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In a recent interview with S.I.K. Online TV, Sheikh Abu Bakarr Kamara publicly apologised for a statement made in a video that circulated widely on social media, which claimed that Muslims who celebrate Christmas are destined for Hell.
Kamara clarified that his comments, which sparked controversy, were taken out of context. He explained that the person who shared the video did so without including the full content of his sermon. According to Kamara, only the middle part of his speech was posted, leaving out the concluding remarks, which altered the meaning of what he had intended to convey.
“I do not know the person who shared that video, and I want to make it clear that the clip you saw was edited. It was cut and pasted in such a way that it misrepresents my message,” Kamara stated in the interview.
The cleric stressed that his intention was never to promote hate or division, but rather to preach what is stated in the Quran regarding certain actions. He defended his position by explaining that he was merely pointing out what he believes to be harmful, based on Islamic teachings, but clarified that he never intended to attack or criticise any religious practices.
In his apology, Sheikh Kamara expressed regret for any confusion or offense caused by the misrepresentation of his words. “I want to reassure the public that I respect religious tolerance in Sierra Leone, and I mean no harm to anyone. My message was not intended to create division but to highlight what I believe is in line with our faith,” he said.
The Sheikh also extended his apologies to President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, emphasising his respect for the country’s diverse religious landscape. “I would like to apologise to the President and to the entire nation. I have always supported the values of unity and religious harmony, and I never meant to contradict these principles,” Kamara added.
The apology was warmly received by many, as Sheikh Kamara is a respected religious leader in Sierra Leone, known for his advocacy of peace and understanding among different faiths.
In conclusion, the Sheikh reiterated his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the country, urging all citizens to embrace the country’s rich cultural and religious diversity.
I am a muslim and agreed with the statement of selfish comments I saw from many of we the Muslims. I was grown up with the catholic mission and they even financed my primary schooling in help to my muslim parents. I went to the church to celebrate with them as a form of appreciation for the good they did for me, doesn’t mean that i lost my muslim faith to them. And they never have the intention to change me from a muslim to a christian. I read both the bible in my primary school and the Quran in my secondary school which taught me about religious tolérance. Some christian celebrate our islamic holidays and never they pronounce hell for anybody. When we the muslims are fasting our christian brothers maintain the peace for us and support us in prayers and donation of food items for those who cannot afford. But when it’s their turn to celebrate we give a ridiculous statement towards that. Where have you been taking their prayers and food sent to us during fasting periods. To be tolerant is part of islamic and religious principles that will leed us to peace and hamony. Being kind to each other doesn’t change our religious belives. Only God know the best and He has the final Jugement. Our religious leaders should stop preaching unpreacheable in a religious tolérance country like ours
I totally agree with your comment and hope lessons are learnt from this.