EID MESSAGE - Muslim Views
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Vol. 33 No. 5 SHAWWAAL 1440 l JUNE 2019
EID
MESSAGE
EID-UL-FITR is a time
of joy and anticipation of
the reward of Allah for a
month of fasting for His
sake.
We rejoice at Eid but
we should also reflect on
the condition of Muslims
everywhere.
The ummah is besieged,
in various parts of the
globe, by great trials that
should urge us to seek the
mercy of Allah, fortified
by the discipline of the
fast in the sacred month.
Muslim Views pays
tribute to all our advertis-
ers and readers who sup-
port our newspaper. May
Allah reward you abun-
dantly and grant you His
grace in this world and
the hereafter.
Imam Abdullah Haron was arrested 50 years ago, on May 28, 1969. To mark the day, two of his children, ex-detainees, family members, supporters and leaders of
Eid mubarak on behalf
various religious groups gathered in front of Cape Town Central Police Station, then known as Caledon Square. This is where Imam Haron was held and questioned of the staff and manage-
after his arrest. Two of Imam’s three children (the eldest, Shamela Shamis, lives in the UK), were joined by (from left): Zainal Makda, Imam Haron’s niece; Imam Achmad
Cassiem, ex-political prisoner and close family friend; the Imam’s only son, Professor Muhammed Haron; Advocate Michael Donen, who appeared for a number of
ment!
political prisoners during the apartheid era; Shaikh Sa’dullah Khan, who led the group in prayer; the Imam’s younger daughter, Fatiema Haron-Masoet; ex-political
prisoner, Yusuf Patel; Brigadier Hansia Hansraj, station commander of Cape Town Central Police Station; Cassiem Khan, co-ordinator of the Imam Haron
Sharief Hassan-Palekar
Commemoration Committee (partly obscured); Father Michael Lapsley, a social justice activist who lost his hand in a letter bomb attack by covert forces of the
Managing Director,
apartheid regime; and Imam Dr Rashied Omar, imam of Claremont Main Road Mosque. In an address after the prayer, Brigadier Hansraj acknowledged that it was
through the sacrifices of people like the Imam that she occupies a position where she can make a difference. Photo TOYER NAKIDIEN
Muslim Views
Islamic Relief South Africa thanks you for your loyal, generous support this Ramadan.
May the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr bless you with
peace and bring joy to your heart and home.
Muslim Views . June 2019 3
EID-UL-FITR 1440 AH
INSIDE THIS SPECIAL EDITION
Muslim media must report
Vol. 33 No. 5 l SHAWWAAL 1440 l JUNE 2019
in the public interest 4 Nouman Ali Khan
case was ‘grossly
mishandled’ Spiritual abuse:
6
the violation of
THIS edition of Muslim Views contains We are confident that we are complying with an amanah
two articles relating to allegations of the requirement for this standard.
‘spiritual abuse’ against a renowned Similarly, we are confident that there is
international Muslim preacher. compelling affirmation by classical and
These articles call for some reflection on the contemporary Muslim scholars of the
type of content we publish and the relevant principle of masalih al mursala, which
standards we apply when considering recognises the pre-eminence of goodness
publication of such stories. and virtue – as opposed to evil and vice – as
The substance of these stories, and that of the ideal of human conduct.
others we have published in the past, is
unusual in that it potentially affects the
There is a striking distinction between the
South African Press Code, which is based on
8 Eid: invigorated
with heightened
Islamic heritage
as colonial and
10
dignity and reputation of individuals. secular democratic values, and that of capacity apartheid redress
Usually, we do not publish content that masalih al mursala, which is founded on
focuses on the wrongdoing of named Islamic values.
individuals or the personal lives of public The latter recognises the sovereignty of
figures, unless this is justified by its public moral, ethical and spiritual conduct over
interest value. public interest in the secular sense.
This is the broad standard that is applicable Therefore, masalih al mursala imposes a
when considering publication of such stories. higher, more onerous, universal standard of
In this respect, we rely on two main sources,
namely, a regulatory framework in the form of
the Press Code of the Press Council of
the ‘common good’ on a Muslim publisher
than on a publisher that embraces only
conventional public interest secular values.
