By: Fatou Krubally
Hundreds of supporters gathered in Banjul on Monday as Imam Abdul Kareem Kuyateh appeared at the Police Headquarters for questioning, following a controversial sermon in which he denounced Magal Touba, a major annual religious gathering of the Mouride brotherhood in Senegal.
The young preacher, who delivered the sermon on August 28 at Imam Malick Mosque, has faced sharp criticism after video clips of his khutbat went viral on social media. In his five-minute sermon, Imam Kuyateh declared that attending Magal Touba was not part of Islam and went further to suggest that even nightclub-goers were in a better position before God than those who traveled to Touba for the celebration.
Quoting from the Qur’an, he cited Surah An-Nisa (4:48): “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” He then told worshippers: “The sins of a nightclub goer, however serious, can be forgiven, but anyone who associates partners with Allah will never be forgiven.”
The sermon provoked anger across The Gambia and Senegal, with many in the Mouride community calling it offensive and divisive. The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs swiftly condemned the sermon and issued an apology to the Mourides worldwide. According to the Ministry, Imam Kuyateh admitted his mistake, repented, and offered a public apology. The statement stressed that such sensitive issues must be handled with care and warned that future remarks threatening peace in the Muslim community will face disciplinary action.
At the police headquarters in Banjul, large crowds of men and women gathered in solidarity. Many were seen chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great), while clerics including Imam Chebou Cham, Imam Hamat Jaiteh, and Imam Fakeba Ceesay were also present. From the balcony, several imams waved to the cheering crowd, in what supporters described as a peaceful show of unity.
A legal expert noted that under Section 113 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, the Imam could risk up to one year in prison if convicted for comments likely to incite hostility. The lawyer advised young preachers to show restraint and maturity in their sermons, saying: “Our peaceful coexistence must not be sacrificed for popularity.”
