Samia: Restore moral values
PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday reiterated a call upon religious leaders to put more emphasis on reshaping the public in responding to widespread moral decay in the society.
Equally, the Head of State asked the faith leaders to join forces with the government to raise public awareness on taking preventive measures against Ebola outbreak like in the previous situation of Covid-19 and during the just passed National Population and Housing Census.
President Samia issued the call during the Mawlid Council held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam, on Sunday.
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.
According to the president, the country is facing a grave moral decay and parents, leaders and guardians should collaborate to identify the root cause and where the society messed up.
She urged the society to do all they can to teach and direct children on the need to uphold good moral values, maintaining that the government will accord all the necessary support.
President Samia noted that the clerics play a vital role in promoting and modelling the protection and dignity of all, supporting the words uttered by the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam Mr Amos Makala that the issue of good or bad deeds does not rely on religion.
“As a country we need to uphold love, respect and cooperation among one another,” she stressed.
With regard to the challenges cited by BAKWATA on limited time for Muslim children to attend Madrasas, alleged to be among contributing factors for societal moral decay, the President said the concern could be presented to Ministry of Education as they are currently drafting curricular reforms and the process was participatory in nature.
She recalled that in the past children had the opportunity to attend Madrasas because classes ended at noon but things have changed due to time, a big number of students and many things.
Now that BAKWATA is making a shift through the use of science and technology, the president urged them to adopt technologies in religious teachings.
“Good deeds are also taught in public schools, the government will do all it can to ensure students are equipped with teachings on good deeds,” she said.
She extended recognition to Mufti Abubakar Zuberi for getting an award in arts and science while in Egypt, citing that the award has promoted the name of Tanzania and she was confident that it will be used wisely in promoting diligence within the BAKWATA.
Earlier on, Mufti Abubakar Zuberi maintained that religious leaders should censure bad deeds, violence and moral decay by embracing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
On his part, the Secretary General of BAKWATA, Alhaj Nuhu Jabir Mruma said the peace that the country possesses was a gift from God, it is critical to continue upholding and strengthening it through the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