28 Reimagining
Imam Abdullah
Marking Imam
Haron’s arrest
29
Haron’s path
South Africa and the Islamic principle of We are equally confident that our coverage 50 years ago
to shahadah
masalih al mursala. of content such as the articles referred to
Muslim Views is committed to the Press above are consistent with the principle of
Code, which covers, inter alia, guidelines on masalih al mursala.
gathering and reporting news; independence It is in the application of both a secular press
of the media; privacy, dignity and reputation code and an Islamic principle that an
and the protection of personal information. independent Muslim media organisation
The code also stipulates that the work of must constantly assess whether content is
media is ‘guided at all times by the public
interest, understood to describe information
newsworthy, in the public interest and
consistent with the principle that advocates
32 Al Andalus:
The politics of
38
of legitimate interest or importance to goodness and virtue over evil and vice. a land of Islam for
Halaal tourism
citizens’. And if goodness and virtue are potentially a thousand years
The code imposes a standard that, inter alia, subverted by the conduct of people and their
is credible and worthy of the public trust, institutions then a Muslim newspaper has a
strives for truth, avoids unnecessary harm responsibility to publish appropriately.
and reflects a multiplicity of voices. The mission of Muslim Views is to use
In addition, the code requires ‘sensitivity to contemporary media to provide information,
the cultural customs’ of their readers and comment and analysis and to advocate
independence by publishers and journalists. universal values and social justice.
The conduct of an individual or a collectivity,
like a business or an organisation, is of
And we are committed to doing so
independently.
55 Poor man’s gold
Overseas tour
a boost for
56
public interest when there is clear and In fulfilling this mission, we carefully consider community
EID MUBARAK!
compelling reason for showing how the the applicable guidelines that make adequate cricket
public interest is undermined by such provision for appropriate coverage of
conduct. relevant stories in the public interest.
Our editorial comment represents the composite viewpoint of the
Editorial Team of Muslim Views, and is the institutional voice of the newspaper.
Correspondence can be sent to editor@mviews.co.za
Muslim Views subscribes to the
Publishers: BRISKTRADE 175 (Pty) Ltd • P O Box 442 Athlone 7760 South Africa Code of Ethics and Conduct for
Tel: 021 696 5404 • Fax Admin: 021 696 9301 South African Print and Online
Advertising adverts@mviews.co.za • Admin info@mviews.co.za Media that prescribes news that
is truthful, accurate, fair and
Editor Farid Sayed • E-mail editor@mviews.co.za balanced. If we don’t live up to
DISTRIBUTION Your Advertiser 021 638 7491 the Code, please contact the
PRINTED BY Paarl Coldset Cape Public Advocate at
011 484 3612, fax: 011 4843 619.
This newspaper carries Allah’s names, the names of the Prophets and sacred verses of the Holy You can also contact the Press
Qur’an. Please treat it with the respect it deserves. Either keep, circulate or recycle. Council’s Case Officer on
Please do not discard. khanyim@ombudsman.org.za
Views and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers in this publication do not necessarily or lodge a complaint on the
Council’s website:
reflect those of the editorial team or the publishers.
www.presscouncil.org.za
4 Muslim Views . June 2019
Nouman Ali Khan case was ‘grossly mishandled’
MAHMOOD SANGLAY
THE visit of Nouman Ali Khan
to South Africa this Ramadaan,
as guest of Masjidul Quds, in
The code is in the form of a
Cape Town, sparked
unprecedented controversy. contract, is intended to have
The mosque’s invitation was
met with objections by a group of
29 Muslim activists concerned legal effect and is envisaged
about allegations that Khan is
guilty of misconduct in respect of
his dealings with women.
as part of a broader
The group of activists consists,
inter alia, of academics and pro-
fessionals who are signatories to a
mechanism of
letter requesting the Masjidul
Quds committee to rescind their
invitation to Khan.
accountability for Muslims
The mosque committee de-
clined the request, and Khan pro- in positions of leadership.
ceeded to present a programme
that was well received and well at-
tended throughout his stay in
Cape Town. Did the panel have any judicial importance of due process and an
The objection of the activists to or quasi-judicial standing at any evidence-based approach to mak-
Khan’s programme in South level in American society? What ing a just finding in such matters.
Africa is essentially founded on legal and ethical framework did This, he says, is not consistent
the position adopted by a panel of they apply? Did they use any writ- with an Islamic legal and ethical
six leading Muslims in the US and ten code of conduct and did they framework.
