Top Muslim leaders denounce terrorism

Children pray during celebrations to mark Idd Adhuha at Kibuli Mosque in Kampala yesterday. Photo by Rachel Mabala

Countrywide-Terrorism has no place in Islam and Islam has no place for terrorism. This was the message delivered to Muslims by their leaders; sheikhs Ramathan Mubajje and Zubair Kayongo, during celebrations to mark Idd Adhuha yesterday.

Speaking to Muslims at Gaddafi National Mosque, Sheikh Mubajje said there is no connection between Islam and terrorism.

“Go and slaughter animals but don’t spill human blood. Islam is a religion of peace and love. Desist from acts of terrorism because that is not who we are,” he said.

Sheikh Kayongo of the Kibuli faction called for unity and forgiveness, adding that, “Muslims are not terrorists”. He also challenged Muslims to vie for top political posts come 2016 so as not to be undermined.

The leaders’ remarks come at the backdrop of the recent Westgate Shopping Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya where suspected al-Shabaab militants were shown on CCTV video, putting their guns aside and praying.

During Idd Adhuha, Muslims celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his young first-born son Ishmael in submission to Allah’s command and his son’s approval, before Allah provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice as a replacement.

Muslims celebrate the holiday with prayers and slaughtering animals such as goats, sheep and cattle.

Sheikh Mubajje’s message was re-echoed in Tororo as Muslims there disassociated themselves from the recent terrorists attack at Westgate, describing it as an evil and ungodly act that should not be tolerated.

Speaking during the Idd Adhuha prayers at the main Masjid Noor Mosque ground in Tororo Town, the district Khadhi, Sheikh Ismail Rajab Odoi, said as Muslims, they condemn all kinds of terrorist attacks.

In Kabarole and Kasese districts, Muslims braved the rain to attend prayers. In Kabarole, Sheikh Habibu Monday of the main Mosque said acts of terrorism were not based on words of the Muslim faith.

In Hoima, Sheikh Asraf Mustapha Kugonza, who led prayers at Boma Grounds, urged Muslims to unite and work for development. “Allah wants us to be holy and do things that glorify him. Couples need to love each other. Children respect your parents.”

In Kalangala, Sheikh Idris Mayanja, condemned domestic violence, which he said was on the increase.

At Wandegeya Mosque, Sheikh Fauzi Kalule, the deputy Imam, warned government and Muslims to desist from unnecessary borrowing as it cause financial crises.

Luweero District chairperson Abdul Nadduli on the other hand, cautioned Muslims against celebrating holidays in bars.

“These acts are against the true Islamic faith pillars. We need to share with the needy and show love to all people,” Hajji Nadduli said at Kasana town.

In Mbarara District, prayers were led by District Khadhi Ramathan Khamis, who urged Muslims to educate their children to enable them compete in the job market.

Sheikh Shaaban Rwamahe, the Ntungamo Imam, while presiding over prayers at the district mosque, said many people go to Mecca simply because they have money.

“To many, its riches that matter and when they get rich they simply travel for Hijah. We need to concentrate on faith first,” Sheikh Rwamahe said. He cautioned against unfaithfulness and called for unity.

Reported by: Ivan Okuda, Robert Muhereza, Lubulwa Henry, Francis Tusiime, Felix Basiime, Enid Ninsiima, Thembo Kahungu, Francis Mugerwa, Stephen Otage, Dan Wandera, Juliet Kigongo, Frank J Okot, Colleb Mugume, Perez Rumanzi, Joseph Omollo