Somalia Ministry of Religious Affairs bans Christmas and New Year celebrations, says they are contrary to Islamic culture
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."
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