Dear Editor,

The Guyana Islamic Trust is appalled by the news carried in the media, alleging that an Imam/ Muslim scholar molested young boys from his madrasah.

The GIT on behalf of the Muslim community wishes to state categorically that Islam clearly condemns and outlaws such abomination in the strongest possible terms, and that the Muslim authorities in Guyana in no way condone such disgraceful behaviour.

Therefore, the GIT is calling for a full investigation into these allegations and for the perpetrator to be brought to justice, regardless of his social standing. This matter is viewed very seriously by the Shari’ah (Islamic law) which prescribes capital punishment for the one proven guilty of such a heinous crime.

However, the GIT wishes to sound a word of caution that we should not pass verdicts and make judgments based on reports in the media; rather we should allow the judicial process to take its course before making such pronouncements.

The GIT likewise deplores all attempts to vilify our noble religion, cast aspersions on the characters of our leaders and scholars and ridicule Muslims as they go about their lives as hard working, decent and law-abiding citizens of Guyana.

Yours faithfully,
Safdaar Hussein
Head GIT Secretariat