I would like to share my opinion regarding the recent questioning of Imam Abdul Kareem Kuyateh by the police. First of all, let me make my standpoint very clear: I am not writing this article because I support Imam Abdul Kareem Kuyateh’s actions. Rather, I am writing it out of concern for peace, safety, and calm in our beloved country, which we all belong to.
If I were to advise the government on this matter, I would suggest the following steps.
- Seek Wise Advice Before Acting
Mr. President, no one doubts your humility and kindness. However, surrounding yourself with wise advisers would help prevent the creation of unnecessary protest groups. The Imam in question did not directly offend the Gambia government but made statements concerning a religious house outside The Gambia. A more appropriate first step would have been to ask him to apologize — which, as I have heard, he has already done.
- Use Proper Religious Diplomacy:
The Ministry of Religious Affairs should have expressed its regret to the Murid Khalifa, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. This could have been done by sending the Islamic Council to Touba to explain that one of our sons made a mistake regarding the Muridiyya sect and to humbly request forgiveness. From what I know of Serigne Mountakha, he is a forgiving leader who would likely have pardoned both the Imam and the Gambia government, as he has even forgiven his own disciples in the past.
- Counsel the Imam and Prevent Fitna:
Imam Abdul Kareem Kouyateh should then have been invited to a meeting and advised not to repeat such actions, as they risk creating fitna (division and discord) in the country. We must avoid this at all costs. No man is perfect; we all make mistakes. As an Imam, he knows well what the Almighty Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have said about fitna. Allah has urged the Muslim Ummah to repent after mistakes and promises forgiveness — so, as human beings, we too should extend forgiveness to one another.
- Empower the Supreme Islamic Council to Handle Religious Matters:
This issue could have been resolved through religious protocol, with the Supreme Islamic Council leading the process without direct government involvement. After all, the Council was set up to handle religious matters and to ensure such issues are addressed appropriately within the framework of Islamic guidance.
Protection of The Gambia’s Interest :
Mr. President, the Gambia’s image and reputation extend far beyond our borders, including across the Arab and wider Muslim world. Incidents like this risk shaking the confidence that others have in our country. We must always remember wherever some see negativity, others may see opportunity. It is therefore our responsibility to safeguard the national interest of The Gambia by addressing such matters with wisdom, patience, and diplomacy.
The Risk of Unnecessary Division:
Already, two protest groups have been formed in The Gambia in reaction to this matter. We already have GALA, and very soon an Islamic support group may emerge. These divisions are unnecessary and harmful. Small groups that we may underestimate today could easily grow into a much bigger drama for our country tomorrow.
Mr. President, I humbly remind you that allowing such groups to grow will not help our country. We can avoid them by responding with wisdom, dialogue, and proper protocol rather than relying on force. The Gambia is a small nation, and we are all one family.
Abdoulie Jobe (Ma Alagi)
United Kingdom
