A group of Muslim scholars from Egypt has urged the Muslim community in the country to co-exist peacefully with people from other religions to ensure that peace prevails in the country.
The group, led by Sheikh Gaber Taile Youssef, the head of religious section at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, also called on the community to practice moderation and be courageous to point out social vices within the society.
Addressing the media at Shibu Mosque in Mwembe Tayari after delivering a lecture to over 150 Madrasa, Arabic and Islamic Religious Education teachers Sheikh Gaber reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace.
The lecture was under the theme ‘The concept of moderation in Islam’.
“The aim of the lecture was to emphasize on the need to have good relations with others both Muslim and non-Muslim and to also have a better understanding of the religion,” said sheikh Gaber.
The scholars are in Kenya for a week through the Egyptian embassy to Kenya and will conduct similar lectures in Nairobi too.
Mohamd Sheiba, one of the administrators of Masjid Shibu, said that the lecturers were targeting the religious teachers in a bid to ensure that they bring up a disciplined generation of youth.
He said that the current generation was going through a lot that is leading them away from religion and restraining them from becoming responsible and God-fearing ummah.
“The youth are currently facing a myriad of challenges ranging from drug abuse to juvenile gangs and extremist groups, the teachers interact with them more often and therefore can play a pivotal role in leading them back to religion,” said Sheiba.
“They are the leaders of tomorrow and as such we must ensure that we prepare them to be responsible citizens in the future,”
A number of Madrassa teachers in the country have in the recent past been involved in recruiting the youth to join extremist groups like Al Shabaab and ISIS.
Sheiba however reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and does not in any way encourage faithful’s to take away the lives of those they differ with in religion.
“A well trained teacher who understands the teachings and values of the Islamic religion cannot indulge in such matters of terrorism. We however have a few individuals wearing Kanzus pretending to teach just to gain fame,” he said.
He said that terrorism is a sin adding that a true Muslim is the one who lives with others peacefully despite their differences throughout.
“Islam is peace, it is a religion of peace and advocates for people to live in peace,” he said.
The lecture was also attended by the national Mufti Sheikh Omar Buya, who said that the teachings came at the right time for the country.
“Islam is a religion of peace and leaving in harmony with all, that is what his teachings has touched on and I believe it will be of great benefit to our nation,” he said.
He added that Kenya and Egypt continue to enjoy a cordial relationship especially when it comes to matters of religious education and religion and as an office he will strive to maintain that.
The university has over the years given Kenyans scholarship opportunities to pursue higher learning in religious studies.
National Grand Mufti Sheikh Omar Buya said Muslim community has been benefit from the cordial relationship of the two countries.
He said the teachings from the Egypt scholar is of great importance to the Muslims because it has implored on Muslim community to peaceful coexist with other religions.
The Grand Mufti said Muslims have been benefiting from free scholarships for degree, master and PhD levels from the University of Al-Azhar.