This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
Tanzanian Sheik Criticizes Diamond Platnumz Over Mosque Funding ¶
On December 30, 2019, Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz unveiled a mosque in his hometown, Al Aziz Mosque, which he built as a gesture of appreciation to Allah. However, the move has been met with criticism from a local sheik, Issa Ponda.
According to Ponda, Diamond's actions are a mockery of his creator, as the singer earns his livelihood through secular music, which contradicts Islamic beliefs and traditions. Ponda expressed his disappointment at fellow Muslim leaders who officiated the launch of the mosque, stating that they have gone against Islamic teachings and values.
"If someone is trying to get rewards from God by using haram funds, they will not get any rewards," Ponda said in an interview with Global Publishers. "They will get the opposite, because they have done something wrong."
Ponda emphasized the importance of using genuine funds to build religious establishments and advised leaders to be more careful when receiving such offerings. He urged them to do their research and find out how the individual gets their income before building anything for Allah.
"We are disappointed that some of our leaders have gone against Islamic teachings and values," Ponda concluded. "We urge the public to be aware of this and not to follow such actions."
