Ouagadougou:The spiritual guide of the International Sufi Community in Burkina Faso, Cheick Soufi Moaz Ouédraogo, has extended an invitation to people of all religious faiths to participate in the delayed commemoration of Mawlid. This event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 9 p.m. in Tanghin, Ouagadougou, and will focus on the theme "Social Cohesion and Religious Tolerance."
According to Agence d'Information du Burkina, the commemoration will not only reflect on the birth of the Prophet Muhammad but will also highlight his values and teachings, such as love of neighbor, brotherhood, mutual understanding, and peace. The spiritual guide emphasized the importance of these teachings in fostering mutual respect and acceptance among people of different religious, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
Cheick Soufi Moaz Ouédraogo stressed that achieving social cohesion requires accepting and respecting each other, which is essential for living together peacefully. He noted that religious differences should not hinder brotherhood among the people of Burkina Faso, who share the same humanity and country.
The event's program includes awareness sessions, sermons, prayers, Quran readings, and blessings for Burkina Faso and its citizens. The Quran readings, which began in preparation for the commemoration, will continue until the celebration day. Religious leaders will offer prayers and blessings to seek peace's return to the country.
The spiritual leader highlighted that the quest for peace in Burkina Faso involves not only military efforts but also the prayers and blessings from believers of all faiths. The gathering is expected to include religious leaders from various faiths, prominent sheikhs, and community members. Participants will be encouraged to share messages of tolerance, mutual respect, and social cohesion within their communities.
Cheick Soufi Moaz Ouédraogo clarified that the initiative does not aim at religious proselytizing but rather provides a platform for raising awareness and collective mobilization towards peace. He urged the public to strongly mobilize to make this commemoration a moment of unity and promotion of social cohesion in Burkina Faso.