By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio joined hundreds of Sierra Leonean pilgrims, their families, and members of the Muslim community in observing Jumah prayers following the pilgrims’ return from the Holy Land of Mecca, where they successfully completed the Hajj, the Fifth Pillar of Islam.
On Friday, 11 July 2025, The prayer service, held in a spirit of reverence and gratitude, was led by Sheikh Hamid Abubakar Turay of Masjid Rahman in Waterloo. Centering his sermon on the themes of love, unity, and spiritual obedience, Sheikh Turay emphasized that divine love and mutual respect are essential for building peace and fostering national development.
Without love for Allah and love for one another, no nation can truly prosper, he declared, those who fail to love or respect their leaders are misguided and risk missing out on the blessings of Allah’s kingdom.”
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Hajj, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, extended heartfelt thanks to President Bio for his continued support in facilitating the participation of Sierra Leonean Muslims in the annual pilgrimage. He also expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Hajj Committee for providing Hajj scholarships that enabled more Sierra Leoneans to fulfill this spiritual obligation.
Alhaji Sesay reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to improving coordination and broadening access to Hajj, ensuring that even more Muslims from Sierra Leone both at home and in the diaspora can participate in the sacred journey in the coming years.
In his remarks, President Bio warmly welcomed the returning pilgrims and acknowledged the profound significance of the Hajj as a spiritual achievement and a symbol of unity.
You have fulfilled one of the most sacred pillars of Islam a journey that brings you closer to Allah and strengthens your faith, he said. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of religion, region, tribe, or political belief, enjoy peace, unity, and opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.
The President praised the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Hajj Task Force for organizing three consecutive, successful pilgrimages since the committee’s inception. He used the occasion to emphasize the importance of national unity, calling on all citizens particularly the returning pilgrims to serve as ambassadors of peace in their communities.
If we are to develop as a nation, all hands must be on deck, President Bio stated. Let us rise above division and put Sierra Leone first by championing peace, embracing our diversity, and working together for national development.
The event concluded on a note of spiritual reflection and patriotic commitment, with many in attendance praising the President’s consistent support for religious freedom and his inclusive vision for a united Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,14th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
