Terego Muslim leaders urge regulation of discos

TEREGO - During Eid-al-Adha prayers on Friday, Muslim leaders in Terego district urged local government leaders to step up the regulation of disco activities.

Their argument is that disco halls are a breeding ground for adultery, teenage pregnancies, alcoholism and, in extreme circumstances, even murder.

They also blame discos for separation of families and loss of faith, especially among young people.

“We, religious leaders, have no guns, but our work is to preach what God doesn’t want. So, we cannot go to disco halls to chase people," said Sheikh Abdul Twalib, the assistant imam of Tauba Mosque in Terego West.

"We shall only remind you about bad or good things. We don’t want any religious feast to be associated to discos."

Sheikh Akbar Mahmud, the imam of that mosque, urged parents and guardians to take a leading role in guiding their children against going to discos and roaming in trading centres, especially at night.

He suggested that young people instead choose safer activities like watching local soccer and head back home early.

Mahmud also spoke of the essence of the Eid celebrations. (Credit: Geoffrey Angupale)

“I don’t want a repeat of the murder by stabbing of a 14-year-old girl in 2012 in a disco," said the imam.

Mahmud also spoke of the essence of the Eid celebrations.

"We are only advised to slaughter a camel, cattle, sheep and goats as a sacrifice — but not people. 

"That is why they replaced Ismail with a ram when Ibrahim wanted to sacrifice him. Don’t kill but instead keep the people safe."

Lugbara Kari Prime Minister Ismail Tuku offered a bull for the area people to celebrate the occasion.

And he, too, used the day to speak out against human sacrifice.

“People who kill each other honestly are not religious people. These are people who are satanic in nature and perform sacrifices for wealth," said Tuku.

"Sacrificing animals is what our grandparent Ibrahim did to get grace from God."