the Muslim-majority country.
The Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow, director general of Somalia's religious
affairs ministry, said the ban was necessary because of fear Christmas
celebrations could threaten the country's faith .
Director General of Somalia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sheikh
Mohamed Khayrow
Speaking to reporters on on Tuesday, the DG said armed security
forces have been ordered to disrupt all celebrations hence 'there
should be no activity at all'.
He said: "All events related to Christmas and New Year celebrations
are contrary to Islamic culture, which could damage the faith of the
Muslim community."
In a plea to the Christian community, Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan, of the
Supreme Religious Council of Somalia, warned that celebrations could
provoke Al-Shabab "to carry out attacks"
Back in 2013, the country also banned celebrations because the Islamic
calendar that does not recognise January 1 as the beginning of the
year.
Foreign diplomats, aid workers, and soldiers living in the AU compound
in Somalia are however are permitted to mark the day privately.
The ban comes just days after the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah
banned celebrations with the threat of five years in jail if anyone
was found violating the rule.
The leader's decision is informed by the fear that the religious
holiday will affect the faith of his country.
-Naij
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