Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim has urged Muslims across Ghana and beyond to embody the true teachings of Islam through their character and actions, describing this as the most powerful form of jihad in today’s world.
Speaking on behalf of the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama at the International Quran Conference on 13 September 2025 in Accra, Shamima Muslim delivered a stirring address that challenged Muslims to reflect on their personal and collective responsibility to project the light of Islam.
“I would like to extend his warmest greetings and regards to all of you who have gathered to witness this International Quran Conference,” she said.
“It is important as an Ummah that we remind ourselves every day of what Islam truly represents and stands for.”
She emphasised that in the modern era, jihad should not be associated with violence but with living as an example of faith.
“In our time, jihad is not taking bombs, or taking swords, or killing each other,” she stated. “The best form of jihad today is the jihad of self-example. If we say that Islam is the light of the world, we, as the proponents and practitioners of Islam, must reflect this light.”
Citing a recent video of an Imam in Palestine, Shamima Muslim reflected on the urgency of living up to the principles of Islam:
“The imam simply stood before the congregation and said that if the number of people who have been martyred as a result of the Israel–Palestinian war, the thousands who have been maimed, and the millions who have been deprived of their homes is not enough to awaken the conscience of the Islamic Ummah, then what will his mere words do? I think that was profound.”
She noted that Islam’s image had suffered in many communities due to harmful behaviours and urged Muslims to lead efforts to reclaim its true meaning.
“Today, our Muslim community faces daunting challenges. And we cannot run away from those challenges,” she said.
“We are dealing with drug abuse, corruption, and shortcuts to wealth. Instead of following the path of the Deen, which encourages all of us to seek knowledge even if we have to go to China, many are losing interest in beneficial knowledge. And yet, within our communities, there is brilliance and potential.”
Calling on young Muslims to rise above negative stereotypes, she said:
“Within our communities, there are mentors who should inspire us every day that our condition must not and cannot and should not be a limitation to how far we can go if we put our heads and our minds to it.”
She further challenged attendees to think about their personal contributions to Islam, their nation, and the world.
“As we partake in this competition, as we celebrate the presence of our brothers and sisters, let us ask ourselves, what will be my contribution as a Muslim? Not only to my homeland, not only to my community, but to my country, to Africa and the world. A couple of decades from now, what story will be written about me? About the impact I made to my neighbour, to my brother, to my sister? What stories will be told about the light I allowed to shine in my community?”
On behalf of the President, Shamima Muslim also donated an amount of GHS 20,000 towards the conference and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the Muslim community.
“Last week, the President met with regional Imams from across the country to remind them of his commitment to the challenges of our community,” she revealed.
The International Qur’an Conference drew participants and spectators from across Ghana and other nations, celebrating the beauty of the Quran and reinforcing the call for Muslims to live by its teachings.
