Gambians have been divided again on the observing of the Muslim Feast of Eid-Fitir locally known as Koriteh following the announcement made by the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) on Wednesday despite the fact that a moon was not sighted by Gambians all over for the prayers to be declared Thursday.
The atmosphere in the Greater Banjul Areas seem busy as some communities have welcomed the news made by the GSIC.
However, some communities in the area including the Western part of Wellingara in Kombo North, Abuko, and other parts in the area fails to observe the day saying that they have not sighted any moon and base on that, they would not pray because the GSIC has misled them on numerous occasions in the past.
Gainako News reporter who spoke to few Gambians on their opinion said the GSIC should follow the foot steps of both the late Alhagie Soriba Jabbi and Cherno Ahmed Banding Drammeh who they said always made consultations with Gambians regarding the moon sighting for people to either pray of fast.
Ebrima Jaiteh a resident of Brikama said it is time for the council to revisit their policies on such important occasions. He said since the new executive came to power, Gambians have been divided over the moon sighting calling on them to put their house in order.
Kaddy Ceesay a resident of Bundung opined that it is very sad seeing Muslims observing their feasts or fasting on different dates noting that our GSIC are to blame.
A Scholar who spoke anonymously, said the truth shall prevail highlighting that this was what the exiled Gambian Scholar Imam Bakawsu Fofana has been saying and now he is not here, but still people are boycotting the move from the council in some communities.
This reporter during his conversation with some rural Gambians via phone, was told that they would only observe the feast when they sight a moon but not when the council made announcements even before sighting the moon which is customary to the Muslim tradition.
“ We are not going to comply with them as far as their decision is concern said Sheriff Camara a native of Niamina,” he said Allah has ask us to fast either 29/30 days on the basis that once a moon is not sighted and could not be seen then people can fast the 30 days to avoid any conflict.
Reports reaching Gainako Gambia News Desk has confirmed that both the Northern and Southern part of the rural Gambia fails to observe the feast Thursday as they all vowed to pray on Friday since they are God fearing.
Our rural sources have stated that most of the people have lost confidence on the recent executive of the GSIC calling on them to stick to strict religious principles or honorably resign since they have failed the masses who entrusted them.
It would be recalled that a roar between the exiled cleric Bakawsu Fofana and the council had soured as he always faults them for taken a dimension that is not applicable in the country and they should not be associated with Saudi Arabia on the fasting and prayers since we are a day behind them on time zone.
The divide which has its roots in time immemorial between urban and rural Gambia, continue to strengthen in different corners of the country. Some experts suggest that there should be a closer relationship between all Imams across the country so such news can be effectively communicated and coordinated. Many rural Imams and Gambian Muslims are distrusting of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council because of their political involvement and lack of moral stance on many injustices happening in the country. As long as the Islamic council continue to be politically capitulating to the government the people will continue to defy them.