Ilyas: Wasn’t informed permit was revoked

Sheikh Ilyas Hussain has said that he wasn’t informed of any decision to revoke his permit to give religious sermons and lectures.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs has reported that it had revoked Ilyas’s permit for giving an improvised sermon in a mosque in Addu City last Friday, October 14.

Ilyas spoke to “Sun” this Monday and said that he hadn’t been informed of the decision to revoke his license. And would make a comment after he received justification of the decision from Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

“I haven’t received any knowledge of any such issue. I can only make a comment after my permit is revoked, and I receive notification,” said Ilyas.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs alleges that Ilyas violated the Religious Unity Act with his sermon.

According to ministry policy, sermons need to be written and approved first. Ilyas had made an improvised sermon, during which he touched on issues such as the higher prices of staple products in the country.

Ilyas cannot give any religion sermon or lecture until he re-applies for a permit, and is granted the request.