Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Banjul
Maulud Nabi, otherwise called ‘Gamo’, the birth of Prophet Muhammed (SAW), was celebrated in a grand religious style at Dobson street in Banjul.
Under the leadership of the Imam Muntaha Faye, the Fayen family of Banjul, as part of their annual programmes, celebrate the Maulud Nabi, attracting thousands of Muslims from within the country and other countries like Senegal and Mauritania. Welcoming Muslims at the ‘Gamo’, Imam Muntaha Faye, expressed delight at the large turnout. He revealed that his family has been organising ‘Gamo’ since 1911 and prayed for the family members who started the initiative and have since left this life.
Soon after the opening remarks, Imam Faye and his disciples (talibes) started singing Arabic songs locally know as “Zikarr.” After the ‘Zikarr’, Imam Faye delivered a sermon on the life and times of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW). At the end of the Gamo (daybreak), Imam Muntaha Faye, thanked all those who attended this year’s ‘Gamo’ and all those who contributed to the success of the event in one way or the other. He also thanked President Jammeh for his support to the Fayen family especially during such occasions.
Alhagie Alieu Cherno Mass Kah, Imam Ratib of Banjul and Samba Faal, mayor of Banjul, also attended the Fayen ‘Gamo’ and later proceeded to other areas in Banjul and the Great Banjul Area.
Serrekunda
The community of Serrekunda also joined the rest of the Muslim Ummah to observe the night.
Thousands of Muslims converged at the Serrekunda Central Mosque to observe the day in remembrance of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Mohammed (SAW). The Serrekunda ‘Gamo’ also involved the singing of ‘zikarr’ and preaching. The Prophet, who was born to Aminata and Abdullah in Mecca in 12th Rabia awal 571, is a man who needs to be cherished for his steadfastness in preaching Islam to the whole world.
According to Tijan Touray and Modou Lamin Bah, preachers at the ‘Gamo’ dilated on the importance attached to this night. They highlighted the several difficulties faced by Muhammed (SAW) during his campaign of nurturing Islam. They used the occasion to urge people to reflect on Islam, noting that there should be no time wasted in worshipping God. They also called all on Muslims to follow the footsteps of the Prophet. They further advised parents to teach their children about Islam and the Holy Qu’ran.
Author: by Assan Sallah & Alieu Ceesay