Somalia Ministry of Religious Affairs bans
Christmas and New Year celebrations, says they are contrary to Islamic culture
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Somalia's Federal government today Tuesday,
December 22, banned the celebrations of
Christmas and New Year in the capital
Mogadishu. It says celebrating Christmas is
against faith of Somali Muslims and won't
allow it happen in the country.
Director General of Somalia’s Ministry of
Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow
announced the decision in a Press Conference
held in Mogadishu along with the Vice
Chairman of the Supreme Religious Council
(SRC), Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan.
All events related to Christmas and New Year
celebrations are contrary to Islamic culture,
which could damage aqidah (faith) of the
Muslim community. He added:
"All security forces are advised to halt or
dissolve any gatherings. There should be no
activity at all."
Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan, the deputy
chairman of the Supreme Religious Council of
Somalia said that such events might motivate
extremist group al-Shabaab to launch attacks
in the capital.
"We [Islamic Scholars] are warning against
the celebration of such events which are not
relevant to the principles of our religion. Such
events give also al-Shabaab to carry out
attacks."
Sources: Live From Mogadishu/Horseed
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