Cleric warns against turning funerals into business transactions
Quoting Allah’s words, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly” (2:188), Sheikh Obilan criticised leaders who demand financial compensation for participating in funerals.
Sheikh Obilan Left) Were, Ssali, Ibwakit and Ocen during the installation ceremony in Soroti recently. (Photos by Delux Emmy Alomu)
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Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, the regional assistant to the Mufti for the Teso-Karamoja region, has condemned what he describes as a growing and unacceptable trend among some religious leaders of demanding payment to attend funerals, calling it extortion of burial fees and a distortion of sacred duty.
He made the remarks during a pastoral visit to 76-year-old Ismael Anguria, a respected elder of the Muslim community in Anapa village, Ongiino subcounty, Kumi district, on June 6, 2026.
Anguria has been gravely ill for several months following a stroke and is bedridden and unable to communicate.
Quoting Allah’s words, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly” (2:188), Sheikh Obilan criticised leaders who demand financial compensation for participating in funerals.
He described the practice as hypocritical, noting that such charges are not imposed when attending funerals of their own relatives. He condemned the conduct as extortion at the graveside.
Sheikh Obilan (4th left) in a group photo with other Muslim leaders after the installation of Teso district kadhi recently.
Sheikh Obilan issued a stern warning to all UMSC leaders in the Teso-Karamoja region, stating, “If such illegal practices are brought to my attention with evidence, those involved will face serious repercussions. This will not be tolerated. While I understand the welfare challenges our leaders face, we cannot allow exploitation of vulnerable community members, as it can lead them to view faith leaders as a burden. When we genuinely serve our communities, people will appreciate our efforts voluntarily.”
He reminded leaders that their responsibility goes beyond preaching, stressing the need to regularly visit the sick, support those in need and consistently demonstrate compassion.
Sheikh Obilan emphasised that true leadership is not defined by status at social gatherings but by responsibility, for which leaders will be held accountable before Allah.
He lamented that while in positions of authority, some leaders depend on dedicated followers who give their time, energy and resources, yet neglect them in moments of need.
“It is unacceptable that we cannot even visit them or help with medical expenses. This must change. Elder Ismael Anguria was instrumental in establishing Ongiino Mosque, and we must now uplift him in his time of weakness,” Sheikh Obilan asserted.
He urged the Muslim community to prioritise visiting the sick before attending funerals, and to report any leader who solicits money for funeral or prayer services.
He also encouraged honouring living pillars of the community, such as Elder Ismael Anguria, by documenting their contributions and supporting them while they are still alive to appreciate such gestures.
A delegation that visited the elder to offer financial support, prayers and assess his welfare included Karim Osuje, a member of the national executive council of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Malik Olado, the Regional Secretary for the Teso-Karamoja region, and members of the Local Mosque Committee from Ongiino Mosque.