Somalia: Islamic Scholars move to preach against Shia doctrine
-
- Posted On 18-09-2015, 07:50PM
GAROWE, Somalia, September 18, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Islamic Scholars in Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland have condemned Shiite books allegedly loaded from Iran which tries to gain foothold in the Horn of African nation, Garowe Online reports.
Well-known clerics said that spreading of Shia Islam in Somalia is threat to social cohesion and could stir unrest if it is not confronted in early stage in a letter sent to Garowe Online News Agency on Friday.
The concerns come as Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation is trying to open study centers, especially Qur’an schools and mosques in the overwhelmingly Sunni country.
The Islamic scholars called on the public to remain vigilant against the dangers of Shia Islam, asking national government and federal states to ban Shiite books encouraging racist religious ideologies.
Books spotted in Somalia’s Puntland were largely authored by controversial cleric, Abdullahi Mohamed Yusuf (Al Harari), Sunni scholars said.
Iranian diplomats and Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation officials met with Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali during a secret stay in August.
Iran has been seeking to step up its involvement since late 2012 when Shiite power announced the opening of embassy in Mogadishu.
READ Special Report by Garowe Online Investigative Reporters:
Iran tries to gain foothold in Somalia
GAROWE ONLINE
