Houthi militia shuts down a Da’wah and Tabligh center in Al Hudaydah, western Yemen.

On Tuesday, the Houthi militia closed a Dawah and Tabligh center in Al Hudaydah, Yemen. Reports indicate that the militia not only seized the center’s contents but also expelled its students. Local sources confirmed the incident occurred in the city of Al Hudaydah.

Impact on Students

The closure affected over 500 students who had traveled from various provinces to attend the center. This significant disruption raises concerns about the future of educational and religious activities in the region.

History of the Center

Established in the 1990s, the center included a Quran memorization program and an institute dedicated to teaching Shafi’i jurisprudence and comparative fiqh. The Dawah and Tabligh group, which typically avoids political engagement, focuses on religious outreach. They regularly conduct lessons and discussions in mosques following prayers and organize outreach activities in villages and cities.

Annual Conference Discontinued

Before the ongoing conflict, the center hosted an annual conference in Al Hudaydah, attracting thousands of participants from inside and outside Yemen. Unfortunately, the war has forced the cancellation of this event.

Ongoing Suppression of Activities

In recent years, the Houthi militia has intensified its crackdown on the Tabligh group, limiting their field activities and closing several centers. Reports also indicate that the militia has abducted hundreds of students associated with the group across various provinces.

The situation remains tense as the Houthi militia continues to restrict religious freedoms and educational opportunities in the region.

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