, Ousman Nyasse, Bai Nyasse (Name Shake) all spoke on the night. The night is one that I will remember for a long time to come as it is a manifestation of Senegambian solidarity, unity in Islam and oneness of heart and purpose in the youth folk of Chamen Kerr Bai Dam. Greetings The Gamo finally came to a close at Dawn and we had Dawn Prayers together and the crowd disappeared into their respective destinations thereafter and we hope to see them again next year in greater numbers and abilities. They prayed for all, for the Author: Kemo Cham Kerr Mama observes GamoTuesday, May 20, 2008 The Jallow family of Kerr Mama, headed by Mustapha Jallow, deputy Imam and a Mosque committee member at the State House Mosque, on Saturday gathered at Bakoteh to commemorate their annual Gamo (night of thanks giving and prayers). The ceremony, which was punctuated with Qu’ranic recitations and songs by Various scholars and Daira groups, was held in honor of their late father, Sheikh Cherno Alhagie Mamadou Jallow. Accordingly, venerable religious personalities like Imam Fallou Joof of Pipeline Mosque and Alhagie Bun Jallow, were at hand with preachings that centered on the greatness of Islam as a religion and the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Chaired by Mr Alasan Mbye, the Gamo finally came to a close at the time of dawn prayers, but not untill the worshipers had offered prayers for the Gambia, the president and the entire people of The Gambia, for continuous peace and stability to prevail. The night long program was graced by hundreds of Muslims, including family members of the late Cherno Mamadou Jallow, friends and well wishers. Author: by Musa Ndow Chamen Kerr Bai Damo observes 21st annual GamoTuesday, May 13, 2008 A respectable crowd gathered, last Friday, at Chamen Village, Lower Niumi District, to commemorate the annual Gamo (Muslim night of thanks giving and prayers). The night long programme was preceded by the arrival of hundreds of Chamens and their respective families, friends, and well wishers around the country and Senegal. The village atmosphere was turned into a galaxy of buzz with noise, display of grand african attires, only known in bigger towns and cities, as people come from far and wider to give this august night the significance and repute it deserves. There were cows slaughtered and good food cooked for the event and we all had a good bite of the food on offer. There were great speakers on the night and they all spoke on the greatness of Islam as a religion and the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that all Muslim should emulate. Also on revelation were the good and great characteristics that make-up the lives and times of Bai Nyasse (Cheikh Al Islam), founder and leader of the Tijina Sect in Sub-Saharan Africa. All speakers on the night dwelt on his greatness as a great african scholar and man of great blessings who led an eventful life, may his soul rest in eternal bless, Amen! Mr. Baba Cham was the (MC) Master of Ceremony introducing speakers and distinguished personalities, also seized the opportunity to give an overview of the on the minor but pivotal history bits of the village, the Gamo and others, a native of chamen and works at Elton Oil. Serign Baboucarr Cham was the grand speaker on the night. I was so impressed with his following and popularity within the Jijania following her and in Senegal. Bai Ebra Nyasse, Ousman Nyasse (Name Shake) all spoke on the night. An event of such grand nature does not happen without financial commitment and that was also on the offerings. The villages did their financial contributions and local fund raising, the Chamiens in the Greater Banjul Area also did their own fund risings and contributions. Mention was made of Njame Jallow a native but resident of USA and Alh. Baba Njie a resident of Banjul as two but major contributors to the Gamo 2008. Senegambian relations This Gamo to me has great offerings as it also serves as a bridge and an interface between the Gambia and Senegal and its people who all has a common root in history. Like Bai Nyasse, the scholars (speakers) on the nights were from Senegal and they gave us a good night of listening and learning. Gambia to this day do send our daughters and sons to Senegal to acquire knowledge in Islam as is manifested in the great and good such as Omar Bun Jeng, May his soul rest in eternal bliss too, Amen! I was very impressed with our Senegalese brothers and sisters coming all the way to grace such mighty nights of knowledge with us and we exchange life experiences, goodies and greetings. Traders also come from far and wide to see to us as we also sell to them