The FGM debate continues to unfold despite the current status of the bill awaiting review by a parliamentary committee and potential dialogue with stakeholders.
Two top Islamic clerics remain entrenched in their positions and are exchanging criticisms.
In an upcoming interview with Fatu Camara, Imam Fatty challenged Leigh to produce his certificate in Sharia law, vehemently rejecting Leigh’s assertion that FGM is not Islamic.
“If Imam Leigh claims FGM is not in the Quran and therefore not Islamic, tell him to provide his Sharia certificate. Similar people understand each other’s strengths. Challenge him to show his certificate. He needs to delve deeper into Islamic research instead of unnecessarily seeking attention,” Fatty stated.
During Eid, Fatty told another media outlet that he has no personal issues with Imam Leigh regarding his conduct on religious matters.
“Imam Leigh seems to align with groups opposing Islam. He has joined family planning campaigns contrary to Islamic teachings. He supported GamCoTrap’s advocacy against FGM and even defended the rights of prosecuted individuals in the country. Can such a person continue as an Imam? His actions contradict Islamic teachings. Even the commission he works for urged the President to protect the rights of homosexuals, yet Leigh refused to resign,” Fatty argued.
Fatty cautioned the Imam and activist, Baba Leigh, to turn back to Allah, suggesting that supporting such groups won’t bring wealth.
“You cannot collaborate with Islam’s enemies while leading people as an Imam. Leigh needs to seek contentment and believe in Allah, abandoning defenses of actions contrary to Islam,” Fatty warned.
Fatty strongly objected to critics labeling them as ‘Boko Haram,’ arguing that lacking weapons or rebelling against the government disqualifies such a comparison.
“The term is offensive and should not be applied to respected figures propagating and defending Islamic teachings. We are not Boko Haram, and it’s irresponsible to suggest otherwise,” he emphasized.
Addressing the conflict between Islamic principles and secular laws, President Barrow stated that the law applies to everyone, including himself, asserting that The Gambia is not a Sharia state but predominantly Muslim.
Responding to the government’s stance, Imam Fatty emphasized that the Quran supersedes all laws, reflecting his beliefs.