Muslim Leaders Denounce Kidnapping and Killing as Un-Islamic

Uganda’s Muslim leadership has vehemently rejected the notion that Islam sanctions the kidnapping of individuals for ransom or the killing of captives. The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) clarified that such heinous acts are criminal offenses and have no foundation in the Quran or the Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad).

This strong stance comes in response to circulating social media videos featuring convicted individuals who allegedly linked the 2018 kidnapping and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara to Islamic religious obligations. Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and UMSC National Chairperson Prof Dr Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira addressed these claims, emphasizing their falsehood.

Sheikh Waiswa, speaking at a funeral in Iganga District, stated, “Islam does not permit Muslims to abduct innocent people, demand ransom or kill captives.” He characterized these assertions as “evil and inhumane” and called for an investigation into those spreading the videos to prevent the misassociation of criminal acts with Islam.

Prof. Kisambira echoed these sentiments, stressing that criminal responsibility lies with the individuals committing crimes, not an entire religion. He questioned the attempt to link the high-profile Magara murder case to the Islamic faith and cautioned against interpreting the attire of convicted persons as evidence of religious motivation.

The leaders reiterated that the protection of human life is a core Islamic principle. Kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion, and murder are explicitly prohibited under Islamic law, irrespective of the religion of the victim or perpetrator.

The UMSC leadership pledged to continue challenging misrepresentations of Islamic teachings and to promote justice, the sanctity of life, peaceful coexistence, and respect for the law among all Ugandans.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)