Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Mogadishu men ordered to grow beard in 30 days

Men in the Somali capital Mogadishu, have been given 30 days to grow beard. The order was issued by Moalim Hashi Mohamed Farah, the Governor in the capital. It takes effect on July 20.

Moalim Hashi is a member of Hizbu Islam, led by Sheikh Dahir Aweys, one of the Islamist groups opposing the Transitional Federal Government.

Talking to the local media via teleconference late on Sunday, Moalim Hashi stated that Somali women in the capital had already complied with the order of using the Hijab (heavy dress covering from head to toe). He added that it is time from men to comply with Islamic manners.

The clergyman ordered all men of adult age to grow beard and to trim moustaches.

He emphasized that his Islamic authority was aware of some men actually shaving the beards and even growing the moustaches, which is the opposite of the code the order demands.

“As from 20th of July, we are hereby ordering all men to obey the instructions of trimming the moustaches and growing the beards,” said Moalim Hashi. “Short of complying with the instructions will attract punishment in accordance with the Sharia (Islamic) laws),” he added.

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