A Sunnah response to the Paris attacks - DR AUWAIS RAFUDEEN - Muslim Views
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Vol. 29 No. 12 RABI-UL-AWWAL 1437 l DECEMBER 2015
A Sunnah response to the Paris attacks
DR AUWAIS RAFUDEEN
OW do we think of a
H Sunnah response to the
Paris attacks? Granted,
the Sunnah is vast and there are
different ways of thinking what
such a response should be. Mine
is but one such response.
What motivated the Paris
attacks? Clearly it was anger, Isis
anger at the role of the French in
the Middle East; and the underly-
ing anger of young French of
North African origin at a society
that refuses to regard them as real
equals.
And then there was the anger
rightly felt by many Muslims at
the media coverage of the event. It
appeared that Parisian lives –
mostly white lives – were privi-
leged over brown and black ones
that have died because of Isis or
Boko Haram atrocities.
And then there is also the justi-
fied exasperation of Muslims – an
exasperation that can easily turn
into anger – at the seeming inabil-
ity by the West to realise that it
shares a large responsibility for
the current unfolding of events.
And so, abominable as the actions
may be, they should not be sur-
prised when their sins come back
to haunt them at home.
And the result of this anger is a
lack of empathy: you don’t care
about our people so why should
we care about yours?
To a certain extent such a reac-
tion is natural. It’s part of human
nature to react this way and, if
the Sunnah is anything, it is
embedded in an understanding of
this nature. And a lot of this reac-
tion is, of course, really an appeal
The ‘rampies sny’ ceremonies at the Cape are fragrant and colourful. Women gather in mosques to chop and scent lemon leaves and flowers before placing them in
sachets. These are then offered to the people who attend the Moulood celebrations. The above image is of the ceremony at Masjidul Quds, in Gatesville, in January
to justice: help create a truly just
2015 (Moulood 1436). Photo ISGAAK EBRAHIM
world, it says to the West, and
then we all can be less worried
about such attacks happening cumstances around us. We are not rewards, no quick victories. It Beauty is the benchmark of the one another.
again. And justice is an underly- to regard this anger as natural. gave no spectacular resistance. Sunnah. When something is spiri- We cannot be defined by the
ing principle of the Sunnah. So, to We have no right to instinctually But it was the road taken by the tually ugly and repulsive, such as injustice of others. In the end, we
a certain extent, we can perhaps act on it. Holy Prophet in Makkah, at a the killing of civilians, whoever are them and they are us. Their
speak of ‘righteous anger’. The Prophet (SAW) is asking time of tremendous persecution. they may be, it is far from the injustice does not bring them any
But anger, even righteous us to exchange our lower self – And its rewards came to be seen Sunnah. When we create ‘us ver- final triumph nor will retaliatory
anger, is not the default position and anger thrives in the lower self in due course: it fundamentally sus them’ categories, when our injustice – the product of anger –
of the Sunnah. On the contrary, – for a higher one, where anger is changed character, it built people initial righteous anger translates bring any victory. We need to
and no matter how understand- kept firmly under control. This of tremendous beauty; indeed, it into lack of pity for others, we are transcend both and the Sunnah,
able such reactions may be, the requires us to take recourse to the built the greatest generation in the very far from the Sunnah. which has proven that we can
Prophet, peace be upon him, is virtues of patience, forbearance history of humankind. We need to reclaim, we need to transform the hardest of hearts by
very clear as to the default: ‘Don’t and strong determination to take And so it was the same beauty listen carefully, to the default restraining our anger, triggering
become angry.’ the high road at all times – virtues that shone through when the position on anger. We need to the capacity for true change in all
This is a remarkable statement. that are cultivated by prayer and Prophetic mission achieved tem- continue nurturing institutions of us.
The Prophet (SAW) is ordering us entreaty to Allah, among other poral triumph in Madinah: the where this default position is Dr Auwais Rafudeen is Senior
to fight that innate and immediate practices. real triumph was the creation of taught, where it is imbibed, and Lecturer, Department of
anger within all of us that can be The road is not easy. It, seem- that beauty, not the dominion so, where we nurture human Religious Studies and Arabic at
so easily be sparked by the cir- ingly, offers no immediate over Arabia. beings who deal beautifully with University of South Africa.
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2 Muslim Views . December 2015
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We would witness the kind of
infrastructure that is affordable,
Lessons from the sirah for
inclusive and consistent with the needs
of the majority of pilgrims. We would
our struggle against corruption
see the kind of development that
IMAM DR
reflects sensitivity to the diversity of ABDUL RASHIED OMAR
hadith, is to be regarded as
peoples and the universality of
equally guilty of corruption.
humankind in the House of Islam.
Here, the Prophet (SAW) is
oulood-al-Nabi should reminding us that corruption is
Instead, we are witnessing aggressive
development of elite, exclusive and
M be used as an
opportunity to
not limited to public institutions
or solitary perpetrators who are
caught out in acts of corruption
extravagant hotels. The world’s leading
re-acquaint ourselves with, and
to derive inspiration and but, often, also involves com-
brands in the hotel industry have
guidance from, the life story plicit parties who escape culpa-
scrambled to the holy sites for a piece
(seerah) of the Prophet bility. In another instructive
Muhammad (SAW). In this hadith, the Prophet (SAW)
of the prime real estate pie.
article, I would like to examine warns especially those charged
The sacred precincts of the Haram
what lessons we can obtain with administering public
from the seerah for our struggle money, in this case collecting
have become the focus of
against the scourge of people’s alms taxes, not to abuse
untrammelled capitalist enterprises.
corruption. their authority by coveting so-
It might be expedient to begin called gifts. The Companion
Hajj packages in the UK in the order of
The economics of
by defining corruption from the Abu Hamid al-Sa’idi informs us
‘4-Star Deluxe’ and ‘5-Star Super
point of view of the primary that the Prophet (SAW) had
A
Deluxe’ are sold to extraordinarily
Hajj and Umrah
source of Islamic guidance, the employed a man named Ibn al-
Glorious Quran. The Quran Latiba, from the tribe of Bani
wealthy Hajj pilgrims willing to pay
uses the Arabic word ‘fasad’ as Asad, to collect alms. On his
between R80 000 and R100 000 per
an equivalent for corruption. return, Ibn al-Latiba told the
Fasad and its derivatives are Prophet (SAW): ‘This is for you
person.
used fifty times in various places and this was gifted to me.’
