Mufti Urges Young Sheikhs to Uphold Islamic Values

The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa, has urged young Muslim preachers to safeguard the dignity of Islam and shield the community from the chaos of online platforms.

He made the remarks at the launch of a new Islamic website developed by Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala.

Representing Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Waiswa emphasised the importance of maintaining respect for elders in both online and offline spaces.

He specifically cautioned young sheikhs and social media influencers against using digital platforms for personal attacks.

“Young bloggers need advisors. Don’t be driven by clicks. Let’s be guided in our actions and speech, especially online,” Sheikh Waiswa said.

The website, created by Sheikh Bulafu, is designed to offer structured Islamic teachings and guidance, aimed at both the faithful and those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Sheikh Waiswa praised the initiative, noting that it represented a significant step toward professionalizing Islamic leadership in Uganda.

Sheikh Waiswa also commended Sheikh Ali Juma Shiuyo, the father of Sheikh Bulafu, for investing in his children’s religious and secular education, which he said has contributed to this meaningful achievement.

In his keynote address, Dr. Sheikh Ashraf Mutagubya, a lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda, praised the launch as a milestone in Uganda’s Islamic scholarly development.

He pointed out the evolution from a time when Muslim scholars had to sacrifice either their faith or secular education, to today’s system that combines both.

He further raised the question of whether the role of a sheikh could be elevated to include leadership positions in sectors like business and government.

“Can we professionalize the role of the sheikh? Can he become a CEO, a board member, or work in government agencies?” Dr. Mutagubya asked.

“The sacrifices of past generations must not be forgotten. Today’s sheikh should rise above social media provocations,” he added.

The launch event also paid tribute to pioneering Muslim leaders, such as Sheikh Abdnoor Kaduyu and His Eminence Maulana Abdu-Razaq Matovu, the former Chief Kadhi of Uganda, for their foundational work in advancing Islamic scholarship in the country.

Dr. Mutagubya highlighted the website as a new era of accessible and scalable knowledge for the Muslim community.

Sheikh Bulafu, the mastermind behind the initiative, stated that his goal was to leave a lasting impact on the field of Dawah, the Islamic propagation of faith.

“The society has trained itself to extensively exploit sheikhs. We need to protect our own, empower them, and modernize our tools,” he explained.

Reflecting on the progress of Muslim education in Uganda, UMSC Secretary General Hadji Abas Muluubya Ssekyanzi shared insights on the long journey towards institutionalized education for the Muslim community.

“There was a time when a Muslim with a degree was rare,” he said. “We should thank the pioneering sheikhs who used their certificates to enroll at institutions like Makerere University.”

Young bloggers need advisors. Don’t be driven by clicks. Let’s be guided in our actions and speech, especially online