Mogadishu, Somalia – The third Somali Scholars’ Conference, held yearly by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia and backed annually by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was held in Mogadishu with Somali scholars and thinkers from home and abroad.
The event featured numerous research papers exploring the central theme, “Social Cohesion and Stability… Pillars and Challenges,” inspired by this Qur’anic verse:
(لَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ)
“Do not be divided, lest you fail and your strength departs.”
Sessions emphasized bolstering social unity and solidifying national stability, covering protection of Islamic values, fostering social harmony, reconciliation and dispute resolution, improving governance, fighting extremism, and enhancing Somali welfare.
At the event’s close, the scholars released this communiqué:
Unity and Cohesion of the Nation
Society must follow Islamic principles and their proper interpretation to block extremist ideologies and behaviors.
Somalis should band together against dangers to political unity and social bonds, such as clan disputes, tribalism, extremism, and outside meddling.
The scholars voice grave worry about fresh clan fighting in certain areas and the horrors it brings like attacks on women and children, live burnings, mutilations, and public showings of these acts, which violate Islamic doctrine and Somali traditions.
The gathering urges the Federal Government to establish a lasting system for stopping and settling repeated clan disputes. Elders, thinkers, civil groups, and all societal elements should aid peace efforts, unity, and national progress.
The scholars condemn narcotics smuggling and abuse, warning those posting damaging material online to repent. They press the government for decisive measures.
Leaders and politicians must put national priorities first and settle disagreements via talks to avoid manipulation by adversaries.
Combating Al-Shabaab Militants
The scholars confirm Al-Shabaab fighters as Khawarij, remain the chief danger to peace, unity, and Somalia’s stability, stressing that victory demands a collective national push.
Somalis are reminded it is a faith obligation to stand united against Al-Shabaab, who have abused civilians’ lives, honor, and belongings.
Any backing of Al-Shabaab through arms, funds, or ideas is banned outright. Group members should repent and stop spilling innocent Somali blood.
Strengthening Good Governance
The event demands better governance, stronger state bodies, anti-corruption drives, economic growth, jobs, and solutions to poverty and uncontrolled migration.
The scholars back the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs fully in building the national Zakat database and fortifying the Awqaaf framework.
The Federal Parliament’s two chambers should approve the Supreme Council of Somali Scholars Establishment Bill and the Zakat Registry Bill, already cleared by the Cabinet.
The gathering strongly backs the Federal Government’s stance alongside Sudan and Palestine, upholding their land integrity, independence, and global rights.
Facing persistent drought and scant rain in places, the scholars urge the government and people to seek Allah, conduct rain prayers, and boost aid internally and externally.
The conference thanks President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his ongoing backing of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs’ Scholars’ Conference.
May Allah bestow peace, unity, and prosperity on Somalia.
