The Ghanaian Minaret

Kumasi- Sheikh Anas Ibrahim Tawfiq Al Bakr, a Kumasi-based Sunni cleric has rendered an apology to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu for making disparaging remarks about the renowned Sufi cleric.

This followed a backlash from a section of the Muslim community over comments that indirectly took the Imam to the cleaners for saying that ‘he had guaranteed the goodness in the world and the hereafter’ to some Sufi enthusiasts at an event.

Speaking on a local radio station in Kumasi, Sheikh Al Bakr said he was liable for his action even though his comments were not aimed at the person of the Chief Imam.

“You don’t take what is unpalatable to the hearing of your beloved and I am sure they made sure he (Chief Imam) got to hear what I said. And I know I indeed erred and so he should forgive me.

“It is not right. No matter how intense the preaching is, it does not warrant a personal attack…I have been insulted and my late father has been insulted for this. I have also forgiven all those who insulted me. I am sure if my late father was alive, he would have forgiven them,” he said.

Sheikh Al Bakri however noted that while being zealous about preserving the rights and dignity of the Chief Imam was good, it was much better for Muslims in Ghana to be more zealous about defending the sanctity and rights of Allah. 

He said, based on the teachings of the Quran, it was wrong for any individual to take upon him or herself the attributes and duties of Allah which included granting goodness in the world and the hereafter.  

Muslims in Ghana, he, therefore, said have a collective responsibility of guarding against the rights of Allah.