A young Gambian cleric has sparked outrage after declaring the annual Magal Touba pilgrimage in Senegal to be un-Islamic.

Imam Abdul Kareem Kuyateh made the remarks during a sermon, which has since gone viral online.

In the video, he claimed that anyone who dies while attending the religious gathering in Touba would “go to hell,” saying the event was not in line with Islamic teachings.

The comments have triggered anger among Mouride followers in The Gambia and Senegal. The community lodged a complaint with police and many have condemned his statements as “disrespectful and dangerous.”

But a group known as Ibadu Rahman, with which the Imam is associated, defended him. They said he should not apologise and warned they would not allow anyone to attack him.

The Gambia’s Ministry of Lands and Religious Affairs has apologised to the Mouride community, stressing it would not tolerate comments that threaten peace and harmony. The Supreme Islamic Council has also issued an apology.

Police have summoned Imam Kuyateh to their headquarters in Banjul for questioning. His supporters have called on followers to accompany him “with dignity, unity and patience.”

By Adama Makasuba