‘Uphold unity, stability’

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday called on Tanzanians to uphold unity and solidarity and continue safeguarding peace and stability as Muslims across the country celebrated Maulid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a message shared on her Instagram page, President Samia extended her greetings and blessings to Muslims and all Tanzanians, urging them to celebrate the occasion peacefully and joyfully while maintaining national unity and solidarity.

“Let us celebrate in peace and happiness while maintaining our unity and solidarity. May Almighty God continue to bless our country, preserve it in peace and stability, and enable us to build it for the development and prosperity of all,” said President Samia.

She also urged Tanzanians to draw lessons from the Prophet’s life by embracing love, compassion, tolerance and concern for others.

“I wish Muslims and all Tanzanians happiness and blessings during Maulid. The commemoration of the blessed day of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) should remind us to continue living with love, compassion, tolerance and concern for others,” she said.

The national Maulid celebration took place at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam, bringing together Muslim leaders from various regions and districts, government officials and members of the Muslim community.

The event, officiated by National Assembly Speaker Mussa Zungu, featured Qur’an recitations, Maulid Barzanji, Qaswidas praising the Prophet’s life and virtues, as well as speeches from religious leaders.

Presenting President Samia’s special greetings at the event, Speaker Zungu commended this year’s Maulid theme, “Good Character and Proper Use of Technology”, describing it as an important message for Tanzanians, particularly young people.

Mr Zungu cautioned against excessive and irresponsible use of social media, saying many people spend valuable time on digital platforms instead of using technology to generate income and contribute to economic development.

He said social media should also be used responsibly to curb the spread of  false and misleading information that could harm individuals and undermine social cohesion.

“Let us use social media to promote our businesses and not for things that have no benefit to us,” Mr Zungu said, urging young people to explore technology-based opportunities to expand their incomes.

He cited boda boda operators and spare-parts businesses as examples, encouraging them to use digital platforms to market their services and provide delivery services for spare parts, food and other goods.

Mr Zungu further urged young Tanzanians to align their activities with the aspirations of Tanzania’s Vision 2050, saying the long-term development blueprint provides opportunities for young people to benefit from the country’s economic transformation.

He called on Tanzanians to use technology in ways that promote economic development and peace, while avoiding groups and activities that create unnecessary divisions.

“Everyone has been assigned their livelihood. If you do not get it today, you will get it tomorrow,” he said, encouraging Tanzanians to remain patient, peaceful and focused on productive activities. He also commended the Mufti, sheikhs and Muslim community for marking the important occasion, saying President Samia appreciated their contribution to peace and stability in the country.

“President Samia extends her heartfelt congratulations to the Mufti, all sheikhs, Muslim and non-Muslim citizens on this important occasion to celebrate the birth of our Prophet. The President wishes you all the best in your responsibilities and work, and in your efforts to promote peace and stability in the country,” he said.

Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the National Maulid Baraza 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba called on Tanzanians to uphold peace, unity, mutual respect and their responsibilities as citizens.

He urged families, religious institutions and society at large to strengthen collective efforts in raising children, warning that the country’s future depends on the values instilled in the younger generation.

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Dr Nchemba said Maulid celebrations should go beyond marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, offering believers an opportunity to reflect on his life and translate his teachings into daily conduct.

“Let these Maulid celebrations remind us of our responsibility to maintain love, unity and national solidarity,” he said.

He stressed that while families bear the primary responsibility for raising children, religious institutions and the wider community play a crucial role in reinforcing good morals and values.

“The future of our nation lies in the upbringing we give our children. They are the heirs of this nation, and failure to guide them properly puts our country at risk,” he said.

Dr Nchemba called on parents and faith-based institutions to strengthen moral education, noting that teachings provided through madrasa and other religious platforms help instil discipline, hard work, patriotism and fear of God.

He also cautioned against irresponsible use of social media among youth, warning that harmful online content can erode moral values and expose children to negative influences.

He said the government will continue strengthening regulation of online content while urging parents and communities to play a more active role in guiding young people.

Dr Nchemba further highlighted Tanzania’s long-standing tradition of interfaith coexistence, noting that Muslims and Christians continue to demonstrate unity by sharing social occasions, including during Ramadan.

He called on Tanzanians to preserve this spirit, saying national strength lies in unity across religious lines.