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Biblical reflections: Sunday Gospel

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:29:02 GMT

Friday, November 07, 2008

COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (ALL SOULS)

The Good News we celebrate today is that God loves us even when we are not perfect, and that the love of God does not abandon the souls of our departed brothers and sisters in the faith even when they did not measure up to the ideals of Christian perfection.

In the feast of All Saints which we had yesterday, we, the saints who are still struggling on earth (the church militant), celebrate fellowship with the saints who have already arrived in heavenly glory (the church triumphant). Today we celebrate our fellowship with the saints in purgatory, a state of temporary suffering for departed souls who are not yet fully ready for full fellowship with God in the glory of heaven (the church suffering).
All Christians believe in the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven and hell.

Purgatory is not mentioned as one of the "last things" because, strictly speaking, purgatory is a part of heaven. Purgatory is the remedial class for heaven-bound souls. Souls who go to purgatory are those who have been judged worthy of heaven, but not straightaway. They still need some purification (purgation) before they are ready for heaven because, according to Revelation 21:27, "nothing unclean shall enter it."

Some Christians have a problem with the teaching on purgatory because purgatory is not mentioned by name in the Bible. Yet the same Christians believe in the Trinity even though the "Trinity" is not mentioned by name in the Bible. We arrive at the doctrine on purgatory the same way we arrive at the doctrine on the Trinity, by making a logical inference from what God has explicitly revealed. We shall take three examples:

(1) The Parable of the Unfaithful Servant, which teaches the need for disciples to be faithful to their tasks till the coming of Christ on judgment day, concludes with these words: "That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating" (Luke 12:47-48).

(2) This shows that in the last judgment, even though the results will basically be either pass or fail, go to heaven or go to hell, there may be those who are not bad enough to be thrown into hell and not good enough to be admitted right away to heaven. These then will receive some remedial purification to make up for what is lacking in their faith and good works before being admitted to heavenly bliss. That period of interim punishment before being admitted to eternity with God is what we call purgatory.

(3) Paul compares the different ways in which Christians live their lives to different builders all building on the one foundation which is Christ. They build with different materials: gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. On judgment day what each person has built will be tested with fire. "If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:14-15). How can the soul after judgment "suffer loss" and still get saved "but only as through fire?" The answer is what we call purgatory.

(4) The Apostle John reminds us that a Christian can commit two types of sin: mortal sin which kills one’s relationship with God and venial sins which does not. "If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one – to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal; I do not say that you should pray about that.

All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal" (1 John 5:16-17). Believers who die without sin go to heaven. Believers who die in mortal sin go to hell. Where do believers who die in a state of venial sin go? The answer is purgatory, where they can make up for their imperfection before being admitted to the company of the saints in heaven.

Even though officially Catholics believe in purgatory and Protestants do not, unofficially almost everyone seems to believe in an interim state of purification before heaven. When we lose loved ones, Catholics and Protestants alike pray for the dead. We all say, "May their souls rest in peace." Wait a minute. If the souls of are in hell, why pray for them? Our prayers cannot help souls in hell.

And if they are in heaven, why pray for them? Our prayers cannot help those in heaven either. They are already in heaven. Any sort of prayer for the dead has meaning insofar as the souls of the dead are in an interim state where they have not yet reached perfect union and peace with God, and where our prayers can help them get there. That is purgatory.

In the feast of All Souls we pray for the souls of the faithful departed who are being purified in purgatory. In this we profess our belief that, just as God has not stopped loving these poor souls because of their imperfections, neither have we. For us the belief in purgatory is Good News: even though we may not in this life be perfect as our heaven father is perfect (Matthew 5:48) we can still hold fast to the hope that there are mansions for us in the kingdom of heaven.

Author: FR. PETER S. LOPEZ

Good luck, Obama!

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:51:51 GMT

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Editor,

Please, allow me some space in your reputable paper to convey my congratulatory message to the president - elect of the United States of America - Barak Obama.

Thank God, the American people are not only genuinely making their voices heard but also making justice to the hopes and aspirations to billions of people around the world.

I join the rest of the optimistic citizens of the world in wishing President elect Obama God's guidance and protection in his leadership undertaking.

