KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Islamic Council of Jamaica (ICOJ) says that Muslims here in Jamaica have nothing to worry about regarding the recently announced executive order by President Donald Trump, barring entry to the US from the predominantly Muslims nations of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Sheikh Musa Tijani, one of the directors at the ICOJ told OBSERVER ONLINE that that there is nothing under the law that applies to us here in Jamaica “whether Muslim or Christian”; however he added that “in terms of Muslims in the world, we see that the ban is not right”.

He said that it was not right to ban Muslims from the seven countries without any good reason and added that the reason given by Trump is unacceptable.

“None of them (Muslims) from those countries have ever committed any crimes in America or against the American people, in fact they are fighting terrorists,” he said.

Tijana, who is also head of education at the ICOF, said that Muslims especially those in America should be patient, stressing that Islam mentions that whatever happens does not happen accidentally.

“Nothing happens accidentally, God knows before and in that case is you cannot fight what God planned, so all we can do is continue to be patient, continue our worship and prayer.”

Regarding a response from the Government of Jamaica on the matter, Tijani said there is nothing in Trump’s statement that applies to anyone in Jamaica, so getting a response from the government now is too early. “We all just have to wait and see.”

He said that Jamaicans should just be prepared when travelling, as they might be asked questions, but “in terms of the ban it does not affect Jamaica as yet”.

Shanica Blair