A new ultra-modern mosque and a Madrassa (Islamic school) unveiled in Mombasa on Sunday will help fight radicalization among the youth in the County.
Masjitul Zawiya Qadiriya mosque was launched at Majengo area in Mombasa which has the reputation of having the highest concentration of radicalized youth in the Coastal city.
The East Africa Sufi Council Chairman Sheikh Abdulkadir Al-Ahdal graced the inauguration ceremony attended by hundreds of faithful on Sunday.
Sheikh Al-Ahdal said the new place of worship will promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among people of diverse faith and would be “involved with efforts to combat violent extremism in the communities,”
“We know the religion of Islam has been taken over and captured by few radicalized elements but we are determined to combat violent ideas and ideologies in all its forms,” he said.
The moderate Muslim cleric said the basic tenet on Islam is that of peace and unity and the tenet of the mosque will be to propagate the same.
“We will reach out to the youth with the aim of deterring them from falling into the trap of radicalization and embracing violent extremism,” said Sheikh Al-Ahdal.
A visiting Muslim preacher from Malindi Sheikh Abdalla Mohamed said Islamic religion has been abused and misunderstood by many.
“There is need to teach youth peace and tolerance and that nothing in our religion justifies the killing of innocent people,” he said.