Essayists rewarded by the Islamic Republic of Iran

By Our Reporter

The Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has awarded cash prizes to  Ugandan writers who participated in the 4th CCIRI writing competitions that happened on October 28, 2021.

Organised at Kololo during the Islamic Unity Week which join the faithful in marking the birth anniversary of prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the competition was organised under the theme: Causes and obstacles of Muslim unity.

The Cultural Chancellor, Mohammad Reza Ghezelsofla appreciated writers for participation and finding solutions through writing articles and informed them that obstacles of Muslim unity are both internal and external and therefore it is important to realize different approaches to understand the exact ways of solving problems.

He rallied participants to always have complete view of Islam from all sides and corners.

He said that the world is experiencing problems due to ignorance and no insight of people who call themselves Muslims and end up taking lives of people such as Bokoharam, ISIS, Daesh among others.

He quoted prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying that seeking for knowledge is mandatory to every male and female.While explaining the purpose of the essay writing competitions, he said that they wanted to encourage the young people to understand the importance of unity.

He said that 14th century ago, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) established the first Islamic government that is based on Unity, justice and equality. Women were abused and their rights were violated before the coming of Islam. Islam is against discrimination and injustices in the society.

Speaking about the morality of the holy prophet, he said that the prophet was sent to complete the morality of the society.

He said that prophet Muhammad was always emphasizing exemplary characters to guide the society on goodness and salvation.

Islam operationize cleanliness and purity of both the body and the soul and therefore it is based on honesty policy which prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) encouraged us as his ummah to save humankind in this material world.

He rallied participants to always plant more during this material world so that they harvest in the next hereafter.

Oustadh Adam Ssebyala, the president of Uganda Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim Community said that the question of unity is raising global concern and causing damages to people who don’t subscribe to Islam. For example, the government of Uganda has organized resources to call for Muslim Unity and they refused to respond positively.He explained that some groups in Islam have division tendencies of separation and extremism. He said that if Muslims wait to be small and wait for other nations to dictate for who terrorist groups are then we’re doing a de-service to Muslim Unity.

Oustadh Adam said that it’s high time; we conquer evils within us and start living like Godly people than being devish.

He said that loving the prophet and celebration of his birthday is showing love to the seal of prophethood.

Prof. Ochana Francis from Kentim University said that the world is experiencing ignorance of some groups who think that they understand Islam yet they’re not knowledgeable about Islam and the holy prophet of Islam. He advised participants to consider forgiveness and reconciliation as we celebrate the Islamic Unity Week which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh). He said that he doesn’t like the ideology of terrorizing Muslims whenever something happens.

Mr. Badru Bashir Kasule from the Uganda film Council said that before the coming of Hawa to Prophet Adam, Unity was observed which is a creational error that we have to change it by fighting the devil.  He called on Muslims to practice goodness.

At the end, winners were rewarded with cash prizes from the cultural Consular.Mr. Ssembatya Ibrahim, a journalist from NBS Tv and speaker of Sseguku Division won the First cash prize worthy 250,000 UGX, certificate and books.

Miss Alizma Vishnani, a student from Aga khan School won the second cash prize worthy 200,000 ugx, certificate and books.

Sheikh Umar Musa Mubiru, a teacher and journalist at STV won the third cash prize, certificate and books.

Mr. Baguma Bamwenda Nasser, a law student from the Islamic University in Uganda won the fourth cash prize, certificate and books.

Other competition participants included the following;Mr.Kalema Muhammad Abdulmalik, a graduate student.Mr. Zziwa Sakibu, a student from Metropolitan International UniversityMr. Kagaba Musa, a High School studentMr. Mohammed Abdulmumin, a student from NigeriaMiss Najuwah Nakalembe, a High School studentMiss Nasaazi Nusfat, a law student at Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus.