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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a significant meeting on Friday with well-known Quran reciter and scholar Sheikh Abdirashid Sheikh Ali Sufi at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu. The discussion focused on the current state of the country and how religious scholars can continue contributing to Somalia’s progress, unity, and stability. According to Villa Somalia, the meeting served as an important opportunity for consultation and the exchange of ideas between national leadership and respected religious figures.
During the conversation, President Hassan Sheikh underscored the vital role that Somali religious scholars, known as Ulama, have always played in guiding society. He noted that scholars are not only spiritual leaders but also key influencers in shaping public understanding and strengthening the moral foundation of communities. Their teachings help promote national unity, encourage peaceful coexistence, and reinforce shared values. The president highlighted that their guidance has long supported efforts to counter extremist ideologies by promoting authentic Islamic knowledge that encourages balance, peace, and social responsibility.
President Mohamud also emphasized that the voices of scholars are essential in public awareness campaigns, especially on important national matters. Their ability to reach people across the country, through mosques, community gatherings, and religious platforms, makes them invaluable partners in building a more informed society. He stressed that Somalia’s journey toward lasting stability depends on cooperation between the government and religious leaders, who together can help shape a future grounded in peace and mutual respect.
The president expressed deep appreciation for the continued contributions of Somali scholars over the years. He spoke about their consistent involvement in peace efforts, their influence in calming tensions during difficult periods, and their commitment to keeping society on a moral path. According to him, scholars have always been part of Somalia’s healing process, playing a quiet but powerful role in strengthening social bonds and safeguarding the country’s spiritual identity.
For his part, Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi thanked President Hassan Sheikh for the warm welcome and the opportunity to discuss matters of national importance. He praised the president’s willingness to engage with religious leaders and acknowledged the government’s efforts to involve scholars in shaping national direction. Sheikh Abdirashid expressed his belief that cooperation between leadership and Ulama is key to ensuring Somalia’s progress. He ended the meeting by offering a heartfelt prayer, asking Allah to bless Somalia with enduring peace, unity, and development.
The meeting reflected a shared understanding that religious scholars hold a central place in Somali society and must continue to be part of national decision-making conversations. As Somalia works toward strengthening security and stability, the partnership between the government and respected scholars is expected to remain an important pillar of progress. The gathering at Villa Somalia served as a reminder that moral guidance, religious wisdom, and national leadership together form a powerful foundation for building a more peaceful and prosperous future for the country.