Press Release
A Delegation of Hizb ut Tahrir / Tanzania Conveys Special Message to Mufti and Central Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata)

Yesterday 19 February 2024 Sheikh Mussa Kileo, Head of the Central Communication Committee of Hizb ut Tahrir in Tanzania led a delegation of three personalities including Masoud Msellem, Media Representative of the Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir in Tanzania, to Mufti’s Office conveying him a written message of advice that was received by his secretary’s office on his behalf.

The message was to express the Muslim community’s concern to Mufti and Tanzania Muslim Central Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA)’s silence and in some cases making inappropriate statements on various ongoing Muslimissues internally and internationally.

The delegation’s message addresses the following:

1. The ongoing Jewish entity’s genocide of the Muslims of Palestine

In spite the fact that there is a global outcry from Muslims and non-Muslims to condemn and expose the Jewish entity’s brutality, injustices, killing thousands mostly women and children, yet both Mufti and BAKWATA are silent

2. Closure of Al-Habash Women's Madrasa, Dodoma:

On 02/02/2024, the government of United Republic of Tanzania decided to close down Al-Habash Women Madrasa located in Sogeambele and Nkuhungu areas in Dodoma, central Tanzania on allegations of being under an unconducive environment. The Madrasa had a total of 132 girl students aged 13 to 20 years old. Unfortunately BAKWATA made an inappropriate statement supporting government measure, ignoring the fact that the issue of congestion and poor hygiene is wide spread even in public schools yet the government has not closed any.

3. Demolition of the Students' Mosque, Bagamoyo:

On 06/02/2024, the government demolished the Students’ Mosque in Tawalanda Secondary School in Chalinze, Bagamoyo, Coastal region. The Mosque built last year, gives students an opportunity to worship in the school environment instead of going a little far mosque from the school. The school leadership got the greenlight from local Councilor's Office for its construction. While the construction was happening, the donors were called by the leadership of the Chalinze Council and stopped.

Neither Mufti nor BAKWATA have made any statement to protest this particular demolition.

4. Muslim students being prevented from worshiping/swalah.

Complaints on this issue exists for a long time and many parents and guardians raised their concern for their children. A short video (clip) that recently went viral on the frustrations of a parent on this particular issue in Manyoni district, Singida region is one of many examples. Unfortunately, with great sadness one of BAKWATA officials in Manyoni denied the undeniable fact, branding the parent who raised and exposed the issue of his children being prevented and deprived time to pray as a liar.

The delegation message demands that Mufti and BAKWATA take quick and appropriate actions to dissolve those issues, since they have agreed to bear the responsibility of Islam and the Muslims of Tanzania and that they would be accountable on the Day of Judgment. Thus, they have to ensure the following:

a.       Talks about internal and external issues have to be made including the issue of Gaza with a broad and correct Islamic perspective as well as encouraging Muslims to do so through their various platforms, such as Friday sermons, etc.

b.       To press so that Al-Habash Women's Madrasa Center should be re-opened and given at least time to improve its conditions and environment in terms of hygiene, congestion and etc. The excuses given by the government for its closure are in conflict with the reality of many educational centers, including many public schools, that we have not seen being closed or their students sent back to their homes, as in the case of Al-Habash Madrasa.

c.        The mosque at Talawanda Secondary School, Chalinze, Bagamoyo should continue to be built, and students should be given free opportunity to use for worship without objection.

d.       Regarding students being prevented from worship, we demand to Mufti and BAKWATA the following:

To press that it should be voluntary for children to remain at school after a period arranged by the government. Also, children should be allowed to pray every day not only in Friday prayer. Tests should be held during the academic week, and not on Saturdays which deprive children to socialize with family and taking part in religious class.

Masoud Msellem
Media Representative of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Tanzania