PRESIDENT PERFORMS EID AL-FITR PRAYERS AMONG THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS IN BANJUL MUSLIM ELDERS IN BANJUL CALLED ON THE PRESIDENT TO OFFER PRAYERS

The President Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh was among thousands of worshippers, who performed the prayers at King Fahad Mosque in Banjul. The feast of Eid Al Fitr locally known as Koriteh marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.

The highlight of the occasion was Eid prayers across the country, preceded by giving alms to the poor in the early hours of the morning. In his sermon, the deputy Imam of Banjul Alhaji Tafsir Gaye called on Muslims to be God fearing, united and strives towards perfecting their faith. He urged Muslims to observe the day by being humble, benevolent and offer prayers for world peace.

Imam Gaye also used the occasion to denounce the deliberate increase of prices of commodities by some unscrupulous traders. He pointed out that such acts tantamount to inflicting unbearable hardship on the poorest in society.

In a related development,

Muslim elders in Banjul, on the occasion of the feast of Eid Al Fitr Friday paid a courtesy call on the President Alhaji Yahya Jammeh at State House . The meeting is an old tradition observed by Muslim elders to offer prayers and best wishes for the government and people of the Gambia.

The elders, including representatives of the Supreme Islamic Council, prayed for God's continued blessings for the Gambia and the rest of the Islamic Ummah. They also urged Muslims to maintain the spirit of modesty and righteousness observed during the month of Ramadan. In response, President Jammeh thanked the elders for their visit and urged them to maintain unity amongst themselves. He called on Muslim clerics to avoid in-fighting and advised them to keep Islam away from politics.

Commenting on the price of commodities, President Jammeh said that government would do her best to address the plight of Gambians. The Vice President Aja Isatou Njie Saidy also urged Muslim elders to remain united and continue to preach righteousness. The Secretary of State for Interior and Religious Affairs, Ousman Badgie urged Muslims to observe the day by reflecting on the plight of people around the world who are unable to celebrate the day due to conflict and disaster. He urged the Supreme Islamic Council to continue the good work in ensuring that Muslims in the Gambia perform Islamic feasts on same days.

The Secretary of State for Tourism, Yankuba Touray informed the elders that President Jammeh always promote Islam and the welfare of Gambians in general.

The Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly Sheriff Mustapha Dibba also urged Muslim leaders to continue to pray for President Jammeh's well being. In a goodwill gesture, President Jammeh donated a double cabin pick-up to the Supreme Islamic Council.

SOSs performing prayers