Suspended Court of Appeal Judge and Amir (Islamic Head) of the United Muslim Progressive Council (UMPC) in Sierra Leone, Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens has strongly condemned recent remarks made by a Muslim preacher who criticised Muslims celebrating christmas in Sierra Leone. 

Justice Stevens denounced the preacher’s statements, asserting that they have no foundation in Islamic teachings. “I condemn the Sheikh who criticises the celebration and recognition of Christmas. Such statements are not supported by any verse of the Qur’an or any Hadith. They amount to hate speech aimed at disrupting the long-standing respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone,” he said.

The controversial comments made by the preacher, whose identity has not been disclosed, were captured in a video that has since gone viral. In the video, the preacher warned Muslims against accepting food or gifts from Christians during Christmas celebrations. He further claimed that any Muslim who receives and consumes such offerings would automatically face damnation in hell.

Justice Stevens has urged the preacher to immediately retract his statements and issue a public apology. He also warned that failure to do so would result in the enforcement of due process.

These remarks have been met with widespread condemnation by senior Muslim scholars and preachers, who have stressed that such views have no basis in the teachings of Allah or the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They argue that the preacher’s message undermines the religious harmony that has long existed in Sierra Leone, a nation known for its peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

In a similar news, former Leone Stars goalkeeper, Mohamed N’balie Kamara supported the Islamic preacher who criticised the celebration of Christmas by Muslims. The goalkeeper said the preacher’s sermon is backed by verses in the Quran and warned against those vilifying him.