Ouagadougou: The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina Faso (FAIB) submitted to the government on Monday a guide on alternative discourse intended to counter the false messages conveyed by terrorists in the name of Islam. It called for respect for everyone's religious beliefs.
According to Burkina Information Agency, a FAIB delegation was received on Monday afternoon by a government team composed of the Minister of State in charge of Territorial Administration, Dr.mile Zerbo, and the ministers in charge of Security, Commissioner Mahamoudou Sana, and Communication, Pindgwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo. The delegation submitted to the government a guide on alternative discourse to terrorist propaganda.
FAIB spokesman Imam Aboubacar Yugo recalled that the war imposed on Burkina Faso is often justified by individuals claiming to be Islamic, even though their actions are contrary to the foundations of this religion. "In the amended document, we have included verses from the Quran and hadiths demonstrating that the terrorists' actions are not part of Islam. They themselves are misguided," Imam Yugo said.
According to him, the guide is primarily aimed at sincere Burkinabe Muslims concerned about national development, urging them not to adhere to any discourse of hatred, division, and violence conveyed by terrorists. It also constitutes a direct appeal to the terrorists themselves, calling on them to come to their senses and understand that Islam does not condone murder or attacks on human dignity, explains Imam Aboubacar Yugo.
"The Lord says in the Holy Quran: Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity. We call on them to lay down their arms. Their actions harm the name of Islam and the image of Muslims," the imam insisted. Furthermore, Imam Yugo called on the people to embrace the true meaning of Islam, which is a religion of peace, tolerance, and peaceful cohesion.
In his speech, Imam Yugo also strongly condemned the spread of religious hate speech on social media. "All members of the Presidium and all members of the FAIB call on sincere Muslims who truly love their country to stop spreading this kind of message on social media. This is not Islamic. Islam did not come to separate humans and religions, but to educate people for peaceful coexistence," declared Imam Aboubacar Yugo.
He recalled that these behaviors go against the values of Islam which advocates unity, peaceful coexistence, and moral education. "We call on everyone to stop hateful messages, which are often the source of problems in our nation. We have been through enough. We must not add to it. It is not right to insult and attack the religions and beliefs of others. Let us worship God, for He is the One who will repay," he insisted.
The FAIB reaffirmed its commitment to continue raising awareness among Muslim believers, recalling the State's commitment to suppressing excesses and actions contrary to the values of religious tolerance.