Nikah and other Islamic Functions Association (NIFA) on Sunday took advantage of Eid-ul-Fitr prayers conducted at Chichiri Upper Stadium to respond allegations that the association has now become a business entity.
Some Muslims in the country have been accusing the association of demanding money ranging from MK10, 000 to MK20, 000 at the end of each wedding it organises and that it disapproves wedding cakes.
“Nifah does not organise the Nikahs well. They force the youths to do what they want and steal other people’s money. I am told they even fake the change and end up going home with K10, 000 or even K20, 000. They should allow us to do what we want to do on our Nikahs. They say we don’t allow wedding cakes because there is alcohol in there when in actual fact there are cakes done by good Muslims,” said one Muslim through his/her comment posted on this website.
Since NIFA was formed eight years ago, rumours of soliciting money from people who want the organisation to organise their Nikah are still looming.
NIFA President Aman Kunje has however brushed aside the allegations and challenged people who are speculating to come forward to prove their claims.
“We are shocked by what our fellow Muslims are speculating that we demand money for every Nikah we organise. NIFA is not a profit-making organisation that can be going around swindling people’s money. These people just want to damage our reputation.
Nevertheless, this website understands that NIFA demands 2.5% of the total budget of any wedding they organise.
The percentage is taken regardless of the budget.
Kunje said the money ‘is meant for stationery, airtime and other things during wedding meetings and both parties approve it’.
Reports indicate that of late Muslims are shunning the association in organising their weddings.
