His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has advised Muslim faithful to marry not just a partner but also a true friend, in order to foster lasting compassion and keep their families intact.
The Mufti shared this advice during his remarks at the memorial prayers for the late Hajjat Aida Namponye, wife of Kampala businessman Haj Kaddu Erias. The prayers took place at the family residence in Kitebe Village, Kabowa, Lubaga Division, on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Among the attendees were Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister in charge of Kampala Metropolitan; Sheikh Murshid Muhammad Luwemba, UMSC Secretary for Dawah-Islamic Propagation; Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda Busungu, Regional Assistant to the Mufti for Kampala; Sheikh Jamir Kassim Ntambi, Kadhi of Lubaga Muslim District; and other prominent figures such as Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Kakungulu, County Sheikhs, Imams, and local leaders.
Mufti Mubaje extended his condolences to the widower, Haj Kaddu, whom he described as a close friend. “I understand what you’re going through, as I too lost my first wife, the mother of my children,” the Mufti shared. “I would often see her image when returning home. After some time, I spoke with my in-laws, and I was able to find another lady as a wife from the same family who now cares for our children,” he said, bringing smiles to the attendees. He also discussed the wisdom behind polygamy in Islam, noting how it can provide stability in the family, especially if the family head loses a spouse.
Haj Kaddu shared a heartfelt account of his life with the late Hajjat Aida, recalling the challenges they faced when she became ill and was referred to specialized treatment in India, where she unfortunately passed away, leaving him with grown children.
The event comes at a time when societal values are under attack, greed for money is rife, promiscuity is on the rise, and family units are at a high risk as many marriages are at a verge of breaking down.
Mufti Mubaje praised the compassion between Haj Kaddu and his late wife, explaining how he kept informing him about her health struggles in her final days. “Their relationship was one of deep friendship and mutual respect, a model for others to emulate,” he added.
Hon. Kabanda, a close neighbor of the bereaved family, also spoke highly of the couple’s exemplary partnership. Sheikh Jamir Kassim Ntambi encouraged the Muslim community to attend the upcoming UMSC Anniversary celebrations. He also passed on a message from the Ministry of Health regarding the Mpox epidemic, urging everyone to wash their hands with soap to help prevent its spread.
Courtesy: Zziwa Ashiraf UMSC Spokesperson.