FTER the annual Hajj, the The places closest to the Holy Haram
of the Quran. For example, in On hearing this, the Prophet
Surah al-Rum, Allah, the Sub- (SAW) ascended the pulpit so
Umrah sustains pilgrimage to attract greatest value in terms of real
lime proclaims: ‘Corruption is that everyone could be privy to
Makkah and Madinah estate revenue. The Saudi policy,
flourishing in the land and in the his teaching. He reprimanded
Ibn al-Latiba by saying that
throughout the year, until the next
sea as a consequence of the peo-
therefore, is clearly a prioritisation of
ple’s deeds; Allah makes them whoever behaves in this manner,
Hajj season. Of an estimated two commercial value above spiritual value
taste some of the consequences i.e. coveting gifts while collect-
billion Muslims in the world, the Hajj in respect of access to the Haram by
of their own actions so that they ing alms taxes, will be harshly
may turn back from corruption.’ judged on the Day of Resurrec-
currently accommodates a limited pilgrims. The rapid expansion of
(30:41) tion. He emphasised this mes-
number of pilgrims per annum. exclusive, high-rise developments
Fasad is a rich and multi- sage by raising his hands high
vocal term, which refers to cor- and by asking his audience three
For the past ten years, the average around the Haram effectively forces
ruption as that ‘which arises times if they had clearly under-
number of pilgrims for Hajj has been poor pilgrims further away.
from disturbing the balance of stood the message he had con-
justice (mizan) by greed, self- veyed. (Sahih al-Bukhari) The
almost 2,5 million. The highest number While none of this makes spiritual or
interest and deception’. Fasad lessons from the seerah are crys-
officially recorded by the Saudis is moral sense, it certainly makes
can occur in different spheres of tal clear: First, corruption is not
merely confined to those who
business sense, particularly in a
human life, including the per-
3,16 million in 2012.
sonal, social, economic and take or give bribes but also those
According to economists, the Saudi macro-economic context. The Saudi
political. On the basis of the who facilitate it in whatever way
Kingdom’s revenue from ‘religious monarchy is well aware that the
Quranic exposition of fasad, I or form. Second, those in posi-
would like to define corruption tions of authority need to be
tourism’ services is estimated at volatility in the global oil markets and
as an abuse of trust and power extra careful and scrupulous in
$16,5 billion. In 2014, Hajj revenue the finite nature of this non-renewable
that manifests itself horizontally making sure that they do not
across public and private sectors procure undeserving benefits
alone accounted for $8,5 billion of this resource means that they have to find
and, vertically, from the state and gifts from their perches of
industry. Therefore, Umrah makes up a a substitute for declining oil revenues.
and corporate elite down to power. The proliferation of
everyday citizens. bribery in a society leads to cor-
significant share of the religious According to a South African Hajj and
Corruption entails benefiting ruption, unjust decisions are
tourism revenue. Umrah operator, the lesser pilgrimage
materially or gaining unfair made, undeserving persons are
is becoming more lucrative than the
power privileges, and could take appointed to positions and
Religious pilgrimage is one of the
the form of bribery, patronage, deserving ones are passed over,
major sectors of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil greater one because the Hajj is
nepotism, embezzlement and the and a culture of greed permeates
economy, comprising three per cent of essentially an annual, ten-day ritual,
abuse of public property. the society.
The Prophet Muhammad In conclusion, at this special
gross domestic product (GDP). whereas the Umrah offers greater
(SAW) exemplified the teachings time of Rabi-ul-Awwal, when
Consequently, many domestic and opportunities for revenue over a longer
contained in the Quran. Small we re-dedicate our lives to fol-
wonder his wife, Ayesha, lowing in the noble footsteps of
international hospitality firms operating period.
described his character as an our spiritual guide, Prophet
in Saudi Arabia have dedicated Given this tourism model of the
embodiment of the Quran Muhammad (SAW), we need to
(Musnad of Ahmad). The fol- embrace the universal ethics
religious tourism brands and chains. pilgrimage, it is not surprising that local
lowing prophetic traditions expounded in the seerah and
The only barrier to the number of Hajj and Umrah operators, like others
(hadith) encapsulate his teach- infuse it into our struggle
pilgrims permitted for Hajj and Umrah, over the world, are likely to be driven
ings on corruption. against the scourge of corrup-
Abdullah ibn Amr narrated tion. We can no longer afford to
each year, is the physical capacity of by a profit motive.
that the Prophet (SAW) ‘cursed remain mute in the face of
the holy sites during the course of a The model is, fundamentally, at odds
the one who offers the bribe and endemic corruption. Our silence
the one who receives it’ (Jami’at- and indifference render us
large-scale expansion programme. with the ethic of simplicity of the Hajj
Tirmidhi, Ahmad & Ibn Hib- accomplices in the crime of cor-
If we were to assume, naïvely, that the and the Umrah. The essence of the
ban). In a more comprehensive ruption. We need to muster the
but lesser known hadith, Thaw- courage to speak out unequivo-
Saudi government sincerely provides pilgrimage draws the believer from a
ban said; ‘The Messenger of cally and in unison against the
infrastructure for the devotional concern with worldliness to a
Allah cursed the one who offers growing corruption trend in
South Africa and the world.
contemplation of the hereafter. The
the bribe, the one who receives it
obligations of the world’s Muslims then
and the one who arranges it.’ Imam Dr A Rashied Omar is
we would be witness to an expansion Saudi expansion project contradicts
(Ahmad, al-Hakim and the imam at Claremont Main
programme of quite a different order. this sacred purpose.
Tabarani) In the hadith, the last Road Mosque, in Claremont,
mentioned individual to be Cape Town, and was
cursed, i.e. ar-ra’ish, is that per- chairperson of the Western
son who becomes a link or go- Cape Religious Leaders’ Forum
between among those who take when it launched its
Our editorial comment represents the composite viewpoint of the Editorial Team of Muslim Views,
and those who give a bribe. Such Anti-Corruption Campaign in
and is the institutional voice of the newspaper. Correspondence can be sent to editor@mviews.co.za
an individual, according to this August, 2012.
