KAMPALA.His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje has implored Muslim entertainers, popularly known as Khalifas, to continue composing and chanting praises of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a way of educating humanity about the history of the Prophet, especially the younger generation.
The message was delivered on behalf of the Mufti by Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, during the annual celebrations held every 30th December, when Muslim artists gather to commemorate the life of Prophet Muhammad, who was sent by Almighty Allah as divine mercy and the final messenger in the line of Abrahamic faiths.
Hon. Aluma informed the gathering that the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) is already in touch with the Government of Uganda to implement a resolution adopted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The resolution requires all member states, including Uganda, to gazette the 12th day of the month of Rabi’ Awwal—the ninth month in the Islamic calendar—as a public holiday to commemorate what is widely known in Islamic history as the birth of the Prophet.
He explained that the decision was reached due to ongoing geopolitical conspiracies by dangerous Islamophobic elements, particularly in the Western world, targeting young Muslims with the aim of instilling doubt and hatred against the person of Prophet Muhammad, and eventually leading them to abandon the Islamic faith.
“Don’t listen to whoever utters hate speech against you with the aim of discouraging you from holding such functions. What you have to know is that you are doing the right thing, which is acceptable in Islam,” Hon. Aluma said.
He further urged them to teach their young people to learn and chant classical Islamic poetic patterns written by great legends such as Imam Al-Busiri, among others.
Hon. Aluma also called upon the Muslim artists to preach unity and actively participate in UMSC-designed development programmes. He concluded by pledging, on behalf of UMSC, continued support for their activities.
Earlier, Prof. Dr. Sheikh Hassan Abdu Majeed Mutagubya, a former UMSC Executive member and Senior Lecturer at the Islamic Call University, was the guest preacher. He centred his sermon on reminding the faithful to be disciplined and to live righteously, in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Meanwhile, Dr. Haj Ramazan Mugalu, the former UMSC Secretary General, addressed the congregation and spoke highly of the promotion of education within the Muslim community. He also encouraged Muslim artists to continue holding such gatherings, noting that from time immemorial, they have served as important avenues for propagating the message of Islam to the wider public.
Sheikh Ismail Kibuule, the Kadhi of Lwengo Muslim District, who spoke on behalf of the district Kadhis, praised the Khalifas for maintaining the long-standing tradition of praising Prophet Muhammad, which he described as an integral part of Muslim belief.
On their part, Muwoloogoma Ggenza, the Secretary of the Khalifas, read out a report outlining their activities since their inception in 1986.
Among the attendees were UMSC departmental heads, members of the Executive, the General Assembly, district Kadhis, among others. The Khalifas—Muslim Artists—crowned the day with several melodious chants praising Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him