Dr. Mutagubya calls for professionalisation in Islamic scholarship
By Ahmed Idriss
Prominent Islamic scholar Dr. Sheikh Ashraf Mutagubya has urged young Muslim clerics to embrace professionalism and uphold the dignity of their predecessors to strengthen the Muslim community in Uganda.
Dr. Mutagubya, a lecturer at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), made the call on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the launch of a new Islamic website by Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu. The event, held at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in Old Kampala, brought together scholars, community leaders, and students.
In his speech, Dr. Mutagubya emphasized the need for Muslim scholars to adopt a professional approach in their work, warning against unproductive engagements, particularly on social media.
“The Ummah has invested heavily in producing scholars capable of leading the community. There was a time when parents had to choose between exposing their children to secular education or religious studies. Today, we have integrated both. But now, we must ask: Can we professionalize the role of a sheikh as a career?” Dr. Mutagubya said.
He reminded young scholars of the sacrifices made by earlier generations to establish Islamic education in Uganda.
“People were exiled, lost their land, and sacrificed their wealth so that we could study this faith. I urge the young sheikhs here today not to embarrass those who came before us. We must act professionally, avoid unnecessary social media disputes, and protect the legacy of our forefathers,” he added.
Dr. Mutagubya further called for Muslim scholars to take up leadership roles in government and corporate sectors, arguing that their dual education qualifies them for high-level positions.
“There is no reason why a sheikh cannot be a CEO or board member in major companies. The country has invested in our education, and we must contribute beyond the mosque,” he asserted.
Website launch marks new era
The newly launched website, spearheaded by Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu, is designed to provide Islamic knowledge and guidance to the public. Sheikh Bulafu described the platform as a contribution to religious education and called for greater support for young scholars.
“The objective of the website is to ensure that we make only a small contribution to this field. Today’s sheikh is tasked. Our society has been trained to exploit extensively someone who has studied as a sheikh. Our community has to harbor our sheikhs,” Sheikh Bulafu said.
Sheikh Ali Juma Shiuyo, UMSC Secretary for Hajj and Umrah and father of Sheikh Bulafu, noted that the website extends the reach of Dawah by “over a million miles.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Waiswa commended Sheikh Shiuyo for raising educated and united children while cautioning against the misuse of social media by young bloggers.
“Young sheikhs must save the community from irresponsible individuals who use social media to insult elders. Bloggers should seek advisors to guide their work,” he said.