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr that the Messenger of Allah
Publishers: BRISKTRADE 175 (Pty) Ltd (SAW) said: The curse of Allah is upon the one who offers a bribe
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4 Muslim Views . December 2015
Reading the road to prophethood
SHAFIQ MORTON But, back to the Bostra road
IN the Jordanian desert, north, … I do feel that most conventional teachings and the Makkan caravans. As
part of these caravans, the young
towards the Hijaz, there is a Prophet (SAW) would have learnt
Roman road. Brushed by the
sand, its paving is in remarkable often ignore the early years – which is surely a lot about business: he would
have learnt how to negotiate, how
condition. But, in Jordan, where to handle money, how to deal
there are hundreds of
archaeological sites, an old road, the context, the scene-setter, as it were, that with people, how to cope with
contrasting cultures and how to
over a thousand years old, is not understand the value of contracts.
that big a deal.
I was shown this bit of timeless raises the real questions of the seerah or I’m convinced, for example,
that these experiences informed
master engineering en-route to his strategy on the Treaty of
ancient Bostra, where there is a
Buttum tree under which a 12- Prophetic biography Hudaibiyya, which led to the con-
quest of Makkah.
year-old Muhammad (SAW) sat Travel is the university of life
over 1 400 years ago. and, as such, I resent the simplis-
This was when he journeyed to A prophet’s primary purpose is tion of an already prophetic per- Aminah, may Allah bless her, tic notion that the Prophet (SAW)
Sham with a caravan led by Abu to deliver a message – and crucial sonality to that of a Messenger, died en-route to Makkah after was ‘illiterate’, a kind of autistic
Talib, his uncle, and Bahira, the to this task would be an under- the mantle moving from ‘Ya their visit, and was buried at tabula rasa, a blank slate, when
monk, then recognised him as a standing of to whom that message Nabi’ to ‘Ya Rasul’? Abwa. How many of us see her he received the first Quranic reve-
prophet. would have to be delivered. Of course, it’s just a question grave as a powerful, if not under- lation. The Prophet (SAW) was
The reason I remember this A criticism that I have of but I do feel that most conven- estimated, matriarchal symbol? unlettered, yes, but he wasn’t
road is because it is where the Moulood celebrations is that, tional teachings often ignore the The Prophet (SAW) might have ‘illiterate’. There is a huge differ-
Prophet (SAW) once walked. And each year, the Prophet (SAW) is early years – which is surely the been orphaned young but, ence. The Prophet (SAW) under-
while the Buttum tree is a surviv- dragged out of an abstract ether context, the scene-setter, as it already, several women had been stood the metaphor of language;
ing ‘Companion’, this road is one and recreated, often in a crude were, that raises the real ques- seminal influences in his life, his in fact, he was master of dialect
of the last physical vestiges there and fanciful form. tions of the seerah or Prophetic wet-nurse, Halimah, his slave- (yet another caravan influence?)
is of the Prophet’s (SAW) exis- What I mean is that there is biography. girl, Barakah, and his mother, and could speak to different tribes
tence in our bleak Wahhabi never any context as to who That is why this lonely Roman Aminah. in their own idiom. This is cer-
epoch. exactly is Muhammad (SAW). road in Jordan is so important to Not only would his orphan- tainly not the discourse of an
I have often thought of that Context is the key that unlocks me. Every time I think of it, it hood have imbued him with an ‘illiterate’ man whose speech was
road, now wandering into the history, not sentiment. helps me to understand for myself understanding of human vulnera- described by Umm Ma’bad as a
sandy wastes of a forgotten trail. In the 21st century – which is a who the Prophet (SAW) really bility, it would have made him ‘string of pearls’. My point is that
Metaphorically, it certainly has its fragile era – idealised, one-dimen- was. But, before I get to it in fur- realise the value of compassion – life – the road – taught the
message but what I think it tells sional prophetic caricatures can ther detail, there is also another qualities these women, in his early Prophet what we would call
us is that the Prophet (SAW) had only serve the extremists and fuel road that must be mentioned. years, would have shown. ‘heart knowledge’ and innate wis-
a life before prophethood, and the sceptics, such as Richard This is the path to Madinah If one observes his monoga- dom because, when Angel Jibril
that this must, surely, have influ- Dawkins, who snort that we that the Prophet (SAW) took as a mous 25 years with Khadijah, his came to him with the first verses
enced his later actions. believe in a man who rode a child with his mother, Aminah, to first wife, and her influence as of the Quran, at the age of 40, he
And while the Quran is winged horse. meet her Khazraj cousins. friend, lover and counsellor (and was already literate in terms of
resplendent with examples – pro- Nonetheless, a question of There, the six-year-old boy was she not the first Muslim?), it worldly matters. What the Quran
vided by Qadi Iyad in his Ash Shi- context is: was it prophethood or learnt to swim and fly kites, becomes a travesty that so many did to him – an unlettered man in
fa’a – of the acute facilities was it just the message of the showing the Prophet (SAW) at an contemporary scholars ignore the reading and writing but not illit-
prophets are born with, I’m con- Quran that was brought down in early stage the value of play and hugely significant ‘feminine side’ erate in experience, compassion,
vinced that their environments Ramadaan? leisure – and immediately raising of the seerah. How could this not instinct and essential sagacity –
would have played a critical role Was the Hira experience on the the question as to why extremists have influenced Muhammad was to give him the spirit of
in their make-up. Mount of Light, then, the eleva- hate kites. (SAW), the Messenger? ‘iqra’, the literacy of the universe.
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6 Muslim Views . December 2015
‘If you put the Sunnah before mercy you have lost both’
MASNOENAH KAMALIE
SHAIKH Abdul Hakim Murad, Furthermore, the Quran reminds us that the best example to
the dean of Cambridge Muslim
College, Director of Studies at
Wolfson College and the Shaikh follow, in attaining the quality of mercy, is that of the Prophet
Zayed Lecturer in Islamic Studies
at Cambridge University, is
known for his (SAW): ‘Certainly you (O Muslims) have in the Messenger of
thought-provoking social media
posts, @Contentions.
The posts aim at encouraging Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and
Muslims to do as the Quran com-
mands: to reflect and ponder on
their state in this world and their the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.’ (33:21)
ultimate state in the hereafter.
