Muslims in Uganda, Ethiopia Mark Holy Prophet's Birth
“We can only understand Islam more if we unite,” Supreme Mufti Sheikh Zubair Kayongo, was quoted by Anadolu Agency.
“If we continue preaching about killing, violence, taking away people's property, how can Islam grow in this country?”
Uganda Maulid celebrations this year come as the Muslim community waits the results of police investigations in the killing of five Muslim scholars last December.
According to police, the scholars were killed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Uganda extremist group based in Congo, after refusing to join the alliance.
Away from divisions, Muslim scholars celled for reconciliation in the landlocked African country.
Addressing Muslim worshippers at Kibuli Mosque, in the center of Ugandan capital Kampala, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje called for unity among Muslims.
“We need to unite as Muslims,” Sheikh Mubajje said.
Ethiopia Too
Unlike Uganda’s sober Maulid celebrations, Muslims in Ethiopia held colorful events at the Grand Anwar Mosque, the largest and oldest Islamic house of prayer in the Ethiopian capital, and in other places across the country.
Thousands of Muslim thronged the mosque in Addis Ababa to attend the celebrations that was attended by officials of the Islamic affairs councils of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa and Oromia.
“It is also our duty to safeguard the peace and development taking place in Ethiopia at present,” Vice-President of the Addis Ababa Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Sheikh Kedir Mohamoud Aman said, calling on Muslims to be politically-engaged and use their voting power to vote government officials in or out.
Many Muslims see the prophet’s birthday as an important time to learn about and reflect oo Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life.
Lectures and speeches are often recorded and published as podcasts.
Around the world, celebrations of the prophet’s birthday include stalls selling Islamic books, leaflets, clothing, prayer mats and other materials.
