The new leadership of the Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM) has urged newly elected district executive structures to remain apolitical and united in order to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the country.

Speaking on Monday in Thyolo, National Chairman Musa Balasani, said the association is a religious body and not a political organisation, warning leaders against engaging in politics or acts that may promote violence.

“QMAM is not a political party. It is a religious organization so as leaders, you must desist from politicking and any form of violence because such behaviour is detrimental to our faith and to the development of both our community and the country,” said Balasani.

Balasani said this during a meeting with the association’s newly elected district executive structure, where he also emphasised the importance of unity among members and the need to prioritise education through madrasas.

He said the association plans to standardise teaching across its learning centres by introducing a single syllabus for all madrasas operating under the Qadria umbrella.

“We want all madrasas under Qadria to follow one syllabus so that there is uniformity in teaching and to avoid misunderstandings that may arise from using different learning materials,” he said.

During the visit, Balasani also donated six 50-kilogramme bags of rice and eight bales of sugar to support Muslims in the district during the holy month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Qadria Association Chairperson for Thyolo Yahaya Mtenje welcomed the guidance from the national leadership, saying it will help strengthen unity and leadership within the district.

“I am committed to serving members in Thyolo since i started this work even before i was elected. I encourage everyone to approach the leadership whenever there are issues so that we can resolve them amicably rather than resorting to backbiting,” said Mtenje.

He added that the visit by the national leadership has motivated members to work together in promoting both religious values and community development.