Muslim faithful have been urged to always thank Almighty Allah for the blessing of children, describing them as a divine gift to be cherished and nurtured in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The message was delivered by the Second Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, during a thanksgiving ceremony organised by prominent businessman Hajj Haka Mutahi, Executive Director of Haka Rice Company, in Jinja City.
Sheikh Bukenya emphasised the importance of observing Akiika, the Islamic thanksgiving ceremony performed after the birth of a child.
“Indeed, expressing gratitude by offering a goat and invoking Allah to bless and protect your offspring from satanic influence guarantees their prosperity in adulthood and in the hereafter,” Sheikh Bukenya said. “Such children, by Allah’s will, will even intercede for their parents to enter Paradise.”
He cautioned Muslim parents, particularly women, against adopting modern baby shower celebrations, noting that such practices contradict Islamic values.
“Gathering to expose pregnancy bellies in anticipation of childbirth is un-Islamic. Instead, believers should organise Akiika as the rightful way of thanking Allah for the gift of parenthood,” he added.
Sheikh Bukenya further urged fellow clerics to lead by example by organising Akiika ceremonies for their own children, promoting observance of Islamic traditions.
He commended Muslim leaders in Busoga for their unity and organisation, and praised Ugandans for maintaining peace during the recently concluded national elections.
“We urge you to respect the outcome of the elections, follow the law regarding the results and return to your normal routines as life goes on,” he said.
Sheikh Bukenya also thanked the host family for organising the ceremony, noting their role in upholding and promoting Islamic values within the community.
