Religious leaders call for moral revival
DAR ES SALAAM: RELIGIOUS leaders have called for renewed efforts to restore good character and responsible upbringing, warning that Tanzania cannot achieve sustainable development if young people lose moral values.
They stressed that the country’s progress depends not only on economic development but also on the values and character of its people, particularly the younger generation.
The call was made yesterday during national Maulid celebrations commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam.
The event brought together Muslim leaders, government officials and members of the Muslim community and featured Qur’an recitations, Maulid Barzanji, Qaswidas praising the Prophet’s life and virtues, and speeches from religious leaders.
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Speaking at the event, Mufti of Tanzania Sheikh Abubakar Zuberi said allowing young people to grow without proper moral guidance risked undermining the country’s future.
“We cannot succeed, no matter what we do, if we abandon society and allow our young people to deteriorate,” Sheikh Zuberi said.
He urged sheikhs, imams and Islamic scholars at regional, district and ward levels to speak out whenever they encountered practices that undermined moral values.
“Islam is not about allowing people to swim in wrongdoing while we watch without telling them. Islam is based on two things; commanding what is good and prohibiting what is wrong,” he said.
The Mufti challenged religious leaders not to fear criticism when providing moral guidance, saying their responsibility was to educate society through sermons, religious teachings and public gatherings.