It is my firm hope and prayers that Obama remains the hope that was revealed to Americans and all of us from the alpha to the omega of the campaign.

Surely his Presidency would be very positive both to America and the rest of the world. Good luck.

Alh. Yahya Ceesay

Author: DO

Kuwaiti Emir congratulates President Jammeh

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:25:01 GMT

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

President Yahya Jammeh, over the weekend, received a congratulatory message from the Emir of the state of

Kuwait

, Sabah, Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in honour of the just ended Holy Month of Ramadan. The message reads:

Your Excellency, Assalamou Alaikum Wa Rahamtullahi Wa Barakatuhu. On the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, it gives me great pleasure to address to you my sincere wishes and prayers for the Almighty Allah to grant us many more returns, with blessings and happiness for the Islamic Ummah.

I implore the Almighty to continue to grant Your Excellency, your friendly country and kind people, health, wellbeing, and continued progress and prosperity. Highest consideration.

Author: DO

Senegal Vs Gambia

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:14:25 GMT

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Editor,

My fellow Gambians, please, allow me space to put my views across in our collective efforts to raise The Gambian flag in the World Cup and African Cup of Nations in South Africa and Angola in 2010. How can it happen? Well, the answer is that it is no doubt achievable through hard work and display of confidence and enthusiasm.

Let’s put it more clearly to every Gambian that since no one could have believed that a team like Hull City could beat Arsenal in their own new Emirates Stadium and break their record, I see no reason why The Gambia Scorpions cannot beat the Teranga Lions of Senegal in the Leopold Sedat Senghore Stadium, break their record and see ourselves in the World Cup and African Cup of Nations in South Africa and Angola 2010. We are going to collect our three points from Senegal on October 11 2008 in Dakar, with the help of the Almighty Allah.

We know that a Scorpion is very confident of its single weapon, because of its accuracy and the fact that it is always effective both outside and inside its hole. To conclude, we need more prayers.

Modou Jarju
known as Colombia

Author: DO

President Jammeh’s journey on Umra

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:02:16 GMT

Monday, October 06, 2008

President Yahya Jammeh wrapped up activities marking his journey on Umra in Medina, where he had access to worship and visit the Holy sites historically glorified by Muslims the world over. Wearing Ihram, a white cloth wrapped around the bodies of pilgrims, the presidential entourage started supplications on a flight bound for Jeddah.

From the airport, the delegation rode through a 75km stretch to Mecca, where the president was installed at the Safa Guest Palace, in readiness for the commencement of the Umrah.

The president was to join tens of thousands of Muslims later that evening to circumambulate the Kaabah, which was already teeming up with people, hours leading to that ritual. A coveted place of worship reportedly built by Prophet Ebrahim and his son, Ismael, the Kaabah gloriously manifests holiness to worshippers who travel far and wide to perform the Umrah.

The First Family and delegation were escorted to formally perform the rites of the Umrah at the Holy Kaabah late Thursday evening. On arrival, President Jammeh had his security pave the way through for him and members of the First Family to kiss "Ajuratul Aswad" otherwise called the Black Stone, which lay in pebbles in its protected hole. The Prophet of Islam had reportedly kissed this Black Stone.

Then the president and the First Lady, Madam Zaineb Jammeh, and their daughter, Mariam Jammeh, with the rest of the delegation, circumambulated round the Holy Structure whose foundation, according to history, had been laid by Angels under the command of the Creator, before it was raised by Prophet Ebrahim and his son. The protected house, as it is fondly call, is part of Islam’s three holiest shrines to which Muslims set out on journeys as a religious devotion, along with the Prophet’s mosque in Medina and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Baitul Magdis in Palestine. The sacred house has been kept safe from transgression throughout history, and when Abraha had set out to demolish it, he and his soldiers were crushed by birds armed with stones.

The circumambulation of the worshippers lasted barely an hour before the delegation proceeded to perform the run between Safa and Marwa. The site bears the history of the struggle of a woman, the mother of Ismael, Hajaru, and her eventual rescue by God. Under command from his Lord, Prophet Ebrahim delivered his wife and baby at the site. The family ran out of water, compelling Hajura to run between the two hills seven times before the Zam Zam well burst beneath the feet of Ismael.

