In the lead-up to the Gamou celebration on April 4th, the marabout Abdou Faty Niang, grandson of El Hadji Malick Sy, took advantage of a cleanup day in Thiocé Ouest to raise the alarm about the negative trends affecting some young people. Between the pursuit of easy money, social influence, and a loss of moral compass, the marabout called for stronger guidance and a return to religious values to preserve social cohesion.
In Thiocé Ouest, the Sané Mosque, commonly known as Djakay Sané, served as the venue for this cleanup day. Mobilizing many residents of the neighborhood, the activity aimed to clean the immediate surroundings of the mosque, but also to convey a strong message about Islamic values. According to the marabout (religious leader), cleanliness is a fundamental religious requirement, in reference to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
“Cleanliness is an Islamic virtue. It is a lesson we want to instill in young people,” he explained, stressing the importance of community involvement in preparing for this major religious event.
Beyond the cleanup, the meeting was used to raise awareness among young people about several social issues. It encouraged youth to avoid certain pitfalls such as drug use, irregular migration, and the relentless pursuit of easy money and fame. They believe these factors expose young people to risky behaviors.
“We are Muslims, and some things, even in other religions, are not accepted. The Christian religion, like Islam, completely forbids homosexuality. We are sending a message to young people to tell them to avoid the lure of easy money. Because it is the lure of easy money that often leads young people to these excesses. Otherwise, it is the search for fame, it is the privileges they can have in relation to these acts, and none of this can justify certain unnatural or homosexual acts,” he urges.
In this context, he emphasized the central role of religious education as a bulwark against these excesses, calling for a return to moral and spiritual values. He also mentioned the need for stricter regulation of certain behaviors deemed contrary to religious values. Thus, he appealed to the authorities to toughen sanctions against those who commit acts considered deviant, while clarifying that their position is based on religious principles.
“God exterminated an entire community for homosexual acts and unnatural acts. And we, our community, do not want to go that far. So, all we want from the authorities is for them to redouble their efforts, to track down all those involved in these affairs, and also to make them face the most severe penalties. We believe that the only education that can lead young people to remain dignified, to not embark on the boats of Barça or Barçax, to not get involved in homosexuality, drugs, or aggression, is Islamic education, it is religion,” said the marabout.
However, he points out that their primary mission remains the education, prevention and support of young people in order to preserve social cohesion.
Moreover, in the Thiocé Ouest neighborhood, regular Quranic learning sessions are organized under the supervision of local imams, including Moulaye Kébé, El Hadji Malick Niang, and Mahmoud Sy. According to the marabout, these initiatives aim to strengthen the religious foundations of young people and keep them on the right path.
Scheduled for April 4, the day of Senegal's independence celebration, the annual Gamou also represents, for the organizers, an alternative way to celebrate this national event.
"Where some opt for parades or torchlight processions, we have chosen to celebrate through religion," they stated, highlighting the role of spirituality in Senegalese society.
Khady Ndoye
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