N. Province Muslims get new leader, vow to promote oneness

The Muslim Community in Northern Province have vowed to promote unity and reconciliation, promote the core values of the Islamic faith and avoid any kind of wrangles.They made the pledge, yesterday, during the handover of the outgoing Imam of the province, Sheikh Issa Hagumimana, and his successor Sheikh Ismail Seif Mudathir.Members present said the Rwandan Muslim community has for the past two years been characterised by internal wrangles, which culminated in the dismissal of Mufti Abdulkarim Gahutu earlier this month.“It is a good thing that now we can sit and talk about the problems we face. Before, even this handover would not have happened. It has been difficult right from the national administration; we are now getting things right,” said Sheikh Hagumimana, who now moves to oversee Muslim affairs in Nyarugenge District.Sheikh Mudathir said the office was not a reward but a responsibility, adding that he can only be able to discharge his duties with the support of the faithful.“We should collectively work towards development of our fellow Muslims and all Rwandans in our communities,” Mudathir said.Malik Djabir Ntaganda, the legal advisor to the national Muslim community, said some of the faithful in the country have been unruly and there was need for change of guard to call them to order.“We have had misunderstandings due to bad leadership and we have had divisions, this is the right time for new leaders to look for ways to bring peace and unity among members,” said Ntaganda, who also heads the justice docket in the community.At the national level, the Muslim leadership last month appointed Sheikh Ibrahim Kayitare as acting Mufti, replacing Sheikh Gahutu.

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N. Province Muslims get new leader, vow to promote oneness