President Jammeh and members of the First Family trekked the 81,000 sq meter extension, once trekked by Hajura without the comfort and facilities available at the site presently. Its waters still flow; and the president was at the end of the formality served with jugs of the Holy Water.

Imam Abdoulie Fatty, who was with the delegation, told GRTS that every one of the formalities bear some significance in the completion of the rituals associated with Umrah. Shaving of the hair, according to the Imam, was one of last formalities the delegation had to perform to successfully complete the prayers at the Holy Land. He said that prayers at the Kaabah, the Prophet’s mosque and the Al-Aqsa Mosque were equal to one hundred thousand, one thousand and five hundred times respectively, to prayers elsewhere. The Kaabah in particular has a religious history dating back to Prophet Mohammad, who was said to have cirumambulated round the Holy Stone upon his return from Medina wearing the Ihram.

The First Family performed Friday prayers at the Haram, directly opposite the Kaaba. They were joined by Lala Azma, a sister to King Mohammad VI of Morocco, who sought to benefit from the special treatment accorded to President Jammeh. The delegation also prayed at the Haram, courtesy of the Gambian leader, and their escort back to the hotel was equally difficult.

President Jammeh met prominent personalities who were also in Mecca for the Umrah. HE Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the retired president of the United Republic of Tanzania, was one of them.

The 27th day of Ramadan, described as the Night of Power, was celebrated in Mecca, Friday evening. With hours of prayers extending to early Saturday morning, the second part led by Imam Abdouraham Sudaisi, the worshippers sought forgiveness and mercy from their Creator.

An estimated 3 million worshippers or more attended supplications in the two Holy Mosques in Medina and Mecca in the Night of Lailatul Qadr. Imam Abdoulie Fatty deliberated on the importance of the night, noting that it was equivalent to 1000 months of prayers. Members of the delegation had their tawaf at the Kaabah before departing for Jeddah to board their flight home. But this was not until they had gathered to pray for the Gambian leader who had facilitated their trip; a gesture that ensured what the delegation described as a life time experience. It was the only available reward given back to President Jammeh and his family, with profound intent and devotion, manifesting their gratitude.

The preference of prayers on the Holy Land is a testimony to the sublime blessing and glory that Mecca prides Itself on, from generations down to the last prophet of Islam. And President Jammeh, like other worshippers around the world, travelled to the Holy Land to seek blessings on a six-day trip of extensive and devoted prayers.

Author: DO

Independence Drive Mosque committee observes Lailatul Qadr

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:31:22 GMT

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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The committee of the Independence Drive Mosque, under the leadership of Alhagi Babou Sowe, last Friday joined the Muslim Ummah in the celebration of Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power).

The congregation started the commemoration with the reading of the Holy Qu’ran and prayers for the country, the Gambian leader, President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, and his cabinet.

Imam Alhagi Tafsir Gaye spoke on the topic “What Lailatul Qadr is all about, why it was given to Prophet Mouhammed and why it was celebrated”. He advised the congregation to worship Allah continuously and not just during the month of Ramadan and to avoid being evil because Islam calls for unity and oneness. According to Imam Gaye, the prophet said: “Love for one’s country is the love for Allah”.

Imam Gaye praised the youths and encourage them to work hard as future leaders of The Gambia. He also advised wealthy people to continue to help the needy and not only during Ramadan.

In his closing remarks, Imam Gaye thanked President Jammeh for his generosity to the Muslim community during this holy month.

Imam Alhagi Senghore lead the reading of the Holy Qu’ran. Amongst the speakers were Alhagi Pa Mamadi Sowe and Alhagi Sam Debois. Alhagi Malick Sisay, Alhagi Mouhammed Sisay, and Alhagi Gora Nyang attended on behalf of the elders and Daira Ahlul Badr attended with their president, Pa Ceesay. The men and women of the mosque committee also were present.

Author: DO

A brief history of Ramadan

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:35:24 GMT

Monday, September 29, 2008

For obvious reasons, most Moslems are much more familiar with the history of the five daily prayers than the history of the most sacred of months on the Moslem calendar.

