Preachers warned against misusing religious platforms

By Ahmed Idriss

Muslim preachers have been warned against using their religious knowledge and social media platforms irresponsibly, including making statements that could mislead audiences, provoke hostility or damage the image of Islam.

Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Secretary for Education, said the growth of platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp had given preachers access to audiences far beyond the mosques where they traditionally delivered their messages.

He said the wider reach also required greater care over what preachers say and how they say it.

“In the past sheikhs used to fight over mosques because that is where you have to stand and talk to people. But now with the technology, it has opened. You can go to TikTok, you can go to WhatsApp, you can be anywhere,” Sheikh Cucu said.

He made the remarks during a Friday sermon at Makerere University Business School on September 4, 2026.

Sheikh Cucu cautioned preachers against quoting Quranic verses and Hadith without understanding the circumstances in which they apply.

He said even an authentic Hadith could be misused if presented without proper context.

“Even if the Hadith you are bringing is Sahih, but what is the circumstance that you are bringing that Hadith?” he asked.

The UMSC official particularly criticised preachers who quickly declare fellow Muslims non-believers or condemn them to hell.

“Why do you call somebody kafir? You are going to hell. Who told you? Who gave you the keys of hell?” he said.

He urged preachers to exercise wisdom when correcting people, saying difficult religious messages should still be delivered respectfully.

“Even if you are telling somebody something heavy, say it properly, say it wisely,” he said.

Sheikh Cucu warned that irresponsible preaching could have consequences beyond the immediate audience, including provoking people to disrespect the Quran or develop negative attitudes towards Islam.

He said religious knowledge should not be used simply to attract attention or build popularity on social media.

“Now we are wasting the ayat of the Quran. That’s the name of God has given you, why do you waste it? It’s not right, Muslims,” he said.

He also urged Muslims to guard their tongues, saying the manner in which religious teachings are communicated is as important as the knowledge itself.

“A tongue of a Muslim must be soft,” Sheikh Cucu said.

He encouraged Muslims to seek knowledge while combining it with wisdom, saying religious qualifications and titles should not become an excuse for irresponsible preaching.

He said religious knowledge should ultimately be used in worship, love for Allah and service to other members of society.