International Shia News Agency

Muslims advised on prayer, corruption

SHAFAQNA - Muslims have been advised to use this Ramadan and pray to Allah to change corrupt leaders in power for better development of this country.

“We are launching a campaign codenamed ‘No vote-buying and No vote-selling.’ Since this is the last Ramadan before next year’s elections, we are aiming at fighting corruption and advising people to vote wisely by electing leaders who will develop our country,” the vice chairman, Uganda Muslim Youth Assembly (UMYA), Imam Kasozi said.

He said this on June 18 during Jumah prayers at Muwanga mosque in Munyonyo, a Kampala suburb.

“The worst form of corruption and embezzlement is vote buying and selling. Even the Qur’an talks against corruption saying that, the person who gives and takes a bribe are both destined for hell,” Kasozi said.

He also said their campaign against bribing voters has started in Kampala, but they are going to disseminate it in different parts of the country targeting all religions and people especially the youth since they are the future of the country.

“We have started the campaign in the mosques but we are going to reach the churches, markets, hospitals, schools and other public places to make sure we sensitise people about the dangers of electing corrupt leaders since it’s the main disease to our nation,” he said.

The chairman, Uganda Muslim Youth Network Issa Matovu said they have started their campaign during this fasting period of Ramadan because it is the time when Muslims pray in large numbers and repent their sins most.

He said corruption does not only kill democracy, but also ushers in bad leaders who cannot develop religion and the nation. Kasozi delivered 5,000 food packages to poor Muslims in different parts of the country to break their fast (iftar).

Although most of the beneficiaries were grateful for the food, others criticised mosque leaders for only selecting their relatives and friends to benefit from the generosity.

“I am very annoyed for not receiving even a single kilogram of rice since I was not selected among the beneficiaries and the sheikhs only selected their relatives, including non-Muslims who are not fasting,” Twaha Sejjemba of Zirobwe mosque said.

Rehemah Nansamba of Buyita mosque in Mukono district also critised the sheikhs for selecting about three beneficiaries from one family without giving a single package to other poor families.

Kasozi advised sheikhs who select beneficiaries to be transparent and always select the needy who cannot afford to buy food during Ramadan.

“I advise all sheikhs who only select their relatives and friends to stop it immediately before the donors night withdraw their charity from us,” he said.

The food packages donated by Ugandan Muslims and Germany-based Hasene include maize flour, salt, soap, cooking oil, rice, wheat flour and copies of the Qur’an .

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