Canada in 2017, under the leader- produce any documented finding? He also expressed disappoint-
ship of Imam Muhammad Magid, Did they examine and test the evi- ment that the activists and
executive imam of All Dulles Area dence? Masjidul Quds have missed an op-
Muslim Society Center, in Vir- Can the panel explain, from an portunity for meaningful conver-
ginia. Islamic legal and ethical frame- sation about their differences on
The other panel members in- work, why the identity of the ac- this contentious issue. He is hope-
cluded Dr Ingrid Mattson, Profes- cusers is being withheld? Has the ful though that it is still possible to
sor of Islamic Studies at Huron panel responded to any of Khan’s obtain consensus, specifically on
Danish Qasim, of California, USA, is the founder of In Shaykh’s Clothing, a
University College, Western Uni- counter-allegations? the principle of the imperative for
project launched in 2017 to confront spiritual abuse.
versity, in Canada and Dr Tamara Do they admit that it may be evidence in disputes of this nature.
Photo IN SHAYKH’S CLOTHING
Gray, who has an academic back- necessary – if at all possible at this In addition, he is of the view
ground in leadership as well as stage – to call on another, inde- that local Muslim community or-
qualifications as an Islamic Nadwi’s statement is also sup- tions with several women’ as pendent tribunal to adjudicate the ganisations and institutions must
scholar. Another academic on the ported by 48 Muslim scholars and claimed by the panel of six and the matter with the willing participa- sustain a commitment to embrac-
panel was Dr Altaf Husain, asso- clerics, mainly from the US. group of four scholars? tion of Khan and the complainants ing the ethos for respectful dis-
ciate professor in Social Work at Khan’s supporters generally treat (In his Facebook statement on a fair and reasonably open and agreement on any issue in future.
Howard University. the allegations as defamatory and Khan makes a generic plea for for- transparent forum? A pioneering US-based project
Two other professionals on the they fiercely defend him. Some de- giveness for ‘sins known and un- Panel leader Imam Muhammad called In Shaykh’s Clothing (ISC)
panel were Aisha Al-Adawiya, nounce, in vile fashion, those who known to myself and others’. Magid replied to Muslim Views on was launched in 2017 to address
founder of Women in Islam, an or- support the allegations. Given that Khan denies all the al- May 14, saying they have no com- the problem of spiritual abuse by
ganisation dedicated to social jus- In a statement on his Facebook legations, this generic plea, by im- ment. Once again, this compounds educating and empowering com-
tice for women, and Salma page on September 22, 2017, plication, is presumably not the climate of speculation. munities to confront it. Danish
Abugideiri, a mental health profes- Khan explicitly denies the allega- directed at the women he had al- The allegations against Khan Qasim*, the founder of ISC, has a
sional and counsellor. tions. Moreover, he makes several legedly wronged.) are serious. The activists request- background in Islamic Studies and
This panel issued a statement counter-allegations of blackmail, It is also important to know if, ing Masjidul Quds to rescind their Fiqh. He is currently pursuing
on October 3, 2017, in which they threats and harassment. He also at any stage, he recognised the au- invitation to Khan say the panel of doctoral research in spiritual
announced that they had engaged claims that he has evidence of thority of the two panels that en- six found that ‘he had indeed ma- abuse.
with Khan and some of the ‘loads of explicit illegal activity’ gaged him. At what stage, and nipulated women into secret sham This month ISC launched their
women who accuse him of serious against him and his company, why, did engagements with these marriages and then attempted to code of conduct for Muslim lead-
‘violations of trust, spiritual abuse Bayyinah Institute. panels break down? buy their silence or threaten them ers, which covers aspects like mar-
and unethical behaviour’. The The discourse remains ex- Would he agree, in the interests if they called him out or put pres- riage, finances, harassment,
panel says that they ‘confirm’ that tremely polarised. On the one of justice, to appear in front of an sure on him’. exploitation and children.
the allegations are true and advise hand, there are serious allegations independent Islamic tribunal that The activists express concern The code is in the form of a
Khan to seek the women’s pardon of wrongdoing, and confirmation will conduct a fair hearing in a for the well-being of the women contract, is intended to have legal
and face justice. that the allegations are true, by dignified manner without the the- with whom Khan is alleged to effect and is envisaged as part of a
The statement by the panel of two panels of reputable Muslim atrics witnessed thus far? have had inappropriate contact. broader mechanism of accounta-
six follows the same conclusion by leaders, academics and profession- Everyone has a private life but However, their unsuccessful at- bility for Muslims in positions of
another panel of four Muslim als. not everyone is a public figure. To tempt to bar Khan from speaking leadership.
