The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, Friday urged the families of the victims of the tragic August 6 helicopter crash to be steadfast in fortitude and patience as they endure the period of deep pain.
Offering the Islamic opening prayer during the State Funeral in Accra for the eight fallen heroes, Sheikh Sharubutu reminded the bereaved families that death was a part of life’s divine journey.
“In your time of grief, it must be firm in your minds that they have gone, and we also will follow the same path. No one will remain in life perpetually,” the Chief Imam stated.
He encouraged mourners to find comfort in the Qur’anic verse: “Indeed, from Allah we come and to Him shall we return,” saying it serves as a profound reminder of human mortality and the promise of divine solace.
“If you are able to say this at a time when you are in need of help, or you are afflicted by any misfortune or calamity, Allah promises to do three things for you, and each of those things, in terms of value, is superior to the world and all it contains,” he explained.
Dr Sharubutu elaborated that the first of those divine rewards “is a heavenly benediction, a blessing that surpasses all worldly possessions.”
The second, he said; “Is compassion from the presence of God, and the third is divine guidance, given to those who, in their suffering, submit wholly to the will of the Almighty.
Those were divine compensations that outweighed the pain of loss, he said, calling on the nation to draw strength from faith.
The Chief Imam prayed for the affected families, asking Allah to grant them the strength to navigate the difficult period.
He offered prayers for the President, asking God to grant him patience and divine support in his leadership duties.
“To the whole of the nation, we pray for God’s protection. May we not see a repeat of such a calamity in the future history of our country,” Sheikh Sharubutu said.