Story by Boima J V Boima, 002316775571

As doubts mount over the exact date set for the climax of the Islamic month of Ramadan last Wednesday, the president of the National League of Muslim scholars, Sheik Abubakarr Samarwolo, who also doubles as the grand mufti for the Liberian Union of Muslims, disclosed that the 30-day fasting and prayer included in the month of Ramadan, will either end on Sunday or Monday.

“We are really anticipating that it will end on Monday because that is the time that we are hoping to see the new moon,” he said.

The Muslim chief, in an exclusive interview at his Gurley Street office yesterday, reiterated that the last ten days left in the month of Ramadan is significant, adding that it should therefore be observed with all seriousness and obedience as prescribed by the holy Quran.

“This is the time that Muslims across the world spend sleepless nights in mosques, praying to Allah to forgive their sins and grants them more blessings in all they do while on earth,” he noted.

The grand mufti of the Liberian Muslims also called on Muslims across the country to observe the end of the 30-day month of Ramadan in the most respectful way adding that they should be cognizant of the fact that such is mandatory and obligatory on them.

“While sending out this message I also want the government to see reason and allow those Muslim civil servants and students observe that great day. By this, I mean the government and ministry of education should allow our students to go and observe the eid-dul-fitri prayer with their parents,” he pleaded.

The Muslim chief also urged his colleagues to take note of their sacred duty by giving out six cups of rice to those who can’t afford it, adding that the gesture will make the less fortunate Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with their colleagues across the country.

“This gesture should be given by each family heads across the country and if all family heads comply, the muslim community would be able to gather 25,000 bags of rice,” he disclosed.

Chief Samarwolo also stressed the need for any Muslims who have offended someone or has been offended to forgive the individual at the end of Ramadan so that God may forgive them for their sins.

The Muslim chief extended thanks to the government, UNMIL, LNP and other securities agencies for what he describes as a good job done in enhancing the security of Muslims and the country at large.