I was utterly disappointed and outraged with the misleading and false statements and allegations of Mr Momodou Lamin Yaffa, a member of RAWDATUL MAJALIS. According to Mr. Yaffa, at the press conference of RAWDATUL MAJALIS dated, 3th June, 2020, Tallinding Islamic Institute( MAHAAD) is a breeding group for violent Extremism and Radicalism. These statements are nothing but  false, misleading and gross misrepresentation of facts and what obtains in reality. I was  fortunate to go through the prestigious MAHAD from primary, junior to high School, where I graduated with a High School certificate with distinction. During all these periods under review, I was never been introduced to any form of Radicalism or Extremism in whatever form, I was basically introduced to the holy Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, Arabic language and Gammer, Tafsir, Hadith, Islamic Sciences, Islamic History, literature, conventional sciences, Maths and other relevant subjects that are instrumental in enhancing Islamic knowledge and teaching through the prescribed teachings of the Holy Prophet peace be upon him( PBUH). There has never been an instance, during my formative stages of islamic education, for 12 solid years, where I was radicalized, indoctrinated or introduced to any form of Extremism as a legitimate and progressive way of propagating Islamic  teachings, DAWA and practice.

 

Can Mr. Yaffa help  us with a definition of the WAHHABISM and SALAFISM he is indicting MAHAD to be inculcating in the minds of its students? Let him tell us what’s WAHHABISM? And who are the WAHABIS and what’s the conceptual framework of the WAHHABISM he’s insinuating?

The fundamental islamic teachings in MAHAD are entirely based on the holy Quaran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SUNNAH); anything contrary to that circus as claimed by Mr.Yaffah is a figment of imagination and misrepresentation of facts. Let Mr Yaffa understand that gone are those days when an individual can mislead Muslims, pursuant to their subtle advancements of economic gains and individual interests. I urge him to concentrate on his power struggle debacle and politics and leave MAHAD out of it. The insinuations that Martial Arts are taught in MADRASAS  purposefully for naturing violence and extremism is utterly false and misleading. Martial arts is a recognized Olympic Sport like any other sporting discipline and it has never been promoted  in any way to propagate violence in our Madrasa systems. Martial arts has never been a mandatory sport in MAHAD or any other Madrasa school in this country, for I have never practiced it during the course of my studies in MAHAD and it has never been compulsory for any students.

 

The impact of MAHAD to the propagation, teaching and learning of Islam in this country is numerous and immeasurable. Hardly there’s a town, village or community in this country that is not directly or indirectly benefiting from the products of MAHAD on daily basis, from the delivery of KHUTABS (sermons) in our MASJIDS (masques) to the imbuing and nurturing of high sense of morality and good conducts to the Islamic UMMAH in accordance with prophetic Islamic teachings and dispositions.

The contributions of the graduates of MAHAD to the socioeconomic enhancement and emancipation of this country transcends religion. The products of  MAHAD are serving as Doctors, Economics, Diplomats, Nurses, journalists, technocrats and civil servants hence contributing meaningfully to all spheres of our country’s critical sectors of development and to humanity at large.

 

Saikou imam Jabbi

BSN Hons, UTG

Senior Medical Student(Surgery/Medicine), University of the Gambia, UTG

 

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