Shaikh Murad recently posted the
title used for this article. action executed in the name of Furthermore, the Quran His mission of mercy was to had the upper hand and the
His post, as always, attained Islam, claiming to be that of the reminds us that the best example call people to pray, fast and give power to retaliate. Prophet
its objective in getting me to think Sunnah of the Prophet Muham- to follow, in attaining the quality charity, and to teach that one’s Muhammad (SAW) was all for
about my faith, my beloved mad (SAW) but is without mercy, of mercy, is that of the Prophet faith in Allah should also influ- forgiveness and no amount of
Prophet (SAW) and my under- cannot be justifiably so claimed. (SAW): ‘Certainly you (O Mus- ence one’s conduct towards oth- crime or belligerence against him
standing of him (SAW) and his The one who makes such a lims) have in the Messenger of ers. He said: ‘The best of you are was too great to be forgiven by
(SAW) Sunnah. claim and justification has lost Allah an excellent exemplar for they who have the best character.’ him.
Murad’s post comes at a time perspective of the Sunnah, has him who hopes in Allah and the Many sayings of the Prophet He taught that all humans are
when Islam is being presented in lost perspective of who the Last Day, and remembers Allah (SAW) emphasise the relationship equal in the sight of God when he
the media as a merciless faith – a Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is much.’ (33:21) In order to attain between belief and action, for said: ‘All humanity is from Adam
misrepresentation that Muslims and what it means to claim to this quality of mercy, and imple- example: ‘Whoever believes in and Adam is from clay. There is
and non-Muslims alike, from love him. ment it, one has to understand it, Allah and the Last Day should no superiority for an Arab over a
across the globe, strongly contest. One needn’t look very far to one has to know what it means. not hurt his neighbour, and who- non-Arab nor for a black over a
A Muslim’s faith is founded on understand the above for Allah In essence, Muhammad (SAW) ever believes in Allah and the Last white; except through piety…
belief in Allah SWT and His final SWT says of the Prophet Muham- was a blessing, an act of divine Day, should serve his guest gener- Allah does not judge you accord-
messenger, Muhammad (SAW). mad (SAW): ‘And We have not favour or compassion, sent to ously, and whoever believes in ing to your appearance and your
Muslims are taught, from a young sent you (O Prophet) but as a inspire people from darkness to Allah and the Last Day, should wealth but He looks at your
age, what it means to be a believ- mercy to the nations (rahmah lil- light, from ignorance to cog- speak what is good or keep quiet.’ hearts and looks into your deeds.’
er. alamin).’ (21:107) nizance, from merciless to merci- And he (SAW) taught people to This is the mercy and blessing
They are taught to worship ‘Thus it is by Allah’s mercy ful, from uncivilised to humane. show mercy and to respect each celebrated by Muslims all over
one God, to obey His commands that you are gentle to them. And Mercy is synonymous with other when he reminded that, ‘He the world when they reflect on
and to follow the example of His if you had been rough, hard- qualities such as leniency, com- who does not show mercy to oth- their fortune of having come to
prophet. Following his (SAW) hearted, they would certainly passion, forgiveness, kindness, ers, will not be shown mercy.’ know Muhammad (SAW). This
example means implementing his have dispersed from around you.’ sympathy, tolerance and magna- Of his mercy was that he what they celebrate daily when
(SAW) Sunnah, correctly. (3:159) nimity. Allah SWT is known as taught us forgiveness. The properly implementing his Sun-
Shaikh Murad urges one to And he (SAW) verifies the the Most Merciful, and it is befit- Prophet (SAW) was the most for- nah. This is what they reflect
reflect on the correct implementa- kalam of Allah SWT when, as ting that His Prophet (SAW) be bearing of all people, and the upon and celebrate when they
tion of the Sunnah, which trans- reported in Sahih Muslim, he was sent as a mercy to mankind. His kindest. If someone mistreated commemorate his birth.
lates into one’s expression of love asked, ‘Invoke a curse upon the (SAW) mercy is that he came to him, he would exonerate him, Masnoenah Kamalie is a lecturer
for the Prophet Muhammad idol worshippers,’ he replied, ‘I teach humanity how to attain and the harsher a person was, the and Examinations and Student
(SAW). have not been sent as the invoker closeness to Allah SWT and how more patient he would become. Records Officer at International
His recent contention com- of curse but I have been sent as a to live in this life so that one may He was immensely merciful Peace College South Africa
pelled me to conclude that any mercy.’ enjoy the spoils of the afterlife. and forgiving, especially when he (Ipsa).
Muslim Views
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Muslim Views . December 2015 7
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8 Muslim Views . December 2015
Moulood celebrations at the Cape
DR HOOSAIN EBRAHIM Dressed for the occasion, a young
girl preparing rampies on the
Allah an excellent exemplar…’
afternoon before the celebration of
with the intention of emulating
Moulood-un-Nabi, 1436, at Masjidul
Quds in Gatesville. Growing up in this
UNDOUBTEDLY, one of the the practice of Muhammad
tradition, to honour the birth of
most auspicious occasions in the (SAW).
Allah’s Beloved, she is fully absorbed
lives of Muslims is the 12th of The celebration of Moulood
and takes full interest in this act of
Rabi-ul-Awwal, which marks the would be ineffective if the follow-
love for the Prophet (SAW).
Photo ISGAAK EBRAHIM
birth date of Nabi Muhammad ing text of the Quran is not
(SAW). Muslims celebrate this adhered to: ‘And whatever the
joyus event of the noble birth Messenger gives you, accept it,
globally, every year, with honour and whatever he forbids you, South Africa twice, he advised
and passion. abstain (therefrom)…’ (9:7) that, apart from direct dawah
In this article, we will be focus- We are experiencing major work among indigenous people,
ing on the manner in which Mus- problems with the character of Muslims should invite them to
lims in the Cape celebrate some of our youth, and Nabi their functions to establish cordial
Moulood, and not debate about Muhammad (SAW) made it clear relations with them, and, with
whether it should be celebrated or that we should emulate him when time, through these social con-
not. This celebration is a con- he said: ‘I was mainly sent to per- tacts when Muslims should be the
tentious issue and it seems that, fect the noblest of character.’ exemplars of Islam, these people
annually, no consensus is met. Thus, the noblest of character would be attracted to the faith, as
We will also present an was afforded to the Prophet was evident in the history of
overview of the adherence of the (SAW) when Allah says in Surah Islam in different parts of the
Quranic injunctions and will con- Qalam: ‘And surely thou hast world.