what Gambia has on offer at the village. Generally, it was a night of Islam and so too a night of cementing Sene-Gambienne relations. The Gamo finally came to a close at Dawn a few minutes before Dawn prayers and the crowd disappeared into their respective destinations after pray and hope to see again next year in greater numbers and abilities. They prayed for all, for the Gambia and its inhabitants and their sister country of Senegal and africa at large. They greeted the government of the Gambia for the enabling environment and progress in the state of the country and tranquillity. Author: by Momodou Camara 30th Kiang Nema Qu’ranic recitation observed Wednesday, May 07, 2008 The thirtieth edition of the annual Qur’anic recitation and gamo, by the people of Kiang Nema, was held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008. First held in 1978, what has become annual event has since grown popular not only within the country but it has also gained recognition in the sub-region. This year’s “Ziarrreh”, as it is preferably called, has gathered thousands of Muslims in the country and elsewhere in the sub-region; from Senegal to Guinea Bissau and beyond. The assembled pilgrims recite the Holy Qur’an for a number of rounds, amid repeated hailings of religious hymns. This year’s Qur’anic recitation which started at about 9:am in the morning, finally came to an end at six o.clock in the evening, when all the visiting delegates; men, women, boys and girls, converged at the said village Quranic recitation ground for a traditional general prayer that succeed the recitation. In his remarks during this prayer, Ba-Alieu Fadera, Imam Ratib of the village, who led the gathered Muslims in the prayers, first prayed for protection of the Islamic Ummah, the village, the delegates who attended this year’s edition, the government and people of the Gambia, as well as donors of both the village and the ziarreh. They also prayed for the authorities at the helm of the country’s affairs. Prayers were also done for neighboring countries and charity givers. Prayers were also offered to seek Allah’s blessings against the current looming food crisis that faces the world, and the Gambia in particular. The poor, the sick, the needy, the disabled and the less privileged in the society, were not left out in prayers. The gathered Muslims ended their prayers by praying for eternal peace for the departed souls of their family members, relatives, friends as well as other departed Muslims. In his annual message to Muslims, Imam Ratib Fadera of Kiang Nema, praised the Almighty Allah for answering to their prayers, noting that the event was one of the most successful ziarreh ever organized by his village since they started the initiative some three decades ago. He commended the villagers for their dedication, devotion and unshakeable commitment to the cause of Islam. He noted that the villagers and their natives in now living in other places in and outside the country, always stick to their commitment of ensuring a successful ziarreh. To the Muslims, Imam Fadera implored on them to renew their commitment in devotion to Allah, his prophet, and the Islamic Ummah. He advised them to always stick to the principles of Islam and safeguard them in all their activities. He called on them to desist from non-islamic practices such as adultery and fornication, greed, injustices, bribery and corruption, hypocrisy, amongst a host of vices that Islamic forbids. He further called on them to nurture discipline into their children, and educate them on the teachings and practices of the principles of islam, stressing that young children needed to be educated on their religion since they would represent the future leadership of the great islamic Ummah. Imam Fadera ended his words by soliciting assistance from the government, NGOs, donor agencies as well as philantropists, to come to the aid of the villagers by financing the uncompleted structure of the village central mosque, which he said had been in that dilapidated condition for more than a decade now. Interested persons can reach him on the following numbers: Tel. 9745109/9898416/9851922. The 30th Kiang Nema ziarreh culminated into a Gamo, which was held later in the night, when the pilgrims were entertained with preaching by Alhagie Kabiru Fadera, a renowned Islamic scholar, who his a native of the village, but based in Tivaoune, Senegal. His preaching centered on various aspects of Islamic teachings; the Quur’an, words of Allah and the prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW). Author: by Kemo Cham AIF hold LecturesMonday, May 05, 2008 Asbunallahu Islamic Forum in