Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Meets Renowned Quran Reciter Abdirashid Ali Sufi in Mogadishu

Somali president holds consultation with leading Quran scholar in Mogadishu

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met prominent Quran reciter and scholar Sheikh Abdirashid Sheikh Ali Sufi in Mogadishu on Friday, in what Villa Somalia called an important consultation and information-sharing session. The discussions focused on mobilizing public awareness around national priorities and strengthening the role of religious leaders in peace-building. The meeting underscored the government’s outreach to clerics as it pursues security and social cohesion.

• Villa Somalia described the engagement as a significant consultation aimed at improving the country’s overall situation.
• The meeting brought together state leadership and a widely respected religious voice known across Somalia and the diaspora.
• It took place in Mogadishu amid ongoing national efforts to consolidate stability and counter extremist narratives.

Focus on unity, public awareness, and countering extremism

According to the presidency, both sides discussed how to strengthen national unity and elevate credible religious guidance in public discourse. The talks emphasized the importance of scholars in countering extremist ideologies and reinforcing moral values. The president highlighted the role of authentic Islamic teachings in advancing security, stability, and social cohesion.

• Officials said the message centered on using respected scholarly platforms to promote accurate religious knowledge.
• The discussion linked faith-driven outreach to broader peace-building and community resilience.
• Leaders stressed the need for consistent public engagement on key national issues.

Role of Somali Ulama in peace-building

President Mohamud praised Somali scholars for decades of contributions to peace and nation-building. He cited their influence in shaping public understanding and safeguarding the country’s spiritual fabric. The emphasis on Ulama reflects a strategy of aligning religious leadership with national stabilization goals.

• Scholars are seen by the government as vital partners in social cohesion and moral guidance.
• Their networks and credibility can help blunt extremist recruitment and misinformation.
• The president’s remarks framed religious scholarship as integral to long-term security gains.

Reception and outlook

Sheikh Abdirashid Ali Sufi thanked the president for the reception at Villa Somalia and welcomed continued engagement with religious leaders. He concluded the meeting with a prayer for peace, progress, and prosperity in Somalia. The encounter signals sustained coordination between the presidency and religious figures in the months ahead.

• Religious leaders are expected to remain active in public awareness campaigns on national cohesion.
• The government is likely to broaden consultations as it seeks durable stability and community trust.
• The meeting highlights the role of faith voices in advancing social reconciliation alongside security measures.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.