Algeria raises controversy due to Muharram

The religious affairs ministry’s justifications about the first day of Muharram raised a large controversy amid many scholars’ rejection. They criticized the administration for controlling religious aspect.

Minister Mohamed Aissa said the first day of Muharram was set back to Monday as part of an administrative procedure as it is a day off.

“The first day of Muharram is a day off. Because of that, the administrative authorities released a communiqué in this regard,” he added.

Head of the Islamic Higher Council Abu Abdellah Gholamallah Monday said there is no “religious” problem in the issue. “What happened was no more than a regulatory procedure.”

“There was no error. A difference between Muslim countries is possible and it is not something new,” he told Echorouk.

This comes as most of Muslim countries declared Sunday as the first day of Muharram while Algeria declared Monday.

A number of imams and scholars denounced the ministry’s attitude.

Head of the Association of Muslim Scholars Abderrezak Guessoum said the administrative management has to follow science and religion.

“We respect the ministry but the public service should not control religion,” he added.

He calls on Muslims in Algeria to fast the ninth and tenth of Achoura to avoid any conflict.