Muslim youth urged to respect parents’ faith differences

By Ahmed Idriss

Young Muslims should continue to respect and honour their parents even when they differ in religious beliefs, Second Deputy Mufti Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya has said.

Sheikh Bukenya made the remarks while officiating on behalf of Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje at the nikah of Arshad Rukutana, son of former Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, and Aisha Rukutana at Gaddafi National Mosque.

The nikah was conducted by Sheikh Abdul Wahid Ssewankambo, Imam of Gaddafi National Mosque, while Adam Ssemugabi, a member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council General Assembly representing Bushenyi Muslim District, witnessed the marriage on behalf of Aisha’s family.

Sheikh Bukenya reminded the newlyweds that embracing Islam should not become a reason for Muslims to distance themselves from parents who follow another faith.

He said Islam requires children to maintain good relations with and honour their parents regardless of their religious beliefs, pointing to the Prophet Muhammad’s relationship with his uncle, Abu Talib, who did not accept Islam.

He urged Arshad and Aisha to demonstrate respect for their parents through their conduct, obedience and willingness to maintain family relationships.

“Even if your father says, ‘Hand over the keys to that Range Rover,’ kindly do it because he is your parent and owns what belongs to you,” Sheikh Bukenya told the couple, using the example to emphasise the importance of respecting parents.

He also commended the couple’s parents for supporting their decision to embrace Islam despite both having been raised in strong Protestant families.

Mwesigwa Rukutana revealed that Arshad was the third of his children to embrace Islam, despite the family’s deep Protestant roots.

“My father was the head of the laity for over 20 years in our church. I even built a church at my home. So, people ask me why I could allow my children to embrace Islam,” Rukutana said.

He explained that he had chosen to allow his children to make their own religious decisions as adults.

“Personally, I allow my children to follow their own paths when they come of age,” he said.

Rukutana said his position was also influenced by his belief that people can worship the same God while following different religious paths.

He said he had observed positive changes in his children after they embraced Islam, particularly in their conduct and lifestyle.

“I realised that when my children embraced Islam, things like alcohol consumption were never an issue, and their character improved,” Rukutana said.

Sheikh Bukenya also praised Rukutana for his role in resolving a dispute between former Chief Kadhi Rajab Hussein Kakooza and the late Mufti Sheikh Saad Luwemba, saying his intervention contributed to restoring stability within the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.

The day’s preacher, Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu, urged the newlyweds to view marriage as more than a relationship between two individuals, but as an opportunity to build a family whose values can endure for generations.

He encouraged Arshad and Aisha to raise responsible children and preserve the positive values and legacy inherited from both families.