clude with advice for the organis- sublime morals.’ Therefore, the organisers of
ers of Moulood. Celebrating the birth of Moulood celebrations have a
The most significant feature at Muhammad (SAW) simply means great role to play in the new
the Cape is the assembly of fami- we love and are conscious of South Africa for spreading the
lies at mosques and, nowadays, at Nabi Muhammad (SAW) so let us message of Islam (peace), through
stadiums. Females gather at look at the following ayah: ‘If you a peaceful and non-controversial
mosques, usually in the after- love Allah, follow me (Muham- way, by inviting non-Muslims to
noon, dressed in colourful attire, mad): Allah will love you and these functions.
preparing the rampies (a scented grant you protection from your They should also appeal to
mixture of chopped lemon tree sins. And Allah is forgiving and Muslims to bring gifts to the
leaves and flowers), while, at merciful.’ (30:3) functions – both in cash and kind
madrasahs, teachers speak on the On the cover of The Life of – that anybody would normally
significance of this occasion. Muhammad, by M H Haykal, take to somebody’s function.
At these venues, shaikhs and chapter 21, verse 107 of the These cash and gifts should be
imams educate people about the Quran is printed in bold type: distributed, particularly among
life (seerah) of the Prophet (SAW). salawat and, thereafter, a closing happiness of that momentous day, ‘And We have not sent thee but as needy non-Muslims attending
This festive spirit reaches its cli- duah. were told by the Prophet (SAW) a mercy to the nations.’ such functions.
max when religious dignitaries There is sufficient evidence that Allah would grant them a This message is important and In this way, non-Muslims, with
address thousands of people. that the Prophet (SAW) himself tremendous reward for having should be appreciated at all times. the qudrah of Allah, could possi-
The memorable occasion com- expressed delight in the obser- observed the moulood in the We should endeavour to emulate bly accept this beautiful, peaceful,
mences with Quranic recitals vance of his moulood. This is manner they had done. the life of Nabi Muhammad deen of ours.
after which learners from various obvious in his remark to his Com- While participating in (SAW), share it with others and Dr Ebrahim is a lecturer in
madrasahs render dhikr and qasi- panions who kept fast on Mon- Moulood celebrations, there is a celebrate it every day of our lives Religion Studies, History, Ulum
dahs. Finally, everyone partici- days, the day of his birth. need to be conscious of chapter as well. al-Quran and Ilm al-Kalaam at
pates in the popular poems read The Companions who had 33, verse 22, where Allah says, In conclusion, when Moulana International Peace College
from the Ruwayats of Barzanji, observed the fast for the joy and ‘You have in the Messenger of Abdul Alim Siddique visited South Africa (Ipsa).
Muslim Views
MV December 2015 MERGED_MV December 2015 MERGED 2015/12/04 6:01 PM Page 9
Muslim Views . December 2015 9
Mass
Mawlid on
Dec 16
THE media launch of Mass
Mawlid 1437 took place at
Habibia Soofie Masjid, on
November 20. The launch
officially announced the venue
of Mawlid SA, which will be at
Athlone Stadium, starting at
5pm Wednesday December 16.
This year’s event will be graced
by the legendary Egyptian Qari,
Dr Ahmed Naa’ina, the Chief
Minister of the State of Perak in
Malaysia, Dato Zambry Abdul
Kadir, and the head of the Madi-
na Institute, Shaikh Muhammad
bin Yahya Al Ninowi.
The media launch was accom-
panied by a ceremonial opening
performance by the Habibia Sid-
dique Muslim Brigade, and a cel-
ebration of an event that has
been faithfully observed by past
generations.
All supporters are asked to
wear white for the event. This
year, the organisers are hoping to
use not only the pavilion at
Athlone Stadium but also its
lawns, to enable mass participa-
tion in the ‘marathon of qiraah
and dhikr’ from 5pm to 9pm.
Buses for the event are set to
leave from various masajid
around Cape Town and volun-
teers are making preparations in
this respect.
Mawlid SA is a non-profit
organisation and it depends on
the generosity of sponsors and
food sales at the event to fund its
programmes. Further informa-
tion about Mawlid SA is obtain-
able at www.mawlidsa.org.
/E
10016731JB/
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Muslim Views
MV December 2015 MERGED_MV December 2015 MERGED 2015/12/04 6:01 PM Page 10
10 Muslim Views . December 2015
Kathrada, a leader who prefers the back bench
OCTOBER 15, 2015,
marked 26 years since
struggle stalwart, Ahmed
Kathrada, was released
from prison. This means
that his time spent in
prison, and the years
following his release, are
now equal. To mark the
occasion, he was
interviewed by the Ahmed
Kathrada Foundation’s
Director, Neeshan Balton.
ZAAKIRAH VADI captures
highlights of that interview
in this two-part series.
AS he sits in his lounge at his
Killarney flat, Ahmed Kathrada’s
memories blur the line between
past and present. The police
sirens that sound in the
background are an eerie Ahmed Kathrada at the ANC National General Council, in Midrand, in October this year.
reminder of a not too distant Photo ZAAKIRAH VADI/ AHMED KATHRADA FOUNDATION
past, characterised by arrests of
anti-apartheid activists, The tide of events that fol- was highly critical of the Tricam- a priority, as well as visiting the
imprisonment and deaths in lowed the release of the five Rivo- eral Parliament. He beams as he grave of Suliman ‘Babla’ Saloojee,
detention. nia Trialists, however, was any- narrates the example he used to who was killed in detention.
Ahmed Kathrada at the Palestinian
Walk for Freedom, in Benoni.
