The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council under the dynamic leadership of Alhagie Muhammad Lamin Touray, on Tuesday financially aided 12 convicted prisoner to once again enjoy their long lost freedom after spending copious nights in jail for committing different crimes. The council deposited over D50,000 in exchange for their freedom.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Mile II prison, the erudite Imam Abdalah Fatty, a prominent member of The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, praised his colleagues (GSIC) and other donors for accepting to step in for a dozen prisoners who have been away from their families for a very  long time. He described the deed as Islamic and encouraged others who are financially capable, to follow suit.

Imam Fatty seized the opportunity to urge the released convicts, which constituted of 10 Gambians and two Senegalese, to learn from their lessons and become responsible citizens. He encouraged them to desist from any criminal activities that might lead them back to the four walls of the prison.

“I want you to totally distance yourself from problems for whatever the circumstances it could be. Your being in prison is something that is destined by Allah and it must happen. GSIC coming to your aid and paying your fines are also something that is destined by Allah. Therefore, our objectives are if you leave the prison, you integrate yourself in the society and become an agent of change.” He advised the prisoners.

He commended the prison officers for efficiently executing their job and urged financially able Gambians to play their part by contributing money and resources to renovate the prison service.

Ansumana Manneh, the Director General of Gambia Prison Service, heartily welcomed the initiative taken by the institution responsible to oversee the religious affairs of Muslims in The Gambia. While describing the gesture as a true exhibition of Islam, Mr. Manneh equally expressed profound gratitude to GSIC for their timely intervention. He disclosed that the idea to pay the fines of these prisoners was discussed when Imam Fatty paid a visit to the prison masjid.

“When I talked to him about the issues he promised to relay the message to GSIC. It’s important that others emulate GSIC and complement the efforts of the government and the prison authorities.”

He said many prisoners used their time in prison prudently. They reflected on their lives and eventually built a strong relationship with their lord.  “Many people come to the prison at a time they can’t even,” says Alhamdulillah. I can tell you that others even memorised the Holy Qur’an and are very important people in the society.”

He added “I want you to go back to your homes and become an important pillar within the society. I don’t want to see your faces here in prison again as a result of crimes. This is your first time and I am quite optimistic that you all will change for good. So, don’t let me and the GSIC down.”

Sheikh Ebrima Jerju, who spoke briefly on behalf of the president of GSIC, said this is what Islam advocates for. Helping one another In terms of difficulties and needs  “Many important people in the country were either convicted or detained in police cells. However, it doesn’t mean that they are bad people. It’s something that was destined by Allah and it must happen. What is important now is that you all can  change for good and make the mosques your homes.”

By: Fatoumatta Samateh