scholars and leaders. Both panels On the other hand, there is em- what degree, if at all, does Khan in South Africa has raised other Qasim says, with reference to
concluded that the allegations are phatic denial of the allegations by accept that the private life of a concerns, even among some of the the Khan case, that the statement
true and asked Khan to suspend Khan, who enjoys the support of public figure – including his own signatories. by the panel of six does not in-
his preaching. dozens of other leaders and schol- – should be subjected to public At least two of the signatories clude a clear accusation or evi-
However, there was a break- ars, as well as millions of loyal fol- scrutiny? are of the view that in an Islamic dence. As such, one cannot expect
down in co-operation between lowers worldwide. Muslim Views made sustained legal and ethical framework one organisations to treat the state-
Khan and the panels. He resumed It is important to note that no enquiries, for over a week, to se- cannot compromise evidence and ment as a conviction.
his preaching in public not long criminal charges were brought cure an interview with Khan. due process. This means that, as He adds that the allegations of
thereafter. against Khan and that no court However, he did not agree to an Muslims, we have a legitimate ex- ‘violations of trust, spiritual abuse
What followed was the extreme has yet heard the matter. Also, no interview. Unfortunately, without pectation of those advancing the and unethical behaviour’ are
polarisation of Khan’s supporters formal finding in the matter was Khan’s direct response to ques- cause of the complainants – the al- vague and ambiguous if specific
and his accusers. For over a year, ever made and the parties did not tions, there remains ample room leged victims of spiritual abuse – instances of each are not cited.
there has been bitter online and have the benefit of due process. for unwanted speculation and to disclose all the relevant facts of Danya Shakfeh, attorney and
social media vitriol, largely from And the evidence, much of drama. the matter in order to effect due ISC co-founder, says in an article
Khan’s supporters over the world. which is now exposed for public Muslim Views also forwarded process. on lessons from the Khan case that
This is fueled by the public cir- consumption, was never examined questions to the panel of six. Was One signatory told Muslim the matter in the US was ‘grossly
culation of nearly thirty screen- and tested before a properly con- there any formal process that led Views that he signed the letter be- mishandled’.
shots reflecting personal social stituted judicial body. (And I will to the constitution of the panel? If cause of what he regarded as valid She arrived at this conclusion
media communication between deal with the role of the panel of so, what was that process? moral and ethical complaints after carefully considering the var-
Khan and the women he had al- six presently.) Thus the drama and Did the panelists do a check for raised regarding Khan’s conduct. ious social factors, evidence, ve-
legedly wronged. Khan’s accusers histrionics we witness wherever possible conflicts of interest in the However, he has reservations racity of the claims, politics, covert
argue that the social media posts Khan has followers, is akin to a course of setting up the panel? For about the activists’ reliance on a manipulation and morality.
and the panel’s statement consti- trial by media and in the court of example, Dr Altaf Husain on the progressive neoliberal approach * Qasim manages the online
tute compelling evidence of his public opinion. panel and Shaikh Omar Suleiman which is associated with the platform https://inshaykhscloth-
wrongdoing. The presence of Khan in Cape are respectively president and vice #metoo movement. The signatory ing.com and works with all
This position is in stark con- Town this Ramadaan presented president of the Yaqeen Institute. believes such an approach rele- faiths.
trast to that of Dr Mohammad Muslim Views with an opportu- Shaikh Suleiman was an em- gates the Islamic requirement for
Akram Nadwi, of India, a re- nity to request an interview so that ployee of the Bayyinah Institute evidence and due process. • Page 3: Our editorial
spected scholar and mentor of we could ask some key relevant and Khan filed a lawsuit against Another signatory says many of comment.
Khan, who regards the allegations questions in the public interest. him for a million dollars at the the activists in the Khan case ap- • Page 4: Spiritual abuse – the
and evidence against Khan as For example, did Khan confess time the allegations against Khan pear to have adopted the #metoo violation of an amanah, by
‘flimsy and unspecific’. that he had ‘inappropriate interac- surfaced. movement logic of diminishing the Professor Sa’diyya Shaikh
6 Muslim Views . June 2019
Spiritual abuse – the violation of an amanah: rethinking Muslim gender ethics
PROF SA’DIYYA SHAIKH Indeed, when other human be- great responsibility, and when one duct yourself in a diametrically itual integrity demands that you
ings are being harmed through the stands at the threshold of guiding opposed way. The Quran has a take on this amanah fully.
