‘Denounce bad deeds’ Denounce decadence

PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has urged faith leaders to condemn gender based violence, while also reiterating a call upon them to put more emphasis on reshaping the public in responding to widespread moral decay in the society.

He said faith communities must re-commit to speaking out against the systemic issues that lead to inequality, discrimination and violence in the society.

Mr Majaliwa made the call on Sunday, while speaking to leaders and believers who attended the national competition for recitation and memorisation of the Holy Quran, held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall, in Dar es Salaam. The event was organised by the Aisha Sururu Foundation (ASF).

“I call upon our religious leaders to continue educating the public on the importance of protecting Tanzanian moral values, traditions, customs and cultures in light of the current wave of moral erosion,” he further said.

He added: “Right now, Tanzania is dealing with the issue of moral deterioration and there has also been a wave of additional behaviours that are wholly opposed to our faith as well as Tanzanian moral values, traditions, customs and cultures.

“I congratulate Tanzania’s Mufti Abubakar Zubeiry bin Ally, for firmly standing against moral decay in society, including giving specific instructions to all the leaders of the General Council of Muslims in Tanzania to rebuke and not turn a blind eye against unwelcoming behaviours,” he said.

The Premier said the Holly Quran in Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21, reminds Muslims that the Messenger of God is an excellent example for them – “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often”.

He said that the Holly Quran should guide them (Muslims) and should be a reliable source of proper training in good behavior, obedience, and respect to the authorities.

“When we teach the Holy Quran to our youth, let’s make sure that such trainings go hand in hand with the building of solid educational foundations that will make them good, righteous, and patriotic citizens for their country. As parents, guardians, and teachers of the Quran, it is imperative we ask ourselves how much we consider this Holy book in the whole course of our daily lives.”

The PM has said that by doing so, they will be helping the President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has always been concerned against the moral decay in society, especially among young people.

“We will also be helping the president to identify pious and righteous assistants in carrying out the government duties to serve the people,” he pointed out.

The Prime Minister used the platform to urge Muslims to keep praying for peace because without it, such meetings will not be possible.

He stressed, “Let us continue to pray for our nation and its leaders so that they continue to lead our country well, which includes fostering unity and solidarity, upholding peace, and bolstering economic and social development.”

Earlier, Mufti Zubeiry congratulated the Chairperson of the ASF, Ms Aisha Sururu, for organising the competition for 22 years, saying she is the only woman in Tanzania and East Africa who is doing that work.

The event is sponsored by Amana Bank, whose Chief executive Officer (CEO) Aboubakar Athuman Ally committed the bank’s continued support

He said this year, bank has allocated 40bn/- for the empowerment of groups and small, medium and large enterprises.

Earlier, Ms Zainab Vulu from ASF said the competition drew 600 competitors, coming from 20 regions of Tanzania’s mainland and Zanzibar. She said at least 77 competitors have made it into the finals.

In October last year, President Samia reiterated a call upon religious leaders to put more emphasis on reshaping the public in responding to widespread moral decay in the society.

President Samia issued the call during the Mawlid Council held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam.

The Mawlid Council has been carried out in tandem with Mawlid un-Nabi day celebration to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), whereby nationally the commemorations were held at the Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam from Saturday evening.

“Days like this remind us that various teachings from our Prophets are the foundation of doing good deeds here on earth. Mawlid commemorations are the time of reminiscing about all the good teachings for Muslims and non-Muslims.

“The dangers of bad deeds can be seen in everyone regardless of their religion. Let’s teach our followers to embrace good deeds and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad among other prophets. Religious leaders need to address the issue of morals in their teachings,” said President Samia.