Rwanda: Islamic Leader Urges On Child Upbringing

George Kagame20 December 2007
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Kigali — The deputy Mufti Sheik Said Bakari has called on families to understand and respect children's rights, and not to preach divisionism among their children.

Sheik Bakari is the second highest ranked Muslim leader in the country after the Mufti Sheik Swalleh Habimana, who is currently attending this year's Hijah, an annual Muslim trip to holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.


He was speaking yesterday as Rwandan Muslims in Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark Iddi Adhuha celebrations.

The Iddi Adhuha celebrations, characterised by slaughtering animal sacrifices, symbolise Prophet Abraham's willingness when he followed God's command and slaughtered his only son, Ismail, as a sign of obedience to the Almighty Allah.

Sheik Bakari led the national prayers, which began at 7.30a.m at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Nyamirambo.

"Families need to openly discuss how they can take good care of their children," he said.

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Sheik Bakari's appeal comes days after a parliamentary report exposed rampant genocide ideology among secondary school students in various parts of the country.

"Parents that are indoctrinating their children with genocide ideology should be exposed and punished," he said.

The First Lady Jeanette Kagame was last evening expected to attend a celebratory feast organised for child-headed orphans in Gasabo District, under their association, Tubeho.

Meanwhile, Rwanda's 174 pilgrims are among hundreds of thousands of Muslims attending this year's Hijah, an annual Muslim trip to holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Mufti Sheik Habimana is leading 173 Rwandan pilgrims in Mecca who are expected back home on January 4, 2008.