Fellow Citizens,
Brothers and Sisters:

Once again by the grace of Allah we have lived to witness one of the most important religious observances in the world today - Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is of course a Moslem observance, one that spiritually unites over a billion people who profess the Islamic faith in all corners of the world. However, for us in Sierra Leone where Moslems and Christians co-exist peacefully, Eid-ul-Fitr could be regarded as an observance for non-Moslems as well, in the same way as Moslems join their brothers and sisters of the Christian faith in celebrating Christmas and Easter.

These and similar observances have become permanent features on our national calendar of official holidays. We only have to read, watch or listen to some of the news stories from other parts of the world to realize how blessed we are that religious tolerance remains one of the most valuable assets of this nation. In spite of our economic and social problems, in spite of grievances that may appear to divide us, and even threaten national stability, our level of religious tolerance in Sierra Leone remains exemplary. I think we should all be proud to say: "Those who want to see religious tolerance at its best let them come to Sierra Leone."

I may not be a cleric, nor am I a prophet. But as someone who has had the opportunity, indeed the privilege of being a student of both the Holy Koran and the Holy Bible, I thought I should, in this message for Ramadan 2004, reflect briefly on the role of religion and faith in our lives. And here, I am referring to the application of our spiritual beliefs to meet the secular challenges of our country.

By reference I would also touch on the role of religion and faith in international affairs, especially in promoting peace. You will agree with me that it is important to make this link because of the tremendous impact that international issues continue to have on our lives in this small corner of the world called Sierra Leone.

Sisters and brothers, we have different faiths, different sects and different denominations. The rituals and liturgies we demonstrate in our religious activities vary from one religious denomination or sect to another. Our beliefs and how we apply them are also different. However, as Moslems and Christians we share the same Deity - Allah or God, the Omnipotent, the Omniscient, the Merciful. In a sense, because we have one and the same Deity, and because we are of one creation, we have one faith.

In my view this idea of one faith should guide us in our search for ways and means of overcoming all those obstacles that impede peace and good neighbourliness at the national and international levels. It is that single faith that binds us as citizens of this nation. It is also that single faith that enjoins us as members of the family of nations.

Here I am reminded of a passage in the Holy Quran: "Cling one and all to the faith of Allah and let nothing divide you." It goes on to say that we should remember the favours that Allah has bestowed upon us, how He united our hearts when we were enemies to each other, so that we are now brothers through His grace; and how He delivered us from the abyss of fire when we were on the very brink of it.

The message is clear. We must put our faith to work for the public good, for the good of the nation, and in the interest of international peace. It is not enough to boast about our religion or our strength in the promotion of religious tolerance if we do not translate our faith into positive action. As the Holy Bible says, "Faith without works is dead". This affirms that faith itself is necessary, but it is no good if it is not evident in our works. The Holy Scriptures also tell us that when someone says: "You have faith and I have works," one's reaction should be: "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

My message to you on this occasion of the end of the Holy month of Ramadan is for us to practise our common faith in Allah, our common faith in God, a faith that builds, a faith that loathes destruction; a faith that bridges the gaps that divide families and communities, as well as the rich and the poor; faith that shows compassion, faith that heals wounds and erases the scars of conflict, faith that enlightens, faith that instructs, and faith that surpasses all human understanding; for without faith with works, it is impossible to please Allah or God.

Ramadan is not just the observance of an event. It is not just another holiday. It is a solemn reminder of Allah's great gift to Moslems in the form of the Holy Quran. I suggest that it should also serve as a reminder of the gift of freedom of religion that we all enjoy in Sierra Leone.

Let me take this opportunity to say Eid Mubarak to you all and pray that Allah or God will continue to shower His blessing on us all, as brothers and sisters.

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