State House, Freetown, Friday, 11 July 2025 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has joined Sierra Leonean pilgrims, their families, and the wider Muslim community to observe the Jumah prayer following their return from the Holy Land of Mecca, where they successfully completed the Hajj, the Fifth Pillar of Islam.
The prayer, led by Sheikh Hamid Abubakar Turay of Masjid Rahman in Waterloo, centered on the theme of love, unity, and divine connection. The Imam emphasized that the love of Allah and love among mankind are foundational to peace, development, and national cohesion. Without that divine love in the hearts of people, he warned, no nation can prosper.
“Those who do not love or respect their leaders are misled and will not benefit from the kingdom of Allah,” he said.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Hajj, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, extended his appreciation to President Bio for creating the enabling environment that facilitated the participation of Sierra Leonean Muslims in this year’s pilgrimage. He also thanked the King of Saudi Arabia and the Royal Hajj Committee for providing Hajj scholarships to Sierra Leonean pilgrims.
Mr. Sesay reassured the President and the Muslim community of the Task Force’s commitment to improving its coordination and outreach to ensure even more Sierra Leoneans, at home and abroad, are able to fulfill this vital pillar of Islam.
In his address, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Hajj Task Force for organizing a third consecutive successful Hajj since the establishment of the committee. He warmly welcomed the pilgrims back and acknowledged the spiritual significance of their journey.
“You have completed a sacred pillar of Islam, one that brings you closer to Allah,” President Bio said. “This government is committed to ensuring that Sierra Leoneans, regardless of region, religion, political affiliation, or tribe, enjoy peace, unity, and opportunities for spiritual fulfillment.”
The President stressed the importance of national unity and called on all Sierra Leoneans, especially the returning pilgrims, to take ownership of their communities and embrace diversity.
“If we are to develop as a nation, all hands must be on deck. We must put Sierra Leone first by prioritizing peace, national cohesion, and development.” He concluded.
