Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi called on Muslim imams to intensify their efforts to combat the growing moral decay in society while officiating the opening of the newly built Masjid Al‑Jumaa in Dunga Kiembeni Village, Central District, South Unguja Region. He identified corruption, fraud, social injustice, gender‑based violence, the increasing use of illicit drugs, and the theft of agricultural products and livestock as some of the prevailing immoralities. “These are the public cries, crimes committed by our children. Our young people should be taught their religion well; they should be taught the Holy Book, the Quran, to promote good behaviour. If we team up in teaching our children to become good citizens, the problems will end,” Mwinyi said. He also urged the community to incorporate the Quran into schools and other teaching classes, adding that “good education begins at home, in faith classes, and in conventional schools.”
President Mwinyi has hosted Iftar in all regions of Unguja—Unguja North, Unguja South, and Unguja Mjini/Magharib—meeting ordinary citizens and village leaders to share the meal and reiterate the need to put Ramadan teachings into practice. Iftar, the meal taken at sundown to break the daily fast during Ramadan, marks a period when Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Despite the fasting, complaints about illicit drug use, robbery, and burglary have risen, raising concerns about the impact of religious teaching in society.
Regional Commissioners Ayoub Mohamed Mahmoud (Unguja North), Rashid Hadid Rashid (Unguja South) and Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa (Mjini/Magharib) spoke after Iftar in their respective regions, urging people to take an active role in promoting acceptable behaviour. At the gatherings, Sheikh Khalid Ali Mfaume, Executive Secretary of the Office of the Mufti Zanzibar, encouraged believers to use the holy month of Ramadan to evaluate themselves and return to good deeds. “This is the month of doing good and doing better that will please God (Allah), to find his companion and not waste time on unproductive activities in society,” he advised.
Muslims worldwide are fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, a period that carries spiritual significance and numerous physiological, psychological, and scientific benefits, according to health professionals. The fast requires immense self‑control, lasting roughly 12‑14 hours a day, and offers an opportunity to empathise with the poor and needy. Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is marked by heightened emphasis on reciting the Quran, alongside the other pillars of faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
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