From Faith to Action: An Imam Transforms Communities
An imam from Ghana uses the Scientology Tools for Life to empower communities across West Africa, showing how knowledge can change lives.
Yelbi Suleiman Abdallah, an imam from Ghana’s Upper East Region, has spent decades following the Prophet Muhammad’s guidance that seeking knowledge is a duty for every person. “The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female. God has revealed to me, ‘Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge, I facilitate for him the way to heaven,’” he says, quoting the Prophet.
For Abdallah, these words were not abstract—they became a mission. Growing up in Maamobi, a suburb of Ghana’s capital, he was surrounded by immorality, drugs and confusion. Guided by faith and a desire to uplift his people, he pursued knowledge relentlessly and became an imam at 19.
“In my community, knowledge was power. I realized early that, if one has good intentions to serve for the betterment of all, one can succeed,” he recalls. “Faith alone is not enough; action guided by knowledge is what creates real change.”
That principle led Abdallah to seek out practical tools and knowledge that could help his community, and he found the Scientology Volunteer Minister (VM) Program, where he discovered those practical tools to improve lives. His first encounter came during the VM Tour in West Africa in 2002. He then took a leading role in the 2015 tour and remains active today. “These are the right tools for my people,” he says.
That tour took him across Ghana, Togo, the Ivory Coast and other parts of West Africa. Abdallah and his volunteers trained thousands in the VM tools, teaching skills for conflict resolution, emotional relief and community development. For him, being a VM is about responsibility and empowering others to succeed. “I have learned a lot,” he says. “The experience allowed me to grow physically, spiritually and morally. It taught me to genuinely understand and help individuals, society and communities. If one has a good intention to serve for the betterment of all, he will succeed.”
More than 40 VM Groups were established during the tour, and some 10,000 people benefited from the courses and seminars. Local leaders recognized his efforts with letters, plaques and awards.
“The greatest reward is seeing those we’ve helped go on to help others. This is how we achieve a civilization we can be proud of.”
“Recognitions came from the King of Bassar, chiefs, government officials and community leaders. But the real reward was seeing these tools applied and multiplied by those we trained,” he says. “It is incredibly satisfying when people take these tools and continue helping others on their own.”
His vision now extends beyond immediate community support. With the VM Tour registered as an NGO in Ghana, Abdallah hopes to integrate VM tools into schools nationwide. “We want to make the Tools for Life widely known across West Africa, giving students practical skills that support their education, ethics and personal growth,” he says.
Abdallah’s journey combines faith, education and action. “I have found a true adventure and fulfillment in serving others,” he says. “The greatest reward is seeing those we’ve helped go on to help others. This is how we achieve a civilization we can be proud of.”
Abdallah exemplifies the Volunteer Minister motto: “Something Can Be Done About It.” Find out how other VMs like him are changing their communities at Scientology.TV/VM.
GIVE WHERE IT COUNTS
The Volunteer Ministers bring indiscriminate help to all corners of the world. Your donation plays a crucial role in bringing relief to those in desperate circumstances, where every second counts and every contribution matters. Together we will make a lasting difference in the lives of others, showing them that “Something Can Be Done About It.”
