By Ragan M. Conteh

Fear grips Islamic worshippers over idol worshipping at specific suburbs in Pujehun and Kenema districts, east of Sierra Leone.

Imams in the country have expressed frustration over the importation of idol religious practices by purportedly Asia foreign nationals in the east of Sierra Leone.

One of the Imams at Calaba Town, Sheik M T Swaray told this medium an Egyptian national Hesham Sidki Aleburashi, resident of Coba Water, off Waterloo, Tombo Highway is clandestinely going to the remote communities of Pujehun and Kenema districts to introduce idol worshipping there.

According to Sheik Swaray, this Egyptian is a criminal and has been warned several times by stakeholders to desist from such fake religious practices but he insists.

He alleged that he always enter the deprived communities, splashing poor residents with lots of monies for people to accept his way of idols practices, a practice that Imams and other religious leaders perceived as dangerous and can lead to trafficking.

The imam says secret society by women principal initiators “Soweis” is also prasticed in the two districts.

While this happens the poor people who cannot fend for themselves, are given money and dressed with fearsome regalia.

Sheik Swaray further told this medium that such a secret society practices have the tendency to lead to abduction of people.

“Our people in Pujehun have told us that this Egyptian take pictures and videos and forwarded them abroad.” “We don’t even know what our faces will be used and for which purposes. Our people are not happy over this,” Sheik Swaray said.

Sheik Swaray said the act is criminal and exploitative.

“I also suspect a buildup of a militant group that will in turn become thorn in the flesh. Anything that we don’t want let our government entirely reject it, “he said.

He revealed he wants government to be aware of what is going in that part of Sierra Leone.

It could be recalled that the Idol worship has its roots in ancient religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which have been practiced for thousands of years.

In these religions, idols are used to represent deities or other spiritual beings that are revered by followers.

The origins of idol worship can be traced back to the Vedic period of Indian history, where statues of gods and goddesses were made from stones and clays. These idols were believed to possess divine powers and could offer protection and blessings to those who prayed to them.

Over time, idol worship spread beyond India and became an important part of many cultures around the world.

For example, in Catholicism, religious artifacts such as crucifixes and rosaries are often used to symbolize the devotion to Jesus Christ.

Similarly, in Islam, images of Allah and his prophet Muhammad are not allowed, but there are still many forms of idol worship within the religion, including the veneration of saints and shrines.

In modern times, idol worship continues to be a significant aspect of many religions, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Many people believe that their idols are capable of granting their wishes and providing guidance on how to live a fulfilling life.

Despite the controversy surrounding the practice, idol worship remains a popular form of religious expression across the globe.

When this medium contacted the alleged importer of the Idol practices, Hesham Sidki Aleburashim, through his mobile number on +232 74 251 821 he did not respond to the allegations above.

However, this medium will make a follow up on the several allegations about him and on the ground to get his own side of the story.

Pictures and videos available to this medium depict factual accounts of this story.

To be continue….