Sierra Leone Appeal Court Judge, Alhaji Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens has been crowned an Amir of the United Muslim Progressive Council (UMPC) on Sunday 9th June 2024 at the Bank Complex.

The crowning ceremony attracted distinguished Muslim personalities from all spheres, including members of the judiciary, Senior Imams from the United Council of Imams in Sierra Leone, and family members.

The UMPC is one of the prestigious Islamic organisation and was established on July 3rd 1994, to propagate Islamic teaching across the country.

According to a senior member of the council, the title of an “Amir,” signifies a leader and commander with the responsibility of spreading Islam, through the Holy Quran and bringing Muslims closer to Allah.

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While the crowning ceremony was in progress, a symbolic stick was handed to the new Amir, showing the power the title commands and authority with about 40 Imams from different Masjids (Mosques) surrounded Justice Alhaji Jah-Stevens.

He said the Amir emerged from pious Muslim parents; his late father was an Imam of the Mende Central Mosque at Circular Road in Freetown.

He said the Amir worked hard to achieve both Western education and Islamic knowledge.

The President of the United Council of Imams, Dr Habib Sheriff delivered a lecture on unity in Islam, stressing the need to come together coupled with the fear of Allah, love for one another.

Another Islamic scholar, Dr Ibrahim Sallieu Kamara the Chief Imam of the Temne Central Mosque at the Oldfield Street in Freetown spoke on the role of a leader.

He congratulated the Imam, reminding him of the challenges and responsibilities of an Imam. Dr Ibrahim Lahai Stevens, the Bank
Governor and elder brother to Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens spoke on behalf of the family and expressed thanks and appreciation to all those who supported his brother and made the occasion successful.

In his acceptance speech, the new Amir informed all Muslims at the ceremony and members of the Muslim faith across the country that his new position was about the Islamic religion.

He said he was ready to serve in that capacity when called upon at any time despite his official engagement as a senior judge in the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.