An Iranian cultural official has called on Ghanaian Muslim journalists to help disseminate the teachings of Islam and its benefits to the people. Abbasali Afsari, Iran’s cultural counselor in Ghana, said journalists had a cardinal role to play in every area of human endeavor and should be well educated in all fields to guide the society towards socioeconomic development, Ghana News Agency reported. The counselor made the remarks at a special Iftar (fast-breaking ceremony) for Muslim journalists drawn from the print and electronic media, as well as other Muslim leaders in Accra on Wednesday. Proposals Discussed The program, held by Iran’s Cultural Department, in collaboration with the Coalition of Muslim Organizations of Ghana (COMOG), discussed the proposed establishment of a National Zakat House and creation of a platform for Muslim journalists to network. Afsari urged Muslim journalists to form cyber groups to help the society fight youth corruption and other social vices that tended to erode the beliefs and doctrines of Islam. He also advised the media personnel to conduct research on the role of Internet and its cultural impact on the youth so that they are not swayed by practices alien to them. Stressing on the importance of technological development, Afsari urged the journalists to team up with government, non-governmental organizations and other sectors to ensure that people benefited from it. Values Underlined Major (rtd) Alhaji Mohammed Easah, president of COMOG, called on the clergy to guide their followers against cultural invasion, citing the menace of homosexuality and lesbianism, and other social vices, that have a direct impact on the youth and their development. He appealed for assistance from the government and other Muslim countries to enable COMOG to establish the National Zakat House to cater to the needs of Muslims. Alhaji Harruna Attah, editor of “Accra Mail” newspaper, advised Muslim journalists to be mindful of their roles with respect to the religion and society, and not undermine each other or other people to win political favors. He called on all Muslim journalists to work together to uphold values and to highlight issues that would bind the country together and bring about peaceful coexistence, unity and socioeconomic development. Abdel-Manan Abdel-Rahman, secretary of COMOG, explained the advantages of establishing the National Zakat House in alleviating poverty and benefiting the society. Abdel-Rahman said COMOG has undertaken and supported development projects in 52 districts of the country for the benefit of Muslim communities and called for collaboration between various Muslim sects for the enhancement of Islam./129
source : Iran Daily
Saturday
6 August 2011
7:30:00 PM
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