I’ve Never Promoted Religious Division, and I Never Will -Rep. Hassan Bility Corrects Misinterpretation of UK Remarks

MONROVIA – Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility is fighting off detractors and political opponents who mistook his recent remarks at a Muslim forum in Manchester, the United Kingdom, for religious hatred and stereotyping.

What he said

Speaking to fellow Muslims in the United Kingdom, Bility asserted that how do they (Liberian Muslims resident abroad) can integrate into greater Liberia now is a burden that they have and must achieve.

“Tonight could be your marching order to the point where Liberians will flow to Islam. Because to the contrary, when you read about Islam, it is the fasted growing religion in the world. But not been into Liberia because the truth of that matter is that we the so-called custodian of the Islamic faith has done little or less to try to integrate the religion into our greater society. That burden is on us and that is our responsibility, we must do it, we done it individually. Some people are trying against all odds; Muslims have married non-Muslims stay into the marriage.”

Is revealed his 27-year marriage to Christian wife, tying the knot in Church – something he said has never affected his faith, his belief and pride as a Muslim.

He also said at the forum: “We sell our religion; we are the most liberal faith in the world. We can bring that to bear on the Liberian society. We can change Liberia with Islam. We can make Liberians to look at Islam differently. Tonight it is my hope that the center things that we have not done before which is a great thing, I am hoping that this community center will welcome non-Muslims children.”

Remarks ‘Misinterpreted’

After the speech, a number of unfriendly social media bloggers and “detractors” politicized Bility’s remarks, stating in part that he had indicated how attempts by the Muslim community has fought for Muslim holiday were not being given the opportunity.

Clarifying his Reports

Swiftly, the Nimba lawmaker reacted indicating in a statement that is his attention has been drawn to a snippet of his speech delivered night before in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he was honored to address the Muslim community during the induction ceremony of their newly elected leaders and a fundraising event for the construction of a community center.

He said: “During my remarks, I expressed deep respect for the liberal and peaceful values of Islam and encouraged the Muslim community in Liberia to do more in advancing their faith in ways that foster understanding and coexistence, much like Christian institutions have done through churches and schools. I emphasized that if constructed, this center in the UK must serve as a welcoming place for all Liberians—regardless of their religious beliefs.”

According to him, he also referenced his personal background—having received a Christian education, being married in the Christian faith, and having shared 28 years of interfaith marriage with my beloved wife, a devoted Christian.

“My life story has been one of coexistence, respect, and harmony,” Bility said. “It is therefore unfortunate and deeply troubling that a portion of my message has been taken out of context by those who are determined to keep Liberia divided and distracted.”

He said opponents’ “desperate attempt to brand me as an Islamist is not only false, it is malicious—and it does not represent who I am or what I stand for”.

“Liberia knows me. My record speaks clearly,” he added. “95% of the people who work with me and for me are Christians. My businesses, my politics, and my public service are all grounded in inclusivity, respect, and tolerance. I have never promoted religious division, and I never will.”

He alarmed that “what we are witnessing is a calculated distraction—an attempt to deflect from the real issues facing our country: the high cost of living, the breakdown of public services, the suffering of our people. To use religion as a political weapon in such trying times is not only disingenuous—it is dangerous.”

He encouraged all well-meaning Liberians to watch the full video of his speech and understand the context in which his words were spoken.

“Truth, when seen in full, has the power to silence lies,” he stressed. “Let us rise above desperation and deceit, and stay focused on what truly matters: building a just, tolerant, and prosperous Liberia for all.”