Somalia Ministry of Religious Affairs bans Christmas and New Year celebrations, says they are contrary to Islamic culture

Somalia's Federal government today Tuesday,
December 22, banned the celebrations of
Christmas and New Year in the capital
Mogadishu. It says celebrating Christmas is
against faith of Somali Muslims and won't allow
it happen in the country.
Director General of Somalia’s Ministry of
Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow
announced the decision in a Press Conference
held in Mogadishu along with the Vice Chairman
of the Supreme Religious Council (SRC), Sheikh
Nur Barud Gurhan.
All events related to Christmas and New Year
celebrations are contrary to Islamic culture, which
could damage aqidah (faith) of the Muslim
community. He added:
"All security forces are advised to halt or dissolve
any gatherings. There should be no activity at
all."
Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan, the deputy chairman of
the Supreme Religious Council of Somalia said
that such events might motivate extremist group
al-Shabaab to launch attacks in the capital.
"We [Islamic Scholars] are warning against the
celebration of such events which are not relevant
to the principles of our religion. Such events give
also al-Shabaab to carry out attacks."
Sources: Live From Mogadishu/Horseed Media