NOUMAN Ali Khan, the sins of such a person, we are not people to the Quran and the name for such people who are Change is afoot, with a younger
American religious celebrity, was meant to conceal their transgres- straight path then the responsibil- squarely condemned: munafiqoon generation courageously address-
invited as the Ramadaan speaker sions. We, in fact, become party to ity for ethical conduct is manifold. (hypocrites). ing social justice issues. The na-
by Al-Quds Masjid despite that transgression by doing so. Why? Because there is so much The way we live our deen is tional MSA union distanced itself
objections raised by a number of Secondly, when we invoke a destruction when a person who is deeply connected to power and from the Cape MSA chapter who
local Muslims. forgiveness narrative without so- meant to usher believers to the politics. Despite our pride in living hosted Nouman Ali Khan,
Khan has been mired in contro- cial accountability, we have re- straight path actually defiles that in a democracy and our joy in squarely standing against the
versy from 2017 for grooming of neged on our divinely ordained path, when he makes crooked and being Muslim, we have to recog- abuse of women by religious lead-
women followers, persuading responsibility to persistently stand ugly that which is meant to be a nise that our society is profoundly ers.
them into secret marriages, send- up for justice as witnesses to Allah path of beauty and truth. unjust. Minhaj Jeenah, delivered a
ing crude sexual messages and and we neglect the Quranic call to Spiritual abuse constitutes a Sadly, within our very commu- lucid critique in his khutbah talk
shirtless selfies, then attempting to believers ‘to enjoin the good and corruption of the power associ- nities women are being abused, at Claremont Main Road Mosque
bribe and coerce women into si- forbid evil’. ated with religion and God. A re- and sometimes this abuse is (CMRM), entitled ‘Towards a
lence, and transferring large assets It is clearly established within ligious leader who exploits a couched in religious terms in a va- rupture of Islamic patriachy’
just before filing for divorce from our tradition that when you have position of care and guidance en- riety of situations. (available on CMRM FB page).
his longstanding wife and mother infringed on the rights of others, trusted to him to satisfy his lower Sabr is invoked in times of mar- CMRM has as a consequence
of his seven children. you have to seek their forgiveness self is committing a serious spiri- ital abuse to not impugn the repu- of current debates initiated possi-
An invitation to Khan, despite before Allah will forgive you. An tual and social violation. tation of religious men. Fitnah is bly the first official sexual harass-
his sexual improprieties and abuse Islamic conception of justice there- He is infecting and polluting weaponised against those calling ment policy for its congregants
of spiritual authority has opened fore demands accountability. the experience of the Holy (al- for accountability and justice and leadership as well as a policy
up a long overdue conversation Repentance and forgiveness is Quddus) for a believer. The dam- against abusive men. on platforming speakers, which
among Muslims. The responses re- not simply between a believer and age to women when a religious As a community, we have for will henceforth apply in selecting
veal some deep problems that need God when this believer has dam- leader engages in sexual predation too long protected the powerful at future speakers at the masjid.
readdress if we seek to be an ethi- aged another human being. is enormous – there is often misdi- the expense of those who have More globally, an American
cal ummah. There is no short circuit in spir- rected shame, guilt and alienation been oppressed and violated, and Muslim organisation called ‘Fac-
Some people invoke the hadith itual accounting so when we hear from the very source of all that is we will be called to account for ing abuse in community environ-
that a Muslim should conceal the a general reminder to forgive oth- good. this by our Creator. ments’ provides tools and
faults of another, and hide people’s ers so that you might be forgiven, Some simply walk away from So to those religious organisa- resources addressing the account-
sins and failings. Others suggest this is in fact a manipulative call to the faith. So when we choose to tions who chose to be silent but re- ability gap by abusive Muslim re-
that we should each bear in mind grant perpetrators of abuse a free hide the faults of an abusive reli- fused an invitation by the ligious leaders, inspired by the
our own transgressions and sin, pass. gious teacher or remain silent in Gatesville Masjid to attend their hadith, ‘Allah does not punish the
and so forgive others that we Violations by religious leaders the face of injustice and abuse, we dinner for Nouman Ali Khan, or individuals for the sins of the com-
might be forgiven. And then there are unique in that they are gifted are complicit in such abuse. who refused to host him, you have munity until they see the evil
are those who have been conspic- with a special amanah or a trust: When we say it is not our busi- travelled half the journey but there spreading among themselves, and
uously silent. they hold in their hands some of ness to judge Nouman Ali Khan, is still a road ahead. Silence is not while they have the power to stop
The first two responses draw the deepest spiritual aspirations of that his talks inspire us to better enough as it ends up in complicity. it, do not do so.’
