Islamic call for prayer in kampala

Submitted by Edward (South Africa), Feb 22, 2009 at 23:46

Just a brief response to Scott's account of his visit to Kampala. First of all, the call for prayer is said as soon as it is time for the FAJR prayer, which in Islam starts at Dawn (appearance of the reddish clouds). In Ugandan time this has never come as early as 3am NOT even 4 am. Its between 5:45 and 6:15 from the east of the country to the extreme west respectively. Scott therefore does not tell the truth that he heard the islamic call for prayer at 3am as its technically impossible.

Secondly, its NOT a redundant noise. Its a combination of arabic words and if only Scott knew arabic, he would understand what they mean. Thirdly, with over 1,000 pentecostal churches in the tiny city of kampala, i expected a more balanced story, of some similar music loudly playing from pentecostal churches during their routine overnight prayers.

Fourthly, to answer his question, YES, there is no kind of regulation whatsoever for this and all faiths, Muslims, Christian and all enjoy their rights and freedoms in mutual coexistance. I wonder what informs his reckless assertion that had the christians also set up such a kind of arrangement, they would be persecuted by the (of all people!) Muslims? Islam is a religion of peace and NO such thing will happen in Uganda. Instead, what happened a few years ago was that some arrogant army general called Gen Tinyefuza attacked a mosque and beat up worshippers at a place called Kyengera but the head of state put him to order thereafter. Such is the peace we enjoy here, and Scott, kindly stop prophesying doom. If you want to prove this, come and set up a church and start playing whatever kind of music you please at whatever hour of the night you want and tell me which muslim will attack you.

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