Muslim scholars in Mombasa County have urged Islamic organisations in the country to speak with one voice against extremism and terrorism.
The Muslim scholars under the Sufi Supreme Council of Kenya said Islam is a religion of peace and it does not promote terrorism.
Chairman of Sufi Supreme Council of Kenya Mr Sheikh Abdulkadir Alahdal said Muslims in the country should speak out against extremist groups.
Mr Alahdal said it’s the moral duty of Islamic organisations and clerics to speak out against extremist group such as Al Shabaab who target mainly the youth to recruit them into their groups.
He said the youth are being led down the wrong path by these extremist groups which are involved in radicalisation of Kenyan youth in parts of the country.
“We need to promote peace because Islam religion is peace and not that of violence against non-Muslims. The Islam must tackle and defeat extremism,” said Mr Alahdal.
The leaders were speaking at the Agha Khan Jubilee Hall in Mombasa County during a two day conference dubbed ‘Countering Violence, Terrorism and Drug Abuse’.
The secretary general of the Sufi Supreme Council of Kenya Mr Sheikh Omar Said who was also present during the briefing said Islam does not advocate for violence.
Mr Omar urged Muslims and Islamic organisations in various parts of the country to preach peace and tolerance. He further urged the youth to avoid such extremist groups whose main goal is to bring violence.
“The Islam religion does not promote or encourage violence and killing of the innocent. Islam leaders should speak against such violence,” said Omar.