The Somalian government has issued a ban on Christmas celebrations in 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 .

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.

complete story at http://www.exlinklodge.com/2015/12/somalia-bans-christma-new-year.html




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So there is no freedom of religion in the country? U can say 25th and 1st won't be a public holiday. But to send soldiers to disrupt my celebration? That's not only religious intolerance but a violation of human rights.