On October 15, 1989, five of thing but relaxing. Kathrada says describe the ludicrous reasoning Twenty-six years on, Saloojee’s
Photo ZAAKIRAH VADI/
the eight Rivonia Trialists were that it is a blur in his mind, strung behind the system. The first ‘gov- name still surfaces as someone
AHMED KATHRADA FOUNDATION
released from 26 years of incar- together with media interviews, ernor’ of the Dutch colony at the whom Kathrada dearly misses.
ceration. They were dropped off rallies, visits from comrades and Cape, Simon van der Stel, would He adds that he often thinks
outside their houses in police morning lights up an assortment family, and travelling frequently have been in the House of Repre- about Mandela and Sisulu, along
vehicles. They included Walter of artefacts and photos that he between Lenasia and Soweto. sentatives, as he was a ‘coloured’. with Ruth First, Bram Fischer, Joe
Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Ray- has displayed. This includes a Perhaps forgetting his ‘notori- His mother would have been in Slovo, ‘Rusty’ Bernstein, Ameen
mond Mhlaba, Andrew Mlangeni metal plate, the type he and his ety’ as a Rivonia Trialist, he seems the House of Delegates, as she Cajee – who took care of his
and Elias Motsoaledi. Three of fellow inmates would eat from on surprised that some 5 000 people was of Asian origin, while his Kholvad House flat while Kathra-
the eight prisoners were released Robben Island. Kathrada’s turned up at a park outside his father would have been in the da was imprisoned – Nana Sita,
at different times. They were relaxed composure reinforces the family home, in Lenasia, to wel- ‘white’ House of Assembly. ‘Murvy’ Thandray, Maulvi and
Denis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki idea of someone who calmly deals come him ‘at such short notice’. Kathrada, upon his release, Yusuf Cachalia, JB Marks, Moses
and Nelson Mandela. with matters. ‘When prisoners are He specifically recalls the press was conscious of the importance Kotane, ‘Duma’ Nokwe and Lil-
Twenty-six years later, Kathra- released, you are examined by the conference in Soweto the very day of maintaining simplicity. ‘One of lian Ngoyi.
da’s surroundings are reflective of doctor in the morning,’ he of the release, where he says he my relatives wanted to take me in In part two, Vadi looks at the
his days as a prisoner and of that explains. ‘In my case, the doctor conveniently passed on all ques- a Jaguar to the rally. I asked him life of Kathrada in the 26 years
as a free man – both periods now remarked, “What’s wrong with tions to Sisulu! to take me in an ordinary car.’ So following his freedom. Vadi is
equal in time. Apart from news- you? The blood pressure of all Kathrada remembers his who was it that Kathrada wanted the Communications Officer at
papers and a book of poems on your colleagues is up, except speech at an FNB Stadium rally to visit first upon his release? the Ahmed Kathrada
Kathrada’s lounge table, the yours!”’ some two weeks later, in which he He says that Helen Joseph was Foundation.
Muslim ViewsMV December 2015 MERGED_MV December 2015 MERGED 2015/12/04 6:02 PM Page 11
Muslim Views . December 2015 11
Street marches for Ipsa launches seminal work
Grand Moulood INTERNATIONAL Peace Col- Salaf) is a powerful testimony of journalist Shafiq Morton, will be
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
lege South Africa (Ipsa) has just mainstream Islam, and is an elo- on sale at the college and all
tions and the general public who published a translation of one of quent voice against the extremist Islamic bookshops nation-wide.
wish to attend and experience the the seminal works of the late discourse that has so bedevilled A well-known student of
HUNDREDS are set to march beauty of Moulood. Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al- the Muslim community since the Sayyid al-Maliki, Dr Wasif Kalbi,
through the streets of Cape South Africans can now pre- Maliki, one of Makkah’s fore- rise of Al-Qaeda and Isis. spoke at the launch of the book,
Town to celebrate the annual pare themselves for a grand cele- most scholars, and author of The book, translated by a team at Azzawia Masjid, in Walmer
Grand Moulood events in South bration of Moulood in the com- over 100 works. of local scholars headed by Dr Estate, Cape Town, and at the
Africa. ing months hosted by the Cape Manhaj al-Salaf fi Fahm al- Auwais Rafudeen and Shaikh Nana Memorial Hall in Crosby,
The marches are organised by Town Islamic Educational Centre Nusus (The Way of the True Ighsaan Taliep, and edited by Johannesburg.
the CTIEC (Cape Town Islamic (CTIEC).
Educational Centre) as part of Each year, the Grand Moulood
their Rabi-ul-Awwal Grand is celebrated with a number of
Moulood celebrations. The traditions and different activities,
events have become increasingly including the recitation of the
popular over the past few years in salawaat, qirah, dhikr, talks
many parts of South Africa. about Islamic history and street
A convoy of vehicles and walk- marches in honour of the Blessed
ers will make their way through Birth.
the streets of Cape Town’s South- In the lead-up to the Grand
ern Suburbs on January 31, 2015, Moulood, the CTIEC holds spe-
at 9:30am from the CTIEC cial sessions dedicated to learning
Masjidul Kareem Centre in 11th more about the ways of the
Avenue, Eagle Park. Prophet.
The aim of the march is to This year’s Grand Moulood
spread awareness of the birth of events will run from December
the Holy Prophet (SAW). 23, 2015, to January 31, 2016, in
The colourful procession of four major cities across South
flag-bearers will be led by Allama Africa.
Moulana Sayed Imraan Shah The events will have different
Ziyaee, accompanied by chants in speakers and reciters. Although
praise of the Prophet (SAW). The street marches will be held at cer-
juloos (procession) will become a tain events only, refreshments/
permanent feature on the CTIEC meals will be served at all the
calendar. events.
Sayed Ridhwaan Mohamed, The proceedings of the mega
Spokesperson of CTIEC com- events will be covered live around
mented, ‘The march will see hun- the world through CTIEC Media
dreds of people from across the Division Networks and various
town turn out to show their love national TV networks.
and support for Rasool-Allah For more information on the
(SAW) in a peaceful march.’ The Grand Moulood events, you may
march will end at the Masjidul contact Moulana Sayed Imraan
Kareem Centre where the guests Ziyaee, on 082 833 2036, Sayed
will all be seated for the main lec- Ridhwaan Mohamed Ziyaee, on
ture and will be served lunch. 021 396 2896, or Whatsapp
The march is open to all 084 352 1969; alternatively mail
masjids, madrasahs, organisa- admin@ctiec.co.za
Muslim ViewsMV December 2015 MERGED_MV December 2015 MERGED 2015/12/04 6:02 PM Page 12
12 Muslim Views . December 2015
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Muslim Views . December 2015 13
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14 Muslim Views . December 2015
Sahrawi women call for SA support
MAHMOOD SANGLAY Spanish from 1884 until 1976.
