Dr. Muhammad Bashar Arafat, a renowned Muslim Scholar and Founder of Civilizations Exchange & Co- Operation Foundation in Baltimore Maryland in the US has urged Muslims to share lessons from his Friday sermon at the national mosque about the need eradicate corruption with rest of the citizens in Uganda and indeed in the entire East African region.
In his moving sermon based the Holy Quran 83: 1-3 ” Woe to those that deal in fraud, those who, when they have to receive by measure from Men, exact full measure. But when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due”
“Its over one thousand years since the above message was revealed admonishing believers to keep away from all anti social and ungodly acts that promote corruption in their communities. It was not meant for the tribe of the Quraish who were then citizens of Makkah nor those of Madina during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) but it was a message for all people regardless of their differences in creed and localities,” Sheikh Bashar said.
Adding that, “ from the report presented by a “Lady Minister” ( read Ms Beti Kamya, the Inspector General of Government- IGG at the just concluded Conference organized by the Interreligious Council of Uganda- IRCU showed how Trillions of Ugandan Shillings are stolen annually through graft. It’s upon Muslims to strive to have taqwa (piety) in their inner souls and live righteous lives.”
Shortly after the prayers, Haji Sulaiman Musana Kawanguzi, the UMSC protocol officer read a statement from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development addressed to the Mufti for delivery to the congregants. It was premised on commemorating Dec 3rd as a special day for Persons with Disabilities. The message signed by A. D. Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary quoted the this year’s theme as being” Not all Disabilities Are Visible”. The event was concluded by prayers for people with disabilies led by the visiting Guest Preacher.
In attendance were Members of UMSC Management Committee led by Hon. Ramathan Mugalu, the UMSC Secretary General, Haj Tezikuba Sajjabi, a retired Presidential Advisor, Former UMSC Secretary General Haj Dr. Edris Serugo Kasenene among many others.
