Imam Fatty Tells Married Women To Stay At Home, Not Go On Political Campaigns

Islamic cleric Imam Abdoulie Fatty has called on married Muslim women not to abandon their husbands by going on political campaigns.

Addressing worshippers during Friday jumu’ah sermon in Bundung, Imam Fatty warned against neglecting Islamic duties during the campaign period. The imam stated: “The women who are married, sit down in your matrimonial homes. You are not the ones to go on political campaign. Distance yourselves from it. You cannot seek from Allah for what He bestows and at the same time be disobeying Him. Lots of things happen during campaign periods. Some men leave their wives at home and follow women who are not their wives during the campaign, which is totally bad.”

Imam Fatty who does not shirk from commenting on political matters added: “We are going into the campaign for the 5th December presidential election. I am advising myself and politicians to be honest, promote unity and peaceful coexistence between Gambians. Our religion, Islam, must mean more to us than anything. Do not lie to people and do not tell your militants to destroy the lives and properties of people during your electioneering.

“In The Gambia, there are 27 registered political parties with an electorate of less than one million. That is absurd. It will only foster division among the people and fan the flames of tribalism. In the United State, Britain, and France, there are mainly two parties. Are we more democratic than those countries? Any person can just wake up one morning and register a party because of his tribe.  What type of democracy is that? The National Assembly should legislate against mushrooming of parties in this country.”

Fatty warned that imams will not shy away from using their pulpits and platforms to rein in any politician “who misses his way”.

He reminded that Muslims form the majority in the country and will decide who becomes president and that candidates should espouse on how they intend to empower the faith in their manifestoes.

He concluded by praying for a peaceful election and for Allah to preserve the country.