By Gift Sitima:
Muslim Artists Association (MAAS) has joined the fight against corruption through the nasheed or song ‘Tigwirane Manja’, which was released on July 31 this year.
The nasheed emphases the need for Malawians to join hands in the fight against corruption.
Maas President Nordeen Cassim said they were committed to sensitise people to the dangers of corruption.
“Over the years, Malawi has been shaken up by corruption scandals. We came up with this initiative as a way of complementing the government’s efforts in the fight against corruption.
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“The nasheed carries a strong message and we believe that the message will be received well,” Cassim said of the song which is available on YouTube, social media platforms and is enjoying airplay in radio stations.
Cassim thanked Allah, partners and artists who contributed to the nasheed, saying it was not easy to execute the initiative.
“We are grateful that the project is successful and the nasheed, both audio and video, is now out. The association started the initiative without funding but it was inspired and motivated by the Islamic perspective on corruption, where, in many Quranic verses and teachings of Prophet Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] strongly forbids corruption,” he said.
Ulama Council of Malawi Secretary Sheikh Muslim Abbas Vinjenje concurred with Cassim, saying Corruption is haram (prohibited) in Islam.
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“The Quran has classified corruption as a grave sin. As stated in Chapter 5 vs 33: ‘Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the hereafter is a great punishment,” Vinjenje said.
He further said corruption cripples development in society, such that efforts must be made to create a corruption-free society.
Anti-Corruption Bureau spokesperson Egrita Ndala has welcomed the initiative, commending the association for taking the right step in the fight against corruption.
“Malawi has a National Anti-corruption Strategy, which is an invitation to everyone to participate in the fight against corruption. What the association has done shows that Malawians are now embracing their role in the fight against corruption. We expect that people that will listen to the nasheed will get and embrace the message,” Ndala said.
The Tigwirane Manja nasheed, which is in Chichewa and Yao languages, featured 14 artists, namely Ishmael Katawala, Allie Yaseen, Evason Kasonya, Enock Chitemwe, Aqeel Masinja, Shaib Alie, Maulana Maumbo, Boniface Mwitha, Yusuf Bamusi, Issah Zuze, Abdul-Salaam Mpira, Wallace Salanje, Rajab Yasin Issah and Hanafee Yusuf.
About four years ago, on December 9 2019 to be precise, the country launched the Malawi National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Mangochi District.
And, last year, President Lazarus Chakwera launched a nationwide anti-corruption campaign, calling on Malawians to recite and abide by the campaign’s slogan: ‘Corruption is Our Biggest Enemy And is Not Welcomed Here’.
