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Muslim leaders from The National Mosque of Ghana were invited to the Africa West Area office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to meet with the Area Presidency. The purpose of the visit was to continue strengthening relationships between the two faiths.
Abdul Rahman Isakah, First Administrator of The National Mosque of Ghana, Sheik Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari, First Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam of Ghana, and Abubakar Yussif Zenuwah, Administrative Secretary to the Advisory Board visited with Elder Hugo E. Martinez, President of the Africa West Area, Elder Larry S. Kacher, First Counselor, and Elder Jorge Klebingat, Second Counselor in the AWA. During the visit Elder Kacher shared the pamphlet, “Muslims and Latter-day Saints.” The area presidency led a discussion on the similarities of beliefs, values and lifestyles between the Church and the Muslim community. Elder Kacher encouraged the visitors to continue to study the pamphlet and the Book of Mormon to better understand the beliefs of the Church.
During the visit, Dr. Marzuq discussed the history of The National Mosque of Ghana, the leadership and guidance of His Eminence, the Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Nuhu Usamanu Sharubutu, and how the Muslim community feels accepted in the mostly Christian country of Ghana.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Ghana Missionary Training Center. The MTC welcomed the Muslim leaders for a tour of the complex. Abdul Rahman Isakah said "For the country to make great progress, more people need to taught by your church. It's amazing."
In a recent announcement two Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged followers of the faith to better understand the similarities and differences. There are over 1.8 billion followers of Islam throughout the world.
Elder David A. Bednar said, “The two faiths are different in many of our core doctrines, but many of our values and the ways in which we practice our respective faiths are similar and reflect our love of God and of our fellow man.” Elder Gerrit W. Gong said that understanding should be sought openly and honestly, “with appreciation that we are brothers and sisters with a common humanity.”
At the conclusion of the visit, relationships between the Area Presidency and leaders of the National Mosque were strengthened and plans were made to meet again soon.