State House, Freetown, Friday, 11 July 2025 –
In a powerful display of spiritual solidarity and national leadership, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio participated in special Jumah prayers alongside Sierra Leonean pilgrims who recently returned from fulfilling the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The service, held and attended by the pilgrims, their families, and members of the wider Muslim community, celebrated the successful completion of this Fifth Pillar of Islam and served as a platform for reinforcing messages of unity and progress.
The solemn prayer, conducted at a significant gathering, was led by Sheikh Hamid Abubakar Turay of Masjid Rahman in Waterloo. Sheikh Turay delivered a khutbah (sermon) profoundly centered on the interconnected themes of divine love, human unity, and their essential role in national well-being. He articulated that genuine love for Allah must manifest as love and respect among mankind, declaring this foundation as indispensable for achieving lasting peace, meaningful development, and true national cohesion. “Without that divine love rooted deeply in the hearts of the people,” the Imam cautioned, “no nation can hope to prosper.” He further emphasized the importance of societal harmony, stating clearly, “Those who do not love or respect their leaders are misled and will not benefit from the kingdom of Allah.”
During the event, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Hajj, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the pilgrims and the organizing body. He specifically thanked President Bio for his government’s unwavering support in creating the enabling environment that facilitated the participation of Sierra Leonean Muslims in this year’s Hajj. Alhaji Sesay also extended appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal Hajj Committee for their generosity in providing Hajj scholarships that assisted Sierra Leonean pilgrims. Reaffirming the Task Force’s dedication, Sesay promised continued improvements in coordination and outreach efforts. “We are committed,” he stated, “to ensuring even more Sierra Leoneans, both at home and in the diaspora, are empowered to fulfill this vital pillar of Islam in the years ahead.”
Addressing the congregation, President Julius Maada Bio commenced by thanking the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Hajj Task Force for orchestrating a third consecutive successful pilgrimage since the committee’s establishment. He warmly welcomed the pilgrims back to their homeland, acknowledging the profound spiritual significance of their journey to the Holy Land. “You have completed a sacred pillar of Islam, one that brings you closer to Allah and purifies the soul,” President Bio affirmed. He reiterated his administration’s inclusive vision, stating, “This government is fundamentally committed to ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of region, religion, political affiliation, or tribe, enjoy peace, unity, and the essential opportunities for spiritual fulfillment.”
President Bio powerfully linked the spiritual unity demonstrated by the Hajj to the practical needs of national development. He stressed that the collective effort witnessed during the pilgrimage must translate into a shared commitment to building Sierra Leone. “If we are to develop as a nation, all hands must be on deck,” the President urged, directing his call particularly to the returning pilgrims as ambassadors of peace. “We must put Sierra Leone first by prioritizing peace, fostering unwavering national cohesion, and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to our nation’s development. Embrace the diversity that strengthens us, and take ownership of building prosperous communities wherever you reside.” The President’s presence and message underscored the government’s recognition of faith as a unifying force and its commitment to supporting religious obligations, while harnessing their spirit for the nation’s collective advancement.