Sheikh Gama (formerly pastor Gama), who has recently completed his Islamic course at Zomba Development Education Centre (ZODEC) with his former congregants, has expressed his concern and worry about the lack of mosques, as no one has shown interest in constructing mosques for them since he joined the fold of Islam in September this year until today.
Speaking with Muslim Media Agency after the training, Gama expressed his concern that they will struggle to put what they have learned into practice because they do not have a masjid.
“Now that we have completed our course here, our biggest concern is that we do not have a mosque where we can put what we have learned into practice, particularly in terms of prayers (salaat).” How can we worship correctly in the absence of a mosque? As I speak, 70 Christian families have followed me (embraced Islam), and it takes about 20 miles to get to another mosque. So, do you think they’ll make it that far? Please, Muslims and Islamic organisations both inside and outside the country, build a masjid and a Madrassah school for us so that our children can learn more about Islam.” He begged.
Gama presided over 21 churches in Machinga from the 1980s until September 9, when he renounced his Christianity and accepted Islam. Currently, eleven churches have been demolished in preparation for the new mosques, prompting individuals and Islamic organisations to offer assistance with the masaajid.
