Opposition cleric’s licence to preach revoked
Sheikh Ilyas Hussain had his license to preach revoked after he blamed a hike in food prices on government corruption during a sermon on Friday
18 Oct 2016, 9:00 AM
A radical cleric, who is a member of the opposition, had his license to preach revoked after he blamed a hike in food prices on government corruption during a sermon on the southern city of Addu on Friday.
A spokesman for the Islamic ministry said Sheikh Ilyas Hussain had violated the Religious Unity Act by preaching his own words instead of the sermon prepared by the ministry at the main weekly prayer on Friday.
The spokesman, Mohamed Ahsan, added: “The law also forbids sermons that spread hatred, strife and discord. There is also a regulation that prohibits giving sermons without writing it down.”
Only an Islamic ministry-approved sermon can be read out at the weekly prayer, but clerics with licenses are allowed to preach as they wish at other times during the week.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
