A fraternity of Muslims gathered Saturday evening along Carey Street in Monrovia for a Unity-Base Iftar program aimed at strengthening solidarity among Muslims while promoting faith, discipline, and peaceful coexistence within Liberia’s predominantly Christian society.
The event, held on March 14 during the holy month of Ramadan, brought together prominent Muslim elders, including Senator Amara Konneh, the Standard Bearer of ALCOP Lusinee F. Kamara Sr., and Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Sekou M. Kromah, along with leaders, members of the Muslim congregation, and invited guests. The gathering featured prayers, religious reflections, and the traditional breaking of the daily fast.
Iftar is the evening meal Muslims observe at sunset to break their fast during the sacred month of Ramadan. Throughout the month, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), dedicating the time to prayer, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity.
Delivering the sermon, Imam Mohammed Dukuly described fasting as a divine opportunity granted by Allah for believers to reflect on their lives, renew their faith, and strengthen unity within the Muslim community. According to him, the fasting period helps cultivate love among Muslims and deepens their consciousness of God.
“For you to acknowledge the word of God and do what is right even when no one is watching is the true essence of faith,” Imam Dukuly said. “Ramadan is a time for Muslims to worship with their body, mind, and soul, and to continue doing good not only during Ramadan but beyond it.”
He encouraged Muslims to fully embrace the sacred period by praying for themselves, their families, and their nation. “We should be more concerned about our lives after Ramadan,” he emphasized, noting that the ultimate purpose of fasting is to draw closer to Allah.
Meanwhile, Amara Konneh, Senator of Gbarpolu County, echoed the Imam’s message and urged Muslims to use the final ten days of Ramadan to reflect deeply on their faith, their relationships with others, and their responsibilities to society.
Senator Konneh praised the discipline embedded in Islam, noting that the religion encourages self-control and moral accountability without the need for external enforcement.
“The discipline of Islam is remarkable,” he said. “It is a process that does not require policing—only faith in Allah. That discipline is what makes Islam unique and helps Muslims become better human beings.”
The Gbarpolu County lawmaker also called on Muslims to remember the ongoing crisis in the Middle East in their prayers, noting that global tensions can have indirect effects on countries like Liberia, including rising fuel prices.
He further referenced the importance of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is observed by millions of Muslims each year.
“The Hajj is a fundamental pillar of our faith,” Senator Konneh noted, expressing concern that regional tensions and possible airspace disruptions could affect travel for pilgrims. He therefore encouraged Muslims to intensify their prayers for peace so believers around the world can freely fulfill this important religious obligation.
Also speaking at the program, the Chairman of Unity Based, Abdullah Swaray, offered prayers for children and families, asking Allah to grant believers the strength to live according to the teachings of the Qur’an.
The Unity-Based Iftar concluded with collective prayers for national peace, unity among Muslims, and stability across the Middle East. Organizers described the gathering as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bonds within the Muslim community while promoting faith-based contributions to national harmony.
