Cross symbol on Muslim funeral program irks Malawi Sheikhs
Muslim clerks and sheiks were on Monday disturbed and angry over a symbol of the cross which was printed on the front page of the funeral program of Gogo Chenalikusika, mother to Malawi’s former president, Dr Bakili Muluzi.
Gogo Chenalikusika a Muslim passed away in the early hours of Saturday October 13 at the age of 92.
The Muslim scholars wondered why there was a cross symbol- associated with Christians- on the funeral program of a Muslim believer.
“We all know that Gogo Chenalikusika was born a Muslim, grew up as a Muslim and died as Muslim, how has she become a Christian today?” queried Sheikh Muhammed Uthman national Dawa coordinator of the Islamic information bureau.
The Muslim clerks including Sheikh Aman Matiya, Aman Kunje, Hamis Twabi then summoned government officials to explain about the presence of cross on the funeral program.
Later Nyasa Times reporter saw the Muslim clerks detaching from the program the contained the cross.
Commenting on the development, one of the bereaved family who identified himself as a grandson to late Gogo said he was very shocked with some of the irregularities on the programme.
“I expected that such anomalies might one day happen because we members of the Muluzi family are always sidelined when comes to issues to do with our family,” he said.
“This is not the first time for government officials and political party leaders come up with their on programme without even getting suggestions from us,” he lamented.
“How come that a stranger speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, does it mean that we are not competent enough to speak on such occasions?” the granny queried in a solemnly voice.
However brother to late Gogo Chenalikusika, John Mulanga, refused to comment on development saying he is so weak to speak as he is mourning the great loss of his sister.
“It is inhuman and against the Islamic principles speaking of someone who has passed away, let my sister be allowed to rest in peace,” Mulanga answered.
Muluzi himself and son Atupele did not attend the funeral as it was reported that the former president is in South Africa seeking medical treatment while Atupele is in Japan on official duties.