Bundung, last Thursday held a one-day lecture for Muslim brothers and sisters, at the Semega Janneh Olympic Hall in Tallinding. The long day event brought together brother Muslims from Nigeria, Sierra leone and the host country, The Gambia, on the topic: ‘striving in the cause of Allah’. The day’s occasion was punctuated by recitation of Holy Qu’ran by the various Daira groups present at the occasion. Deputising for the Interior secretary of state at the occasion, Baboucarr Mboob, commissioner of administration at the Immigration Department, described the topic for the occasion as very important. He noted that, the topic was not only limited to the Qu’ranic injunctions alone, but it also touches the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). “As muslims”, he added, “we should fulfill all our obligations,” . Commissioner Mboob reminded the gathering to obey those in authority and regard them as commanded by Allah. He challenged them to lay more efforts in the teachings of islam, in order to make the society in conformity with Allah’s commands on how the Muslim Ummah should be like. For his part, Bro-Musibau Raimi, vice chairman of the foundation, briefed the gathering about the foundation. According to him, the idea of Nigerian Muslims coming together for the purpose of supplication to Allah and his messenger, prophet Muhammad (SAW) was conceived by a Nigerian business woman in the name of Iya Idayat, in 1993. He stated that, the called was yielded to by a few people she could reach. Mr Raimi pronounced the various achievements registered by the association, among which he revealed, were the graduation of number of students from the foundation’s Qu’ranic education classes, new year calendar lectures, Maulud Nabi (Gamo), among others. Author: by Musa Ndow Special Koranic prayers for Jammeh Friday, April 04, 2008 The joint Mawlud Nabi committees of the Independence Drive and King Fahad Mosques, under the chairmanship of the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhagie Chernor Alieu Mass Kah will tomorrow, Saturday April 5th, 2008 hold a special Koranic prayers dedicated to President Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh. A dispatch send to the Daily Observer indicated that the Koranic prayers which is part of this year’s Mawlud Nabi (Gamo) celebration, will be dedicated to the Gambian leader in appreciation of his generous gesture to the committee by donating three large bulls during the eve of the Mawlud Nabi. The media release further stated that the event will take place at the independence Drive Mosque on Saturday 5th April at 10.30am to be followed with meat charity. Author: by Alhagie Jobe Jammeh supports Independence Drive Gamo Tuesday, April 01, 2008 President Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh last Saturday donated three bulls to the Independence Drive Mosque Committee, through the committee of Banjul Muslim Elders, as his contribution in observance of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), commonly known as Gamo, at a ceremony in Independence Drive Mosque, Banjul. The Messenger of Allah, Peace be Upon Him, was born on Monday 12 Rabi Al Awwal, in the year of Elephant (570 CE). His ancestry can be traced back to Prophet Ibrahim. The lineage of ‘ADNAN’ ascribed to him goes back to the prophet Ismail, the son of the Prophet Ibrahim(Peace be upon on both of them). Speaking in an interview with Daily Observer at the Independence Drive Mosque in Banjul, Alhagie AA Faal, chairman of the Committee of Banjul Muslim Elders on behalf of the committee, thanked President Jammeh for the gesture. Chairman Faal also acknowledged the contributions of Institutions and individuals such as Gamcel, Gamtel, Taf Construction, OB Conateh, among others, for making the event a successful one. He also stressed the significance of observing the day, noting that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) really deserves to be remembered in such an organised gand Islamic manner. According to him, the annual event (Gamo) is observed in Banjul for almost a century now. He noted that the committee is responsible for the affairs of muslims in Banjul as well as the Independence Drive mosque, Half-die Mosque and the King Fahad Mosque. Banjul muslim elders also appointed their own Imams and deputies and delegate responsibilties to the committee who are answerable to the Banjul Muslim elders. The event was characterised by recitation of Holy Qura’n, sermon, praises to Allah (SWT) and his Messenger Prophet Muhammed (SAW) by Dairatul Ahl. Badr Hashiheen, among others. Author: by Musa Ndow |
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