The madness of Summertide Festival in Malindi: Who is to blame?
Community leaders, parents, scholars, and religious institutions also have an obligation to educate young people about modesty, self-restraint, and accountability before Allah
By Sheikh Juma Ali Abdalla Alkaumy
This year's Summertide Festival was celebrated in Malindi where thousands of young men and women poured in the beaches of Malindi from July 3-5. The organizers present it as a celebration of music, tourism, culture, and economic growth. Indeed, such events generate income for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, vendors, and other local businesses.
In principle, there is nothing inherently wrong with lawful recreation and tourism. However, the scenes that often accompany the festival—public intoxication, drug abuse, indecent dressing, sexual immorality, violence, and other forms of disorder—have become a source of deep concern to many residents of Malindi. This raises an important question: Who should bear responsibility for this moral and social decline?
The answer is that responsibility is shared. The organizers have a duty to ensure that the event is conducted within the law. They should provide adequate security, prevent access to illegal drugs, enforce age restrictions, and cooperate with government agencies to maintain public order. Organizing an event is not merely about attracting crowds; it is also about safeguarding the welfare of those who attend and the wider community.
The attendees themselves bear the greatest responsibility. Every adult is accountable before Allah for his or her own actions. No one is forced to consume intoxicants, engage in immoral conduct, or behave indecently. Allah says:- "Do not approach immoralities—whether open or concealed." (Qur'an 6:151).
He also commands:- "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity... And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity." (Qur'an 24:30–31).
Regarding intoxicants, Allah says:- "O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, idols and divining arrows are but filth from the work of Satan, so avoid them that you may be successful." (Qur'an 5:90–91).
The Prophet peace be upon him said:- "Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock." (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).
This principle extends to parents, community leaders, organizers, and public authorities, all of whom have responsibilities toward society. Furthermore, the Prophet peace be upon him said:- "Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith." (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).
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This hadith reminds Muslims that remaining silent in the face of public immorality is not the ideal. Constructive advice, lawful intervention, and moral guidance are part of the Islamic duty to promote good and prevent evil.
Community leaders, parents, scholars, and religious institutions also have an obligation to educate young people about modesty, self-restraint, and accountability before Allah. Likewise, government agencies must enforce the law fairly and protect public safety.
It is worth remembering that some of the attendees came from communities with strong Islamic traditions. This should serve as a reminder—not a basis for blaming any ethnic group—that a Muslim's identity should be reflected in his or her conduct wherever they are. Allah says:- "O you who believe! Enter into Islam wholeheartedly..." (Qur'an 2:208).
Entertainment is not prohibited in Islam, provided it remains within the limits prescribed by Allah. Recreation should never become a justification for indecency, intoxication, or behaviour that harms individuals, families, and society.
The real success of any festival should not be measured solely by the number of visitors or the money generated, but also by whether it respects the law, preserves human dignity, protects young people, and leaves the host community better than it found it.
The stated objectives of the Summertide Festival generally include, promoting tourism, supporting local businesses and creating economic opportunities, showcasing arts, fashion, food, and beach culture, attracting domestic and international visitors and positioning the country where the festival is held as a leading entertainment and tourism destination.
These objectives are legitimate in themselves. The challenge arises when lawful entertainment is accompanied by unlawful or harmful conduct. Islam encourages recreation and enjoyment, but it also requires that they be pursued within the boundaries of modesty, morality, and accountability before Allah.
Sheikh Juma Ali Abdalla Alkaumy is a Senior Principal Kadhi at the Malindi Law Courts