Who amongst us does not know that these five daily prayers were originally fifty but subsequently reduced to only five after a series of tough negotiations by our Holy Prophet (pbuh) at the end of his seminal trip to the seventh heaven at the Sidratul Muntaha, the virtual head office of the Divine himself ?

The History of Ramadan is no less important though. For it was in Ramadan that the Holy Prophet was first informed of his prophethood; and it was in Ramadan that the holiest of scriptures, the Qu’ran, the primary source of law in Islam was first revealed to the Holy Prophet; and it was in Ramadan that the first formal military confrontation took place between the idol worshipers of Mecca and the Moslems in Medina; and, last but not the least, it is only in Ramadan that you could find the most powerful night of the Moslem year, the Night of Power, a night more important than one thousand other nights combined. All of the above make it all the more compelling for the average Moslem to understand the historical development of this most important month in Islam.

The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root Ar-ramad which means extreme heat or dryness. But over the years the word came to signify a burning desire to drink water or consume food. That is at the physical level. But at the spiritual level, it’s the process of burning away ones sins by being hungry and thirsty for the sake of God, or that observing the fast of this month with absolute faith and unpolluted intentions will confer remittance of all the earlier sins of the faithful. Fasting is also, according to some prophetic traditions, a powerful tool of defeating Satan’s schemes of tempting the believers to sin.

Before the Hegira (flight to medina) and throughout the Meccan period, there was no such thing as Ramadan. The only kind of fasting that the Holy Prophet and his Meccan companions performed during that period was the ancient form of fasting that had been enjoined upon all the prophets that had come before him namely, to fast three days in each of the twelve months of the year. Says the Qu’ran (2:183):( ….Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may learn self-restraint).

And immediately after the Hegira and settlement in Medina, the Holy Prophet added Ashura (Tamharit), the 10th day of Muharram, the equivalent of January on the Moslem calendar, to the list of days that Moslems must fast in the course of the year. The significance of this day is that it was the day the prophet, Moses (pbuh), and his people were delivered by God from their tormentors, the Egyptian pharoah and his military henchmen.

Ramadan proper, however, was formally prescribed as a pillar of Islam in the Qu’ran during the second year of Hegira, thus rendering all the other forms of fasting that preceded it optional. And like all lifestyle changing legislations in the Quran, Ramadan passed through a number of stages before it became absolutely obligatory on every able bodied Moslem adult. Most doctors of Islam agree that the monthly three days fasting done by the prophet and his companions throughout the Meccan period and in the first year of the Medinan period is considered as the introductory phase of Ramadan for the Moslems.

This initial stage, whilst not mentioned in the Qu’ran, is evidenced by prophetic practice and example. And even when fasting was first prescribed in the Qu’ran (2:183), it was obligatory upon only those who thought they were physically and mentally strong enough to do it.

Says the Quran (2:184): (……..For those who cannot do it, it is a ransom,the feeding of someone who is indigent). And this, the doctors agree, was clearly the second stage in the Ramadan legislation. This phase also included permission for the aged, the traveller and expecting women and women with tiny babies not to keep fast until their situations change. The situation of the aged, of course, will never change, so they will always have to feed the indigent in lieu of eating during Ramadan. As for the women and the traveller, they will pay the number of days they eat at a later date.

The third stage came when the Qu’ran made fasting obligatory upon any Moslem adult who has seen the crescent at the end of Shaaban, the month that comes before Ramadan. Says the Qu’ran (2:185):(… .So everyone of you who is present in his home during that month should spend it in fasting).

It was from this day on that fasting in the month of Ramadan transitioned from being an optional pillar of Islam, just like the Hajj, to being obligatory on all able-bodied Moslems. The permissions granted to the aged, excepting women and travelers still stand, however. The Qu’ranic verse that was sent down to finalise legislation on Ramadan came to correct a specific problem that many of the Companions of the Prophet found especially difficult to deal with, namely the amount of time available for eating and enjoyment between breaking your fast for the day that has just ended and beginning your fasting of the next day.

This may sound strange today, but it is a fact that during the initial Ramadan, fasting began everyday immediately after the last prayer at night, the Ashaa prayer. And this means not only that people had less than three hours to eat and replenish the energies they had lost in the course of the day, but also that people went to bed fasting.

