Good character at the heart of da’wah, Imams told
By Ahmed Idriss
Good character is the strongest and most persuasive form of Da’wah. This was the central message delivered by Sheikh Akram Abdullah Semakula of the Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA), as Imams and Da’wah leaders from across Butaleja District gathered on 23 November 2025 for a capacity-building workshop organized by the Butaleja Muslim District Council.
Sheikh Akram reminded participants that throughout Islamic history, many people embraced Islam not through elaborate sermons but through observing the noble conduct of Muslims.
The Prophet Muhammad, he said, was sent to perfect good character, and this moral excellence remains the foundation of effective Da’wah. He emphasized that integrity, consistency, and sincerity are essential in building trust within the community — and that every Imam must serve as a living model of Islamic behaviour.
Under the theme “Reviving Effective Da’wah for a Stronger Muslim Community,” the workshop brought together county Sheikhs, local scholars, and frontline Imams committed to strengthening their teaching methods, counselling roles, and leadership responsibilities. Beyond character, the discussions focused on practical approaches to improving community guidance in Butaleja.
In his keynote address Mwache Habiibu Abubakar, an Imam in the Imam Development Program (IDP), also Secretary for Sharia in Butaleja District underscored that Da’wah is a lifelong religious duty grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Mwache called for a return to the Prophetic methodology — simple, compassionate, and transformative. Quoting “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11), he urged Imams to exemplify the values they preach, guide youth and families with wisdom, and prioritize unity within the Muslim community.
Sheikh Munir Hussein Sebakaki, the Deputy District Kadhi, explored the Prophet’s teaching style. He described it as clear, gradual, gentle, and practical — a method rooted in the verse: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good preaching.” (Qur’an 16:125).
He encouraged Imams to simplify Islamic knowledge and make it accessible to all believers.
Imam Usama Musa Mubango, the IDP Coordinator for Eastern Uganda noted that sincere advice is a core principle of Islam. He highlighted the Imam’s role as a mediator, counsellor, and reformer in addressing family disputes, community conflicts, and challenges facing the youth. Effective Da’wah, he stressed, must offer real, compassionate solutions to the everyday problems of Muslims.
Sheikh Ramadhan Muhammad Muserengu, the District Kadhi who closed the workshop commended the presenters and participants for their commitment to improving Da’wah work in Butaleja. He encouraged Imams to put the lessons into practice and to uphold unity, discipline, and cooperation in their religious duties. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to all participating Imams.
