Muslims Mark the Birth of Prophet Muhammad

Muslims Mark the Birth of Prophet Muhamma

By Ashraf Zziwa

Ugandan Muslims joined their brethren worldwide to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at the UMSC headquarters on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The congregation expressed their joy through heartfelt praises and chants honoring the Prophet’s compassion, love, and character. “Peace and blessings be upon him,” they cried out in unison.
His Eminence, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, was represented by Sheikh Hamid Serwadda Busungu, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge of Kampala. In his speech, Sheikh Serwadda reminded the faithful to embrace the Prophet Muhammad’s divine message as revealed by Almighty Allah. “Let us adopt the practices of Prophet Muhammad so we can attain salvation,” he urged. He also encouraged Muslims to educate their children in both secular and Islamic theology and conveyed greetings from the Mufti, who was attending a state function for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 80th birthday.
Earlier, several speakers addressed the gathering, including Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General. He reflected on how past generations used Mawlid (the birth of Prophet Muhammad) celebrations to unite the Muslim community and raise funds for building mosques and schools. He called for unity among Muslim clerics, urging them to improve these gatherings rather than criticize them. He also provided updates on UMSC affairs, including the inauguration of the UMSC Muslim Women Council, the hosting of Islamic scholars, and the upcoming celebration of the UMSC’s 52nd anniversary.
The main preacher of the day, Sheikh Khatwib Mukuluwakiika, the former Deputy Mufti, delivered a scholarly presentation filled with Qur’anic verses emphasizing the Prophet Muhammad’s esteemed position in Islam. “He was a messenger and Prophet whom Allah ordained believers to respect,” he preached, advising Muslims to continue celebrating Mawlid and ignore critics. “Allah admonished us not to sit in gatherings where the Holy Quran, Almighty Allah, and Prophet Muhammad are blasphemed. Mawlid is exceptional,” he declared, to the applause of the attendees.
Other speakers included Hon. Haj Yusuf Mayanja and Haj Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi Sebuganda, who discussed the roles and functions of the UMSC National Executive Committee. Prince Ibrahim Kalema Kimera, a Buganda Royal, and Sheikh Hassan Waswa, commonly known as “the Researcher,” shared insights on the global perspective of Prophet Muhammad.

Attendees included Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and administration, members of the General Assembly, management, prominent sheikhs from the Shuurah committee, district Kadhis, county sheikhs, imams, and others.

UMSC Spokesperson.