Former Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) National Chairman Sheikh Yusuf Kanyamula has denied allegations that he has joined Shiasm after being elected as a leader of Shathriyya Muslim Association of Malawi, an organisation alleged to be belonging to shia.
On July 16 2012, members of Shathriyya crowned Sheikh Kanyamula a Muftship saying they wanted to honour him for what he has done for Islam in the country.
He is deputised by Sheikh Karim Kamwendo, one of the renowned daee in Malawi.
However, there were mixed reports on the matter with some people alleging that the organisation that the Sheikh has joined belongs to shias and the fact that he has accepted the muftship, then he has automatically joined Shiasim.
But in an interview with Malawi Muslims Official Website on Wednesday, the sheikh expressed dismay over the remarks describing them as an insult and malice – which are aimed at tarnishing his image.
“Yes, I can confirm that I am a Mufti of Shathriyya with effect from July 16, 2012. People of Salima gave me this honour as one way of appreciating what I have done for Islam in this country. I have translated many Islamic literatures; have been doing dawah as well as some programmes on Radio Islam which have brought unity among Muslims in Malawi.
“Shathriyya is an Islamic organisation like Muslim Association of Malawi and Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi and it does not belong to Shia sect. So, saying that I have joined Shia, is not true and is only an insult to me,” said Sheikh Kanyamula.
Shathriyya Muslim Association of Malawi is an ‘Islamic’ organisation based in Salima and is headed by the controversial Sheikh Sosola popularly known as Shamiuna.