KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas regional council chairperson, Joseph Isaacks said Namibia being a secular state and also the country’s constitution guaranteeing freedom of exercising a religion of choice, prohibits discrimination against practising a religion of choice.
He gave this assurance to the Muslim community gathering in the town last weekend to inaugurate the newly constructed mosque in the Tseiblaagte suburb. “You should be rest assured to carry out your religious practices freely and without any form of discrimination levelled against you in an independent Namibia,” the Keetmanshoop Urban constituency councillor explained.
Isaacks also raised the concern of the Masjid being situated in the same street where liquor outlets are operating.
“You will find that most of the youth in this area of the town are indulging in alcoholic abuse and crime but it is my belief that this religious centre will be able to address such challenges accordingly,” the politician emphasised.
He, furthermore, encouraged the religious followers to work hard in bringing a positive behavioural change in the Keetmanshoop society with the main emphasis on religion and education/training, “you should also be aware that if the mosque’s religious leaders are not working with perseverance and commitment to fulfil the duties in accordance with Islam, this building will turn into a white elephant,” Isaacks warned.
He wished the members all the best in their future religious duties, spreading the word of God.
Speaking at the same event, local Muslim leader, Salmaan Jacobs said the significance of Islam in today’s lives rest upon the conception of Muslim religion, which started 1 400 years ago in Saudi Arabia.
“History indicated that our prophet Muhammad received instructions on how to pray, fast and give charity as subscribed into the holy Koran,” he explained. Jacobs furthermore expressed hope that the mosque will, apart from being a centre of praying, in addition, be a centre of uplifting the Keetmanshoop community through charity and training.
“Please allow me to use this platform in thanking our sponsors from Islamic countries aboard for giving the needed financial resources and support in making this dream of having our own mosque in Keetmanshoop a reality,” Jacobs concluded.
– sklukowski@nepc.com.na