ATP - Somalia
has banned Christmas and New Year celebrations because they are 'contrary to
Islamic culture' – days after a similar move by the Sultan of Brunei.
Director
General of Somalia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow,
warned that security forces would break-up any gatherings held in the capital
Mogadishu.
He
said: 'All events related to Christmas and New Year celebrations are contrary
to Islamic culture, which could damage aqidah (faith) of the Muslim community.
'There
should be no activity at all.'
Sheikh
Nur Barud Gurhan, deputy chairman of the Supreme Religious Council of Somalia,
said Christian events might provoke further attacks by the Muslim terror group
Al Shabaab, it was reported by Ugandan daily New Vision.