From the 1950s, their calls for
THE World March of Women national independence were sup-
(WMW) held a seminar in pressed even after the Internation-
solidarity with the women of al Court of Justice, in 1976, inter-
Western Sahara at the District vened and recognised their right
Six Museum Homecoming to a referendum for self-determi-
Centre, on November 6, 2015. nation. Hassam says Morocco,
WMW is an international today, opposes a referendum
feminist movement working because the overwhelming major-
towards eradicating the root ity of Sahrawis want indepen-
causes of poverty and violence dence.
against women. In 1975, a year prior to libera-
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic tion from Spanish occupation,
Republic (SADR) is an occupied Morocco invaded Western Sahara
country in the Western Sahara. It from the north, and Mauritania
claims sovereignty over the entire Wilhelmina Trout, from the World from the south. Hassam says it
March for Women (WMW), addresses
the audience at the District Six
territory of Western Sahara, a for- was a war of extermination
Museum Homecoming Centre, on
mer Spanish colony. However, because chemical weapons were
November 6. Seated, from left, are
about 80 per cent of this region is used. Vast numbers of Sahrawis
currently occupied by Morocco. women’s rights activists Nzira de fled, including Hassam. Current-
Deus, from Mozambique and Fatma
Mehdi Hassam, from the SADR.
Hence, the Sahrawi people are in ly, 200 000 Sahrawi refugees are
De Deus and Nyampinga attended the
struggle against Morocco for in Algeria. Spain was complicit in
seminar in solidarity with WMW.
independence. The territory occu- this invasion, and the occupation
pied by Morocco includes that of Photo MAHMOOD SANGLAY of the SADR today is supported
This map of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) shows the 2 700 km
the SADR capital, Laayoune. The by France and the USA politically,
wall (indicated by the red line) which separates the territory occupied by
SADR also shares borders with economically and militarily.
Morocco in the west and the area controlled by the SADR government in the
east. Source: Wikipedia
Mauritania and Algeria. which showed the suffering of Those who could not escape to
According to Fatma Mehdi especially the women in the the desert now live under occupa-
Hassam, President of the Nation- SADR. Horrific footage and tion. The human rights abuses
al Union of Sahrawi Women, images taken in Laayoune, in against the Sahrawis have been process’ to include a dismantling the SADR, 75 per cent in educa-
their struggle has been on the April 2013, shows the public well documented by Human of this military wall and a clear- tion and 90 per cent in health
agenda of the United Nations assault of civilian women by Rights Watch and Amnesty Inter- ance of the landmines. The nature care. There are four women min-
Security Council for more than 24 Moroccan security forces. Their national. of war and exile forced the isters in government, one female
years, and the SADR is the last crime was holding up the Sahrawi The people of the SADR are Sahrawi men to the frontlines of governor of a province, five
colony of Africa under foreign flag. Her presentation was met divided by a 2 700 km long mili- the conflict while the women women in the leadership of the
occupation. with intermittent sighs of distress tary wall, known as the Berm. stayed in the camps. It is the Front and 31 per cent of parlia-
Hassam made an appeal to and anguish from members of the The length of the wall is peppered women who built the governance mentarians are women.
South Africans to support their audience who watched the video with landmines, even though structures and civil services. They The seminar was also attended
struggle for independence. ‘The showing the brutality of Moroc- there is a ceasefire in place. It also are largely responsible for the by retired judge Essa Moosa, as a
South African people have also can soldiers against Sahrawi separates families, like the wall in health, education and administra- representative of the Kurdish
paid this price, and history has women. Palestine. tion of the SADR. Human Rights Action Group. He
made you victorious but you did Hassam’s narrative was also ‘Everyone knows of the Berlin The women of the SADR have expressed solidarity with the
not achieve this on your own and presented at a pre-khutbah talk at wall, everyone knows of the wall imagined a model of society in Sahrawi people and said that
we will not be able to achieve this Claremont Main Road Masjid, cutting across Palestine but hard- Arab culture in which all women what the Kurdish, the Palestinian
on our own,’ she said. on November 6. It was an emo- ly anyone has heard of the wall and men are free and have equal and the Sahrawi people have in
The seminar at the District Six tional one in which she paused to cutting across Western Sahara,’ opportunities, while conserving common is a struggle for self-
Museum was attended by 35 peo- fight back her tears. The Sahrawi says Hassam. Sahrawi women the traditional values. Sahrawi determination, resistance against
ple, mostly women, and Hassam’s people were largely nomadic until organise a march to the wall women occupy close to 85 per colonialism and confronting the
talk was accompanied by a video they were first colonised by the every year, asking for the ‘peace cent of administrative positions of consequences of decolonisation.
- ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE -
SA’s first Halaal is allowed on the premises. Suburban
guesthouse turns Lodge pioneered the local Halaal hospital-
ity business, and this criterion posed the
challenge of an untested niche in the mar-
eighteen ket.
Doomsayers predicted the failure of the
business due to its strict adherence to
ESTABLISHED in October 1997, Halaal standards. And, in the absence of
Suburban Lodge is the brainchild of mentors or government support, the own-
Fatieg Behardien, his wife Fairuz and her ers were confronted by unprecedented
sister, Dr Faiza Toefy. In 1996, Fatieg challenges.
searched for Halaal lodging for his ‘This made us even more determined to
Malaysian business partners but could not continue but, more importantly, we were
find any. They then realised they had not prepared to compromise our values
discovered a business opportunity. and principles. Our clients from all differ-
‘We started with a four-bedroom house ent religions and cultures have come to
in Fourth Avenue, Rondebosch East, in know and respect the rules of the lodge,
October 1997. Our initial focus was the and have remained loyal guests over the
international market but due to domestic years,’ says Fatieg.
demand by the end of 1998, we opened a Through the years, Suburban Lodge has
second lodge at 15 Sixth Avenue.’ hosted many famous people, like Yusuf
According to Fatieg, they were then told Islam, The Earth Walker and The Tallest
by Satour that Suburban Lodge was the Man, and hosted dinners for Premiers
first official Halaal guesthouse in South Ebrahim Rasool and Helen Zille, to name
Africa. ‘We take pride in providing true a few.
