The Somali government has officially inaugurated the construction of Daarul Iftaa, the headquarters for the Supreme Council of Somali Scholars. The ceremony, marking a significant milestone for religious guidance in the country, was led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mukhtar Robow.
The project is financed through revenues generated from this year’s Hajj activities, a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability. Prime Minister Barre noted that in the past, funds from Hajj operations were often misused, but his administration is committed to channeling these resources for public benefit.
“This is a project born out of transparency and a commitment to serve the Somali people,” the Prime Minister remarked.
A Hub for Religious Dispute Resolution
Minister Robow emphasized that the headquarters will serve as a central hub for resolving religious disputes and enhancing the Somali people’s understanding of Islam. He expressed optimism that Daarul Iftaa would bring unity among Islamic scholars and serve as a foundation for ending the religious disagreements that have long divided the Somali community.
“It is a historic day for Somalia,” Robow said. “This center represents our commitment to empowering scholars to provide clarity and guidance to the Somali people. We hope it will resolve the conflicts that have persisted for far too long.”
Prime Minister Barre underscored the importance of Daarul Iftaa in addressing the historical tensions between Western-style governance and Islamic traditions. He stated that this disconnect had previously fueled conflicts and led to the marginalization of religious scholars.
“With the establishment of Daarul Iftaa, we hope to create a unified platform for religious guidance and national reconciliation,” Barre said. “This is a moment for Somalia to repent and move forward with unity.”
Challenges in Establishing the Supreme Council
The creation of Daarul Iftaa coincides with ongoing discussions in the Somali Parliament regarding the establishment of the Supreme Council of Somali Scholars. However, the process faces significant challenges. Critics point out that former Al-Shabaab leaders, now associated with the Ictisaam group, are reportedly dominating the formation process. This has raised concerns among Sufi scholars, who see the move as unfair and exclusionary.
Many Sufis argue that the current process lacks inclusivity and risks further alienating groups with differing religious interpretations. The tension highlights the delicate nature of reconciling Somalia’s diverse Islamic traditions within a unified framework.
Despite the challenges, the Somali government has positioned Daarul Iftaa as a cornerstone of its strategy to align religious leadership with governance, strengthen national unity, and promote a deeper understanding of Islam. Both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Religious Affairs expressed hope that the headquarters would serve as a symbol of Somalia’s progress and commitment to religious harmony.
The construction of Daarul Iftaa represents a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward reconciling its rich Islamic heritage with modern governance, setting a foundation for future generations to build upon. However, addressing the concerns of all religious factions will be crucial for the project's success and its role as a unifying institution.
