Members of Somalia’s Olympic Committee and  the Islamic Courts Union have ended their differences in principle, however the future of women’s sport in Somalia remains unclear with Sheik Abdul kadeer hajji Hasan Gurey of the Islamic Courts Union telling a meeting between the parties that new guidelines and playing systems for women’s sport would be designed at a later date.

The Somali Olympic committee and representatives of the Islamic Courts Union met for a second time at the NOC Somalia's headquarters on Wednesday to discuss issues relating to sport.

Leaders of the Somali Olympic Committee had hoped that the issue would be solved, however the ICY representatives have indicated that some regulations, including rules for female players will be
drafted later in accordance with Islamic law.

Sheik Hussein Abdullahi Barre, ICU Information Deputy Secretary addressed the meeting and encouraged those present to fear the almighty Allah and argued that sport is not something which Allah has asked Muslim worshippers to do.

He told the group that Somalis could continue to play sport but must play recordings to spectators  of Islamic verses from loud speakers mounted at all stadiums.

Sheik Sa'eed Sheik Abdul Rahman added that Islamists are not totally against sport, but want to encourage what he referred to as “sports of Islam”.

"Sports is sometimes an exercise and can be beneficial to one’s health, but if it is not played in accordance with Islam, it is unacceptable," the former basketball player-turned cleric told the meeting.

First vice president of  the Somali Olympic Committee and president of the national
basketball federation Aden Hajji yabarow Wiish said sport is the power of
every nation in the world because millions watch, billions support and thousands  play it around the world

"Sports is a lightened candle of peace which congregates people around the world creating love, friendship and fraternity among the international community" he said, adding that sport helps people forget hatred, tribalism and apartheid.

"Mecca and Medina are among the hilliest towns in the world and  the Saudi government once hosted Islamic games in those cities" said Mr. Wiish once again adding that even Somalia had participated in  the Islamic Nations Games in Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah Ahmed Tarabi, secretary general of  the Somali Olympic Committee added
that NOC Somalia had already prepared mosques at all  playing fields in the country which meant the players would not miss any praying time.

"Somalis are 100% Muslims and are committed to keep praying times and fasting. Former national athlete and world champion Abdi Bile Abdi once participated an international athletics meeting and was asked by his American coach to break his fast during the rigours of the international meeting but continued his fast. This shows  that we bred our players to keep the pillars of  the Islamic religion," he added, looking the Islamists in the eye.

Acting president of the Somali Olympic Committee Abdulkadeer Ibraahim Ga'al, also known as Abkow told the meeting that sport encourages peace and public integration. “In the world sport helps the creation of peace, because if there is no peace games cannot be played" said Mr Abkow who added that administrators of the Somali Olympic Committee, its federations and national associations are all educated in
Islam." We are Sheiks" he added with laughter.

Mr Abkow asked Sheik Ahmed Abdullah, secretary for public affairs and
regional co-operation of the Islamic Courts Union to particularly be
aware of the job of Somali Olympic Committee.

He said that the SOC had established Islamic law in stadiums across the entire country, allocating segregated seating for female and male sports fans. He argued that the prophet Mohamed used to encourage sports such as wrestling, horse-racing and archery.

After hours of heated discussion, both sides felt they had made progress, ending their differences in principle.

Presidents, vice presidents and secretary generals of 16 federations and
national sports associations including Somali sports press association which
works with SOC as a partner were present at the meeting.

Shafici Mohyadin Abokr
First Vice President and Head of International Relations