Youth Urged to Embrace Religious Values and Morality

Youth Urged to Uphold Religious Values and Morality for a Better Society

Dar es Salaam, March 18, 2025 – Young people in Tanzania have been urged to live by the principles of religion and moral values to help foster a generation rooted in integrity and God-fearing ethics.

This call was made by Sheikh Hemed Jalala, the Grand Sheikh of the Ithna’ashariyyah Community in Tanzania (TIC), during the launch of the Marhum Quran translation, a work originally completed by the late Sheikh Hassan Mwalupa. The event took place in Dar es Salaam on the night of March 17, 2025.

Sheikh Hassan Mwalupa, who passed away in 2021, was a prominent religious leader who dedicated his time to translating Islamic scriptures, including the Qur’an, from Arabic to Swahili. His goal was to make these sacred texts more accessible and understandable to Swahili speakers.

Encouraging Youth to Embrace Morality

In his address, Sheikh Jalala emphasized that when young people adhere to religious teachings and moral guidelines, they contribute to a more cohesive and ethical society.

"Religious texts provide essential guidance on child upbringing and moral values. If young people study and deeply understand religion, they will help eliminate the growing moral decline in our communities," said Sheikh Jalala.

He further noted that religious education plays a crucial role in nurturing future sheikhs and scholars, ensuring the continued transmission of Islamic knowledge for generations to come.

Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development

Sheikh Jalala also called on Tanzanians to safeguard peace and stability, particularly as the country approaches the General Elections in October 2025. He emphasized that national unity is a fundamental pillar for sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Hemed Lubumba, a representative from the Islamic organization Al-Itra, highlighted the significant role of youth in national development, noting that 75% of Tanzania’s population consists of young people. He urged them to uphold moral values and work towards maintaining peace as a cornerstone for progress.

"If young people commit to moral values and peaceful coexistence, the nation will take great strides in sustainable development," said Lubumba.

The event was attended by religious leaders, Islamic scholars, and worshippers from various sects, all paying tribute to the late Sheikh Hassan Mwalupa’s significant contributions to making the Qur’an more accessible in Swahili.