And understandably, there were countless instances in which some of the companions accidentally slept with their wives or that some would collapse as a result of dehydration the following day simply because they had not had enough time to replenish the liquids they had lost the previous day. Says the Qu’ran (2:187) : (Permitted to you, on nights of fasts, is the approach of your wives.

They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly amongst yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them and seek what Allah hath ordained for you; and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast until the night appears…). And with this verse came the culmination of not only of Quranic legislative process on fasting in Islam, but also of a unique fasting format now known universally as Ramadan.

So, in a nutshell, just like the prohibition of alcohol went through a number of progressive stages before it was completely prohibited to all Moslems, fasting the month of Ramadan also went through a series of stages, four to be specific, before it became an obligatory pillar of Islam on all able-bodied Moslems. All the doctors of Islam agree that it is a sign of Allah's infinite mercy on this Ummah that anytime He legislates on complex lifestyle issues that would be difficult to change or abandon, He does it gradually and incrementally until the vast majority of the believers have gotten used to the changes, then He would finalise it, and that was precisely what happened to the history of Ramadan in Islam.

Bassirou Drammeh
Deputy Imam
Latri Kunda German

Author: DO

Comium feeds the needy

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:36:26 GMT

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

It is said that anything one intends to do under this sun God needs to be consulted, otherwise man, with regardless of his intelligence, will hardly progress; be it in business or anything. Against this background, Comium, one of the GSM operators in The Gambia, last Wednesday, organized an open Iftar (breaking of fast), at West Field.

According to Ustass Muhammed Basiru Ceesay of Bakau, who led the prayers, God appreciates those who feed the needy, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He said that Comium has shown that their business is in line with the will of God, praying that Almighty Allah blesses the company and its entire staff.

As part of the occasion, the company also distributed T-shirts and bags to almost every one who passed by West Field at the time of the Iftar; many people hipped praises on Comium for organizing the event, praying that Allah would continue to pour his blessing on the company. Some said that the fact that the Iftar was organized at West Field suggest that the company was not selective in its effort to help needy people.

Fatou Njie, one of the participants, told this paper that Comium was exceptional in its organization, considering the location of this occasion, which she said allowed them to invite everybody. She called on the general public to join Comium, and prayed that the Almight Allah showered the blessing of the Holy Month of Ramadan on Comium, “for feeding the Muslim Ummah.”
Three winners of their weekly raffle draw were presented with three new bicycles, each, at the ceremony.

Author: Special report by Modou Kanteh

Wahtani Ajuma: In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:07:45 GMT

Friday, September 19, 2008

Ramadan, the Holy Month (cont’d)

Last week our discussion was centered on the supplementary prayers after sighting of the moon. It is followed by saying the intention of the fast. The next step is the taking of the early morning meal before day break. This early morning meal is taken near to the Fajr, (early morning) prayers. This meal is allowed in Islam so that the one fasting for the whole day will have at least something to keep him up during the day.

Islam is concerned about working to earn a living Since people go to work for the maintenance of their families\ and for the fact that when fasting you feel very lazy. Islam has given us permission to eat early in the morning so that we will be able to work properly.

The prophet Mouhammed(PBUH) said “there is blessing in the early morning meal so it is good to have it.

Islam does not allow the one who is fasting to just spend his time sleeping. He has to help in the development of his country by working. A sahaba called Zaidun Ibnu Sabit narrated that they once had their early morning meal during the month of Ramadan with prophet Mouhamed and after the meal, they went to the mosque for Fajr prayers. After praying, Zaidun asked the prophet “how many minutes is it between the time that we had our early morning meal and the Fajr prayers? The prophet replied “the time should be about the time you take to recite 50 verses from the holy Quran’ when they checked it, the 50 verses corresponded to sura Wal Mursalat, which is the 77th sura of the holy quran.

This is to explain that since this sura has 50 verses, the time it takes to recite the whole sura is the time between eating the early morning meal and praying for the Fajr. It is about 10 minutes. Islam does all this to facilitate your fasting for the day. If you eat a few minutes before the early morning prayers, then you will not be hungry during the day.

