Muslim clerics in Lamu have been protesting over the many national and county governments official functions taking place on Fridays which is their official day of worship.They said the events have been disrupting their prayer schedules, considering that they are very loyal to their religious days.
Imams and Sheikhs in the county are now accusing the national and county governments of trading their day of worship for non religious functions a move they said is in contravention of Islamic teachings and doctrines.
While speaking during the Interfaith Council of Clerics – CICC chairperson Lamu branch Mohamed Abdulkadir said the trend was evidence that the national government was deliberately trying to shut out worship in the region by having events on Fridays.
He further added saying, “Who doesn’t know that Fridays is our day of prayer? How then do we have official functions being held every single Friday? Don’t they want locals to attend these functions?”
The chairperson of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya-CIPK Lamu branch Abubakar Shekuwe, however, said official events that have to be held on Fridays have to factor in time so as to ensure the prayer schedules of locals aren’t interfered with.
“We just don’t want events on Fridays but if they just happen, then let them try morning hours so that the rest of the day serves its purpose. But generally, we need Fridays left alone,” said Shekuwe.
Lamu elders said they will sensitise members of the public to snub all official events held on Fridays.