Huh ? Somalia Bans Christmas and New Year Celebrations | Read Why Ayodele Daniel

Forum 8 years ago

Huh ? Somalia Bans Christmas and New Year Celebrations | Read Why Ayodele Daniel

With Christmas and New Year celebrations fast approaching, the
Federal Government of Somalia has banned the celebrations of
yuletide in the capital, Mogadishu.


The Somalian government argued that celebrating Christmas and New
Year is against the faith of the country’s majority Muslims and won’t
condone its celebration anywhere in the country.


It, however, did not state what punishments would be meted out on
anyone or groups that violate the order only that the security forces
have been put on notice to ensure there should be no “activity at all”
in relation to Christmas and New Year.


Director General of the war-torn country’s Ministry of Religious
Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow, announced the decision Tuesday at a
Press Conference held in Mogadishu alongside 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”, Khayrow said.
“All security forces are advised to halt or dissolve any gatherings.
There should be no activity at all”, he added.


Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Religious Council of Somalia, Sheikh
Nur Barud Gurhan, claimed that celebrating Christmas and New Year –
which are popular festivities among Christians – could motivate terror
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 also give al-Shabaab motivation to carry out attacks”, he
warned.