Welcome Remarks by the SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, at the Annual SLAJ Iftar Program 2024 at Radisson Blu, Aberdeen, Freetown
Date: Friday, 29th March 2024:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
It is with great pleasure and humility that I welcome each and every one of you to this auspicious Iftar gathering, as we come together to break bread and share in the spirit of unity, compassion, and solidarity during this blessed month of Ramadan.
This evening, we gather not only to nourish our bodies but also to nourish our souls, and by extension the body and soul of our beloved nation, with the essence of peace and harmony.
Our theme for this year’s Iftar program, "Promoting Peace and National Cohesion," resonates deeply in the hearts of every one of us present here. In this country particularly, and the world in general, where division seems to be on the rise and becoming alarmingly toxic, it is more crucial than ever to reinforce the bonds that unite us as a nation and as Sierra Leoneans and human beings.
Ramadan is not only a time for fasting and prayer but also a time for/of reflection and introspection. It is a time to strengthen our connections with God and, most importantly, one another, regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, or differences. As we sit together at this Iftar, let us remember that we are all part of the same human family, bound by our shared humanity.
The principles of peace and national cohesion are not mere ideals that we talk about over and over again; they are the foundations upon which strong, resilient societies are built. Without peace and national cohesion, we will not be sitting here witnessing this Iftar program. Peace and national cohesion, our collectiveness, is the foundation upon which all other national aspirations are built. Through understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect, we can overcome the challenges that divide us and work towards a future of prosperity and harmony for all.
This evening, as we partake in this blessed Iftar, let us renew our commitment to fostering peace, tolerance, and unity in our homes, our communities, our schools and universities, our places of worship, our social and political groupings, our places of work, and in our individual hearts, and this will transcend into the soul of our nation Sierra Leone. Let us pledge to stand together in the face of adversity and to embrace the diversity that enriches our society.
In essence, Iftar serves as a powerful catalyst for promoting peace and national cohesion by fostering unity, empathy, tolerance, community building, and the reaffirmation of our shared values. These principles can foster a more inclusive, harmonious, peaceful, ambitious and visionary society for all.
With the program we have put together, there will be no time for a vote of thanks. So at this juncture, let me take this opportunity to say a whale of thanks to our revered Sheikh Umar Farouk Adam Bah and our Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for foregoing their very busy schedules to join us again in this year’s Iftar.
Many thanks also to our other speakers from the main Opposition political party APC, civil society, the media, and the National Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, who will contribute to the thought-provoking statement on peace and national cohesion we expect from our humble, knowledgeable and articulate Vice President.
To the SLAJ Iftar Committee, I am delighted that you took very seriously the challenge from the Vice President during the last Iftar to strive to make the SLAJ annual Iftar bigger, more inclusive, and innovative; and you have demonstrated that this evening. We give you all a tap on the back for this wonderful and impressive gathering.
To all our guests who honor our invitation to be part of this program, you are very special to us. Thank you.
The blessings of this Ramadan will pinpoint and locate all of you who have contributed your time, your knowledge, your goodwill, and your resources to ensure this Iftar program is successful and impactful. Inshallah! Armin Yar Rabby!
In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "Spread peace, share food and feed the hungry, and uphold family ties." May this gathering be a reflection of these timeless teachings, and may it inspire us all to be agents of positive change in our various communities.
Once again, I extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you. May this Iftar be filled with blessings, and may our collective efforts toward peace and national cohesion bear fruit for generations to come.
Shukran, thank you.
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