The Afghan government has demoted over 300 policemen for failing to comply with Islamic beard requirements. The move was announced by the Ministry of Morality, according to the BBC.
Most Muslims, if not all, are obligated by Islamic teachings, Hadith, and Sunnah to grow beards beyond a certain length. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the founder of Islam, guided his followers to emulate all aspects of his life, including worshipping Allah and maintaining long beards as a distinctive identifier.
Many individuals in Uganda who profess Islam do not maintain long beards or “Sunnah,” as it is called in Islam. Some believe that long beards are outdated or unhygienic, as noted by Hakim Wattenyeri, who has never groomed a beard according to Islamic guidelines.
Many Ugandan Muslims, who may remain anonymous for legal reasons, have disregarded the Islamic requirement of long beards, potentially facing severe consequences in the afterlife for disobedience.
The Ankole Times recently reported that over 90% of Ugandan Muslims struggle to communicate in Arabic, the primary language of Arabs. Haji Mansa, a mayoral candidate for Mbale City, faced difficulties during his Hajj pilgrimage, unable to even pronounce “chicken” in Arabic while trying to satisfy his hunger.
Stevenmasiga is a researcher from Mbale. Tel: 0782231577
