By Foday Moriba Conteh
As Muslims continue to observe the Holy Month of Ramadan, one of Sierra Leone’s renowned philanthropists, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, who is also a well established Business Executive, has, on Sunday 7th April, 2024 in Port Loko District culminated four-day’s events of offering Ramadan Iftar with the United Council of Imams-Sierra Leone in the four regions of the country by breaking fast with them and offering them kind material gestures.
Starting in Bo City for the Southern Region on April 4th, 2024, the Ramadan Iftar event was extended to Kenema District, Makeni City, and Port Loko District, a move that has been interpreted as one that symbolizes unity and solidarity among Muslims.
As he arrived at each venue in all the four regions, the receptions were electrifying, with throngs of residents showering him with praises encapsulated in undiluted joy, highlighting his revered status within various communities in the country, posing as no stranger.
All the venues visited were jam-packed with Imams engaged in private chats, laughter filling the air, creating a festive atmosphere truly akin to any social event. Indeed, it could be no gainsaying that Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s arrivals were greeted with exuberance as he waved to cheering crowds, his presence amplifying the spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie.
The gatherings surpassed mere tradition as they depicted a deeply personal endeavor rooted in his ancestral legacy and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Muslims in the country.
Addressing the gatherings, with humbleness in his voice, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally shared the poignant story of his grandfather,a devout servant of Allah, whose teachings had left an indelible mark on his soul of which he added that the Iftar were not merely gestures of gratitude but a sacred obligation to honor his grandfather’s memory and fulfill his duty to Allah.
He articulated his vision for unity and empowerment for Imams of Sierra Leone and with heart pouring sincerity emphasized that his decision to embark on Iftar was not politically motivated but true testaments to his deep-seated reverence for Islam and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of its custodians.
Poignant in his address was his fervent desire to alleviate the hardships faced by Imams in their noble pursuits of spiritual guidance.
He spoke passionately about the sacrifices they make daily, praying on empty stomachs, imparting Quranic knowledge to children without compensation and serving as pillars of strength for their communities.
His empathy for their struggles was palpable, igniting a collective sense of purpose and determination among the attendees.
Beyond words of admiration and gratitude, Alhaji Musa Tarawally unveiled how his supports had empowered Imams economically, adding that through his efforts a good number of Imams receiving monthly incomes, a tangible expression of his commitment to their financial stability.
Moreover, he pledged to create employment opportunities for over ten thousand scholars, thereby fostering economic prosperity within the community.
During all the occasions it was noticeable that his philanthropic gestures extended beyond financial assistance as through his organization, the Ummah Welfare Trust, he had provided educational opportunities for over 60 thousand girls, empowering them with the knowledge of Islamic and formal teachings.
This initiative, according to him, has not only enriched their lives but also paved the way for gender equality which he said is a testament to his progressive vision for the future.
He expressed gratitude for having an opportunity to break fasting with them as esteemed religious leaders, acknowledging their pivotal roles in fostering spiritual guidance and communal cohesion.
Humbly accepting bestowed accolades, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally reaffirmed his commitment to serve Imams and the wider community with humility and integrity.
He also used the events to draw the attention of Imams about the negative impact of Kush on young people in the country of which he called on all Imams, through the United Council of Imams Sierra Leone, to pray for the country in order to combat the Kush menace.
The Honorable concluded by informing the Imams that for a while now the media has been awash with posts by citizens from all walks of life endorsing him for the Presidential Flagbearer position of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) saying so far he has refused to respond to those calls but rather decided to use the Iftar ceremonies to ask them as Imams to pray for him as he is currently tied on what decision to make, urging them not to hesitate to advise him if it will be prudent for him to respond to the aforementioned calls for him to vie for the Flagbearer position of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
On his part, the Southern Regional Chairman, United Council of Imams Sierra Leone, Alhaji Osman Kiarooin praised Hon Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s genuine intentions and steadfast commitment to the welfare of Imams.
He emphasized that his actions offer a beacon of hope to a society grappling with economic uncertainty and political turmoil further saying it is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the betterment of society
Alhaji Osman Kiarooin highlighted how they have heard the appeal from Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally to pray for him relating to calls from various citizens for him to contest for the Presidential Flagbearer position in the next upcoming General Elections, under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) ,of which he assured him that as Imams they will always put that in their prayers and advise him accordingly on the right decision to make.
Dr. Muhammad Habib Sheriff, President and Chairman of the United Council of Imams Sierra Leone, echoed Alhaji Kiarooin’s sentiments, lauding Hon Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s passion and dedication to fostering unity and prosperity among Imams across Sierra Leone.
He commended the Honorable for his apolitical approach, highlighting that his altruistic endeavors are indeed driven solely by his devotion to Allah and his love for humanity.
Climaxing the ceremony in all the regions, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally presented each Imam with a befitting attire and financial support for the upcoming Eid prayer, a move which some have described as a symbolic gesture of gratitude and appreciation for their tireless dedication.