These are some people who have the intention to fast but because of illness, they cannot.
Old age and the feeble. Human beings reaching a stage in their age are not permitted to fast. The prophet Mouhammed said: “the life span of my people is between 60 and 70 years, anything beyond that is additional. Although there are some old aged who are strong and can fast.

The sick: those with disease that are incurable, like diabetes who cannot stay for the whole day without food are exempted from fasting.

The old age and the one with incurable disease have to give the amount of food they should have eaten, if they were fasting to the needy, everyday, during the whole mouth of Ramadan.

Expectant mothers who fear harm on them, or the expectant child in her womb. Pregnant women are regarded as sick.

A woman who is sucking her baby and is afraid that fasting would be detrimental to her or her baby, or both her and the child.
However the Malickias uphold that if babies could be fed by women, other than their mothers, those mothers must fast.

According to Ibnu Umar and Ibnu Abass, the pregnant women and sucking mothers who are unable to fast are to feed the needy everyday of Ramadan and pay for missing dates. Abu Hanifata and Abu Ubaida stated that the women mentioned above are to repay the missing dates but need not feed the needy.

According to Imam Shaafiyu, such women are to feed the needy and fast the missing dates when they regain their normal health. On such women some scholars stated that the suckling mother must pay back days missed and feed the needy, but the pregnant shall pay but shall not feed the needy. These are differences by some various scholars.
This sacred month must be honoured by even those who are not fasting and are exempted from fasting. No muslim is allowed to eat or drink openly. Fasting women must not be tormented or forced to do things beyond their means by husbands or any body else.

Those travelling on mini buses and vans and cars must avoid smoking passengers in their vehicles. Please avoid spitting in mosques, in the rooms and other places. We remind you that swallowing saliva does not nullify fasting.

Fasting is not to keep yourself thirsty and hungry only. It is here to discipline the human being. The one who is fasting must avoid anything that can spoil his fast. His hands must fast, meaning he should not take with his hands anything that is not his own. His feet should also fast by not going to any place for enjoyment while fasting. The one fasting should avoid sitting and discussing about people. As stated in sura Nahl V.125: “ Invite all to the way of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching. And argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. For thy Lord Knowth best.
Who have strayed from his path, and who receive guidance.”

He should not speak of any evil while fasting. It is stated in the Holy Quran in Sura Nisai V.148 “Allah loveth not the shouting of evil words in public speech, except by one who has been wronged for Allah is He who heareth and knowth all things” Even backbiting and laughing at your fellow muslim brothers is not allowed in Islam, especially during Ramadan. Sura Hujarat V.11 states: “O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others. It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others. It may be that, the (latter) are better than the former, nor defame not be sarcastic to each other. Nor call each other by(offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one). After he has believed; And those who do not desist are indeed doing-wrong.”

He should not look down on others and should not feel superior to others as stated in sura Nahl V.23: “Undoubtedly Allah doth know what they conceal. And what they reveal, verily he loveth not the arrogant.”

The Prophet Mouhammed said: “when fasting and talking bad things behind others, then you are just making yourself hungry and thirsty because your fasting will not be accepted by Allah the Almighty.” To avoid all these habits, you have to recite the holy Quran or engage yourself in other prayers that you know of at home or in the office. It will keep you busy during the fasting period.

We are happy that many offices now have places where people can say their prayers. So we advise especially women to put on dresses that cover their bodies in the office especially when praying. They should double their efforts in worshipping Allah during this fasting period, so that Allah will answer their prayers. Since there is freedom of religion in our country, muslims can pray easily without any disturbance.
May Allah the Almighty give us guidance throughout this fasting period.

Author: DO

OBITUARY NOTICE

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:21:08 GMT

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mariama Saho & family of 8 Lancaster Street, Mr & Mrs Alagi Boy Saho & family of Brusubi, the Forster & Saho family of Banjul regret to announce the death of,

Miss Margaret Fanny Forster
(Commonly known as Aunty Amber Forster)

formally of 8 Lancaster Street, which occurred on Tuesday 16th September 2008.
Prayers will be held on Friday 19th September 2008 at Brusubi Housing Estate along the Gam Juice street from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Funeral will take place on Saturday 20th September 2008 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Hagan Street at 4:00pm.
Interment at the banjul Cemetery.

May her soul rest in perfect peace

Author: DO