Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has called on the Muslim community to uphold traditional practices of gratitude for the blessing of children, urging them to reject modern, non-Islamic celebrations like baby showers.
The Mufti’s message came during a thanksgiving event hosted by Haj Mutahi Haka, a successful businessman in Jinja City.
In his speech, conveyed by Dr. Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Mubaje emphasized the importance of observing the Akiika ceremony, a traditional Islamic practice marking the birth of a child.
This ritual, which involves offering a goat as a token of gratitude to Allah, serves both to protect the child and to invoke blessings for the newborn.
Sheikh Faisal Hassan Naminya, a member of the Shuura Council and the preacher of the day, echoed these sentiments, reminding the congregation that such acts of gratitude help ensure prosperity in both this life and the hereafter.
“Offering a sacrifice and praying for your child’s protection aligns you with Islamic tradition,” said Sheikh Naminya, urging parents to pass on this practice to their children as a part of their upbringing in faith.
A key focus of the event was Sheikh Naminya’s criticism of baby showers celebrations that have become popular among expectant mothers in Uganda and across the world.
He described such events as un-Islamic, calling on the community to reject these modern celebrations and instead focus on performing Akiika ceremonies as prescribed by Islamic teachings.
“Baby showers are foreign to our faith; let’s honor Allah’s blessings in the right way,” he urged.
Sheikh Naminya further appealed to Muslim clerics to lead by example and ensure that they hold Akiika ceremonies for their own children.
He called on parents to protect their children from the influences of Western celebrations that contradict Islamic principles and to instead nurture them with faith-based values.
In addition to his religious message, Dr. Sheikh Bukenya used the platform to commend the Muslim community in the Busoga region for their peace efforts during the recent national elections.
He encouraged all Ugandans to respect the electoral results and return to their normal lives with respect and unity.
Education and Islamic Values
Haj Mutahi Haka, the host of the event, shared his personal commitment to educating his children in Islamic values, despite attending secular schools in his youth.
He expressed pride in his children’s achievements, particularly in memorizing the entire Holy Quran. “I am thankful that my children have successfully memorized the Quran, and I strive to provide them with an education rooted in Islamic principles,” said Haj Haka. His daughters also captivated the audience with beautiful Qur’anic recitations.
The event was attended by numerous community leaders, including Sheikh Ismail Adi Basoga, the Kadhi of Jinja Muslim District, who praised Haj Haka’s unwavering support of Islamic activities in the district. Haj Musa Wandayo, Haj Haka’s father, also spoke highly of his son’s commitment to family care and philanthropy.
