Local Muslim partners aim to promote peace |31 March 2011

These aims were sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding recently at the Lungos conference room, Orion Mall.

The Seychelles Association of Muslim Guidance and Charitable Causes (SAMGCC), the Seychelles Association of Muslim Youth (SAMY) and the Qur’aan & Sunnah Society of Seychelles (Q&SS) signed the document in the presence of Bernard Elizabeth, chairman of the Liaison Unit of Non-governmental Organisations of Seychelles (Lungos).

Lungos vice-chairperson Marie-Nella Azemia was also there, as well as members of the Muslim community.

Brother Khalil Ahmad Pelissier, the SAMGCC’s chairman; Brother Mustafa Harun Bristol, chairman of the SAMY; and Iman Idris Ahmad Yusuf, president of the Q&SS signed the agreement.

Mrs Azemia said a few years back when she was heading the Peace and Friendship Commission of Lungos she was involved with the SAMY.

“This group of young people were sharing the same vision of making Seychelles and the world a peaceful place to live in,” she said.

“As we reflect on what is happening in the Arab countries, the absence of harmony, peace and understanding result in disorders, upheavals, wars and the loss of thousands of lives of innocent victims.”

Mrs Azemia said the common goal of this agreement between the three Muslim organisations rests on spreading the message of peace.

Br Bristol said the signing will benefit these organisations and the Muslim community, as well as other Seychellois.

It will allow the organisations to carry out a programme to promote Islam among non-Muslims and to educate Muslims, he said.

“There will be several activities in districts, and non-Muslims will be able to learn more about Islam and misconceptions that exist.”

He added that Islam is a religion that promotes peace and religious tolerance.

Seychelles is also a country where people have great respect for other’s beliefs, he said.

He said a representative committee, the Seychelles Islamic Da’wah Committee, will carry out the aims of the agreement and the programme in general.

There is a plan of action, and activities will include conferences and lectures at district level.
It is the first time three such organisations have entered into an agreement, and other Muslims as well as members of the public are welcome to take part in all activities.