on a powerful current of compas- those who receive their teachings understand the Quran, we need to To our esteemed ulama: please Let us together usher in this
sion in Islam. However, these re- and counsel. pause and reflect on what we are listen to the stories of women as if new spiritual dawn of integrity,
sponses are misdirected and Their jamaah invests faith, saying more carefully; hypocrisy, you are listening to the stories of dignity and social justice within
harmful within the context of hope, vulnerability and desire for abuse and genuine understandings your own daughters and sisters. our community.
powerful religious men abusing the pleasure of God in the guid- of the Quran cannot live together Begin the courageous and difficult Sa’diyya Shaikh is associate
their authority in a broader social ance of such leaders. This is a sa- in one human heart. conversations on spiritual abuse professor and head of depart-
setting characterised by gender in- cred trust. Ours is a deen of integrity. You and gender justice within the ment of Religious Studies at the
equality. Indeed, with great power comes cannot teach one thing and con- ulama fraternity. Ethical and spir- University of Cape Town.
8 Muslim Views . June 2019
Eid: invigorated with heightened capacity
SHAIKH SA’DULLAH KHAN Are we not aware? We are aware of the ongoing Where is the resolution from
strife in Syria and the war between the 53 Organisation of Islamic Co-
WE are blessed to have witnessed As we are concerned about our the richest Arab countries and the operation (OIC) nations which de-
another month of Ramadaan; a own individual well-being, we Arab world’s poorest country, scribes itself as the ‘collective voice
month of earnest prayer, of should never forget that we are Yemen – a bloody war which is of the Muslim world’ and prom-
seeking forgiveness and of part of a larger family of humanity now the scene of the world’s ised it ‘would address the legiti-
focusing on pursuing and a global fraternity of believers, largest humanitarian crisis. mate concerns of Muslims around
righteousness. the ummah of the Final Messenger the world’?
It has been a month of in- (SAW). Plight of the Uighurs
creased generosity, of controlling We should always be conscious Continue the
We are aware of Chinese in- spirit of Ramadaan
our negative urges and emotions; of the rights of all people and ternment camps in the Xinjiang re-
indeed, a month for heightening never be forgetful, particularly of gion, where over a million Uighur As we celebrate Eid, realise that
our capacity to improve ourselves the plight of our Muslim brothers Muslims are being incarcerated we have imbibed desirable man-
and the world around us. and sisters wherever they may be and punished for their faith under ners such as humility and forgive-
The question is: have we in the world. We are duty bound the pretext of ‘re-education’ but ness during Ramadaan.
Shaikh Sa’dullah Khan.
emerged from the month of Ra- to be concerned about the situa- are actually being forced into Do not then spoil that away
Photo SUPPLED
madaan with better personalities tion of the ummah. brainwashing programmes. with arrogance, self-righteousness
and stronger character? As we emerge from a month of They are being kept apart from and harshness.
Are we confident of our ability heightened consciousness, we need their families, their children and We have been generous during
to subordinate our desires to our our bodies, our hearts, minds and to contemplate the reality of the tortured to forget their identities Ramadaan; let’s not then withhold
higher values, our actions to sin- souls? How has it enhanced our world around us, a world seem- and denounce their religion. our generosity after Ramadaan.
cerity, our emotions to our intel- consciousness and elevated our ingly filled with strife and struggle. We are well aware of the cruel We have been conscious of the
lect and our hearts to our faith? spirits? We are aware of the ongoing realities faced by our fellow Mus- needy and the downtrodden; let us
oppression of our Palestinian lims in China but where are the not now forget the oppressed of
Self-evaluation Rejoicing at Eid brothers and sisters in Palestine voices of denunciation by Muslim the world.
Let each one of us open the In celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, we under Zionist occupation. leaders? Let the day of Eid-ul-Fitr be an
book of our individual muhasabah are rejoicing at the accomplish- We are aware of the struggles of When will the heads of Muslim opportunity to cleanse ourselves
(self-examination) and reflect as to ment of an ibadah (worship) the people of Kashmir under bru- majority countries put morality from grudges and suspicion.
what was achieved through the which required us to abstain from tal Indian domination. before money, human rights be- Let it be an occasion for elimi-
month of Ramadaan. the three fundamentals of life – We are aware of the plight of fore greed, goodwill before per- nating rancour and hatred.
