Imam Momodou Lamin Touray, president of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), has appealed to members of the business community, particularly those of the Muslim faith, to reduce the prices of their items in order to enable the average Muslim in the country to meet their needs for Tobaski.

The veteran Imam described the sudden augmentation of prices of items as unislamic and immoral. The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council president made these remarks yesterday, during an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer, at his office at their new headquarters, located along the MDI Road in Kanifing.

According to Imam Touray, the feast of Tobaski is a moment of worshipping Allah, and he emphasized that it should not be used as opportunity for business people to increase prices at the detriment of the average Gambian. He observed that price speculation is an immoral practice that need to be eradicated.

As the feast of Tobaski falls among the four most important months that Allah Himself attaches great significance to, the Islamic scholar advised people to be mindful of wrong doings, calling on all to use the period to renew their faith to the religion of Allah. He noted that during these months, Muslims should distance themselves from acts that contradict the principles of Islam.

''I am appealing to Muslims to do their businesses in a manner that is in line with the fundamental principles of Islam. We are in a country where the majority are not wealthy enough, and the little money they have is what they use to accommodate all their expenses. It is observed that if Muslim feasts are approaching, especially Tobaski, prices of items tend to rise,'' he said.

He further stated that there is no reason for sellers to speculate on the prices of rams.  "This period should have been the moment when prices of rams get cheaper and more affordable,'' he emphasized, adding "the reason is that Tobaski is a very important feast with great religious significance."

The erudite Imam called for attitudinal change among Muslim, challenging them to nurture their faith. "For you to be asked to pay thousands just for a ram to sacrifice on Tobaski Day is something that is really disheartening.

One thing that traders should always bear in mind is the fact that any money that is gained through exploitative business means will never be useful to you, as it will have been collected in a manner that contradicts the principles of the Islamic faith,'' Imam Touray emphasized.

"What is even more amazing," the GSIC boss went on, "is the fact that when Muslims are out of the Tobaski period, prices of goods fall." He called this "an absolute nightmare for Muslims." Imam Touray called on business individuals to fear Allah and to help each other especially in difficult moments, when people are doing all what they can to meet the demands of their family commitment.

The GSIC president concluded by praying for peace and blessings of the Almighty Allah to prevail in the country. He also extended the prayer to the government of The Gambia, under the leadership of Professor Alhaji Yahya Jammeh. The Imam conveyed wishes for a joyous feast of Tobaski to Muslims the world over.