Ghana’s Chief Imam urges end to Gaza atrocities, calls for moral renewal and global peace in Eid message

Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called for an end to global atrocities—especially in Gaza—and urged a collective return to moral consciousness, sacrifice, and interfaith unity in his message for Eid-Al-Adha 2025.

Speaking through his personal assistant, Dr Abubakari Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, the revered Islamic cleric described the annual Islamic festival as a divine reminder of piety, not merely an act of animal sacrifice.

“Eid-Al-Adha is a festivity of sacrifice and an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in Allah,” he said. Citing Qur’an Chapter 22, Verse 37, the Chief Imam explained that “Allah is not interested in the flesh and blood of the animals sacrificed… but in our commitment to piety.”

He challenged Muslims across Ghana and beyond to reflect deeply on the spiritual and moral significance of the celebration and allow it to transform personal attitudes and societal norms. “Let the Eid inspire us to move from negativity to positivity in the supreme interest of our society,” he said.

The Chief Imam warned that the deeper virtues of Eid-Al-Adha are hollow if they do not lead to moral growth and a meaningful change in individual and communal behaviour.

Underscoring the importance of interfaith unity, he said the central figure of Prophet Abraham—honoured in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—should serve as a foundation for building bridges between religious communities. “This is the point of convergence of all the Abrahamic religions,” he stated, urging Christians, Jews, and Muslims to view Eid as a shared moment to reaffirm their commitment to peace and tolerance.

Turning to global affairs, Sheikh Sharubutu issued a firm condemnation of what he described as “genocidal impunity and moral bankruptcy” in ongoing conflict zones, particularly in Gaza. He denounced violence carried out “in the name of supremacy,” saying: “We cannot surrender our God-given humanity to modern-day barbarity.”

In a powerful appeal to world leaders, the Chief Imam called for a global order that prioritises justice, mercy, and reconciliation over domination and destruction. “Let the global order reflect RIGHT over might, UNITY over disunity, FORGIVENESS over vindictiveness, RECONCILIATION over aggression, and PEACE over violence,” he urged.

The message comes at a time of escalating global conflicts and mounting calls for moral leadership on the international stage. The Chief Imam’s Eid statement blended spiritual reflection with a plea for urgent humanitarian action—underscoring faith as a force for good in times of crisis.

As Muslims prepare to mark Eid-Al-Adha on Friday, June 6, the Chief Imam’s message serves as a timely reminder of the deeper responsibilities that come with faith: to uplift, to unify, and to protect human dignity across all divides.