Cape Malay hospitality and cuisine,’ says The lodge has also been on all the
Fatieg. provincial government’s lists of pilot pro-
The lodge is a triple-storey building with jects for entrepreneurs, and co-operated
eight en-suite bedrooms, accommodating with them in presenting training for the
up to 20 guests. The rooms are tastefully tourism industry. The lodge has been
furnished, with a range of complimentary instrumental in mentoring and assisting
features, including wi-fi. There are two other entrepreneurs to open their own
lounges, a dedicated breakfast area and guest houses.
panoramic views. Suburban Lodge has also been part of
The location is in proximity to three golf the Tsogo Sun Book a Guest House pro-
courses, Newlands Stadium, Athlone Stadi- gramme for the last four years.
um, malls, restaurants, UCT, Cape Town Fatieg says he and his partners are com-
International Airport and the city centre. mitted to a transformation agenda in their
The first lodge in Fourth Avenue was business. ‘We use only previously disad-
sold as a going concern in 2004, enabling vantaged service providers in all our pro-
the owners to concentrate on the bigger curement initiatives,’ he says.
establishment and the conference centre in In addition to his work in the hospitali-
Sixth Avenue. This establishment is now ty industry, Fatieg set up a subsidiary in the
being upgraded for the December holiday travel and tourism industry, in 2008. Sub-
season. urban Travel & Tour Advisors specialises
The lodge has the first conference centre in tours to Indonesia with a view to
owned by historically disadvantaged indi- strengthen historical and cultural bonds
viduals (HDI’s). The facility can host up to between South Africa and Indonesia.
40 delegates, boardroom style, and 80 del- Fatieg is confident that their motto
egates, theatre style. ‘Come as a stranger, leave as a friend’ has
As a Muslim-owned business, the lodge served them and their clients well, and will
is strictly Halaal and, therefore, no alcohol continue to do so.
Muslim ViewsMV December 2015 MERGED_MV December 2015 MERGED 2015/12/04 6:02 PM Page 15
Muslim Views . December 2015 15
Wits ex-SRC leader talks about student struggle
AAISHA DADI-PATEL pans out. And that in itself is But, as Muslims, concepts of
something you are constantly social justice and creating a sys-
FORMER Wits SRC president fighting. tem where the poor are given a
Shaeera Kalla has told Muslim ‘I am lucky enough to come chance are integral to our religion
Views that the most important from a family that has ‘progres- – we know about how systems
thing highlighted by the recent sive’ views when it comes to being like capitalism and greed affect
Fees Must Fall protests is ‘the involved but there are still very and destroy a society, so why are
power of a mobilised youth to many limitations which I know I we not more active in challenging
shake the core of an unjust am not the only one facing. them?
system’. Instances where you are continu- ‘The way that we see the world
Kalla was one of the leaders of ally asked, “When is this all going is inherently flawed because we
the movement at Wits University, to be over,” or told by elders, only see it as binaries – ‘us vs
where it was arguably born after “enough with the politics, it’s them’ – and that is something that
students shut down the university time to settle down now or think we need to be challenging as
by blocking entrances on October about getting married.”’ Muslim people. Many of us came
14. ‘This has been an extraordi- Something that Kalla high- here in the first place as refugees
nary year and all that has tran- lights is the importance of being so, at what point did we develop
spired comes from desperation cognisant of the role that non- this arrogance where we think
and anger from young people African Muslims from privileged that we are better than the very
who have been lied to by a sys- backgrounds – such as Kalla her- people that this land belongs to?’
tem. self – play in this struggle. ‘In the Kalla is adamant that young
‘From workers’ issues and beginning of the protests, there Muslim people need to get more
campaigning for an end to out- was a stark minority of us but, as involved. ‘We are too complacent
sourcing, to free education, it grew, it became popular, it because of our standing in com-
decolonisation and the symbolic became cool, people wanted to be munity. We are in a compromised
involved and seen as active. position but also in a position to
Wits ex-SRC leader, Shaeera Kalla looks back on an ‘extraordinary year in
and literal reclamation of univer-
student activism’ in an exclusive interview with Muslim Views reporter, Aaisha
sity institutions by young people. ‘And I’m not criticising that; I do more.
Dadi-Patel. Photo SUPPLIED
What’s also come out is the way think it’s great that people were ‘I had an elder tell me that if
in which we have refused to getting involved and coming in free education was a reality, the
accept the labels given to us – for and this is the problem – and the in these spaces itself is difficult – their numbers but this is not your only thing people would be
example, ‘the born free’ label – role of the youth is to hold the when myself or Ulo [Nompendu- struggle. Placing our role in this judged by is their academic
and my term, I think, was a testa- state accountable and ensure that lo Mkatshwa, Kalla’s successor] struggle into context is very results. To me, that kind of think-
ment to all of these issues which there is transparency. would speak and address crowds important, knowing and under- ing is absurd. Why should it be
were built up. ‘But universities, who take during the protests, there would standing that part of that role is any other way? Why should your
‘Before October 14, there was great pride in having institutional never be complete silence. going back into our communities financial status be a determining
the October 6 movement, before autonomy, are wary to take ‘But when Mcebo [Dlamini, to fix glaringly evident problems. factor for how far you go in your
that, there was Rhodes Must Fall, responsibility to the students who axed SRC president] spoke, you ‘We need to challenge these life? At what point did we lose
and, in between, there have been pay exorbitant sums to attend could hear a pin drop. And there spaces, and being involved is a our humanity? At what point do
protests at UKZN. This has been these institutions. And what you is reasoning behind this – it sym- way to do that. So these people we feel like our financial status
an extraordinary year in student find is that people are not com- bolises the way in which our soci- that got involved later on, that has to validate us?’
activism.’ peting on an equal level – you ety is still inherently patriarchal – saw this was something, I urge Within Muslim communities,
Kalla says that, despite the fact have very poor students in the something we even find within them to continue. This is not a there are a number of issues that
that the government needs to be same spaces as very rich ones.’ our Muslim communities. struggle that is over; this is some- need to be dismantled, Kalla says.
held accountable for not deliver- When it comes to her identity ‘A lot of the time, as a Muslim thing that is just beginning.’ ‘When do we start having these
ing on promises of free education, as a Muslim woman, Kalla is woman, you feel used to this – the These ideas of whose struggle difficult conversations about race,
universities are also to blame. vocal about the ways in which way in which you allow others to it is also brought questions of racism, discrimination, class? As
‘The values, principles and poli- this has proven to be challenging take credit for your hard work; privilege to the fore. ‘People a woman, when are we going to
cies that the government promises in some aspects as she navigates the way you allow others to dic- would say to me, “This doesn’t start having conversations about
us are not being implemented, political spaces. ‘Being a woman tate the way in which your life affect you so why do you care?” patriarchy?’
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