Abdul Kagere, a graduate of Kyambogo University has drawn heavy criticism especially from the Muslim fraternity on revealing that he has performed as Santa Claus, also known as father Christmas for close to 10 years now.
These reactions proceed the life experience Abdul Kagere boldly shared with Daily Monitor’s Godfrey Lugaaju on Christmas.
Abdul said that he developed interest in becoming Father Christmas at tender age, adding that all it takes to become one is having some good knowledge on Santa and the Catholic faith as a whole.
“It was in my senior four vacation in 2005 when I was invited to act at St Gerald High School. Since then it has been year after year of doing this.” He told Godfrey.
Adding, “I am a Muslim but I have been Santa and it has worked really fine. I have worked in the church. All that matters is respecting the Catholic faith or else you risk sabotaging the honour of Santa Claus.”
Earning from it plentifully (between Sh200, 000 and Shs1m), the married father of one says that he has got countless friends, rubbed shoulders with important people, traveled across Uganda and has bought a car.
“Islam is not about having an Arabic name! What makes one a Muslim is Shahadah and doing good deeds that are prescribed and were performed by prophet Mohammed! One day you will be answerable to those things you are doing ! It is not too late to make Taubah/repetence.” One Muslim Njuki Ibra Villanova responded to Abdul’s story.
While the Church might not see any cause of alarm, in the Islamic faith, scholars differ concerning the ruling on a Muslim entering a church in the first place.
“A Muslim from where? Do you know the definition of Islam? You can’t work in church and you say respecting Catholic and you call yourself a Muslim? Take away your rubbish.” Hussein Mukose K said.
“Names don’t make someone a Muslim but actions,so ignorance is what makes you think your still a Muslim..its a shame…” Medy Farouk said.
According to Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, as a worker, it would be permitted to work on a construction project to build a church or the like, though not in Muslim lands in Muslim areas.
“This is better to avoid when reasonably possible, but the employment itself is halal (because the work one is doing is itself permitted), and one’s earnings halal. At the same time, it would be one’s duty as a Muslim to dislike that which the church will be used for.” He adds.
Nevertheless, Adbul says he wants be remembered as a down to earth and calm person who welcomed everybody from children to adults.
Apart from acting as father Christmas, he is an events manager at Pearl Events, speaks on weddings and introduction ceremonies, and also teaches food and nutrition at Crested S.S Kazo and Brixton S.S, Watuba.
“My Mother raised us singlehandedly. We were 15 but she struggled a lot to see all of us through school. From her, I learnt not to despise any job.” Abdul says.
aaron@ugchristiannews.com
