Sheikh Ilyas gets permit revoked over improvised sermon

Sheikh Ilyas Hussein – a member of Adhaalath Party (AP) – has had his permit for religious sermons revoked by Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Coordinator at Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Mohamed Ahusan said that current policy banned Islamic scholars from giving sermons unless its written down, and approved first.

He said that Ilyas violated the policy in his sermon at a mosque in Addu City last Friday, October 14.

“He had his permit revoked because he gave the sermon in violation of the policy,” said Ahusan.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs alleges that Ilyas violated the Religious Unity Act with his sermon.

Ilyas is unavailable for comment regarding the incident at the moment.

In his improvised sermon, Ilyas had touched down on issues such as the higher prices for staples in the country.

Ilyas cannot give any religion sermon or lecture until he re-applies for a permit, and is granted the request.