What benefits were derived? food and drink (necessary for the Rohingya Muslims (in Myan- sonal power interests, and speak Let it be a time of renewed
Which behaviours were adjusted? daily survival), as well as intimacy mar/ Burma) who have been de- out against what is becoming the kindness to dear ones.
What good practices have been (which facilitates the perpetuation scribed by the UN as the world’s modern world’s largest campaign Let it be a time for fostering
adopted? of the human race). most persecuted people. of ethnic cleansing? love among Muslims and empathy
Which bad habits have been re- We have done this mode of for humanity.
linquished? worship unquestioningly, for a Let us conscientise ourselves
Which faults have been elimi- whole month. We should always be conscious of the rights of with the responsibility of doing
nated? So, on the auspicious day of what is right and focusing on what
How did the prayers and fast- Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims should be all people and never be forgetful, particularly of is important.
ing of Ramadaan influence our at- ready to engage the year that lies Let us do it with affection and
titudes and perspectives? How ahead with renewed strength, ded- the plight of our Muslim brothers and sisters compassion.
has it improved our relationships icated fervour, enthusiastic zeal, Eid mubarak!
with Allah, our families, friends greater understanding, clearer in- wherever they may be in the world. Shaikh Sa’dullah Khan is the CEO
and neighbours? How did it affect sight and universal goodwill. of Islamia College, Cape Town.
0
<
Muslim Views . June 2019 9
Ramadaan, a time of inner renewal
MOULANA
KHALIL HENDRICKS
fil God’s rights upon us, is seam- ipate in these blessed acts of gen-
lessly intertwined with fulfilling erosity, we feel the renewed
the rights of others in justice and strength of taking ownership of
THE mosques around Cape fairness. our community and reaching be-
Town reverberate with the This is especially relevant to yond the I to the other.
takbeer in an unmistakably local South Africa as endemic corrup- To truly instil lasting change in
tune – ‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu tion threatens the very continuity society requires each of us to com-
Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaaha of our society and has dispos- mit our lives and means to the
illa Allahu, Allahu Akbar, Allahu sessed millions of the most vulner- service of our community and to
Akbar wa lillaahi al- amd …’ able of their rightful share, socially abandon the aggrandisation of the
As these beautiful words find and economically. self.
expression, it is as if time stands This grotesque dispossession is Placed within the verses of fast-
still with the past and present con- only done by those who lack com- ing, Allah addresses both husband
verging into one timeless moment passion and integrity. The perpe- and wife saying that ‘they are gar-
stretching from our childhood to trators of this great injustice have ments for you and you are gar-
the present day. certainly strayed far from their fi- ments for them’. Hence,
We recall the faces of our loved trah. The general electorate, and Ramadaan serves as a time for re-
ones on Eid; our fathers wearing especially the youth, have shown newal of the family, the bedrock
their pristine thobes, our mothers their growing disillusionment with within our communities, and Eid
preparing the Eid breakfast, our those who vie for power by stay- further rejuvenates these bonds.
The writer, Moulana Khalil Hendricks, is the director of Mizan Institute, an Arabic
siblings dressed in their new Eid ing away en masse in the recent Arresting the growing disinte-
and Quran studies institute, and the director at the InLight Foundation – an NGO
outfits. elections. gration of the family unit requires
development and training institute. Photo SUPPLIED
We recall those who were once As the words ‘Allah is Greater, us to beautify ourselves inwardly
with us but no longer are. Allah is Greater’ stir our hearts, and to radiate this loving beauty
For any Capetonian who has we renew our determination to to those who very intimately share
been abroad on Eid morning, the apart, and the new emerges to closer to Him. rise and establish His justice, for our lives. Through this striving,
palpable longing for home is espe- once again experience yet another In a world increasingly beset His justice will always prevail and we are able to nurture resilient and
cially acute on this day. derivative from fa-ta-ra, which is with injustice, greed and oppres- ‘verily, God does not love those thriving homes that serve as sta-
We have come to the end of yet the fitrah, our innate primordial sion, it is only those who maintain who oppress’. ble, safe havens in troubling times.
another Ramadaan, yet another nature. inner rectitude who are able to Vicegerency requires that we, as Finally, at the very centre of the
fast. Eid-ul-Fitr is the celebration This day of Eid is the celebra- truly project the polished mirror the South African community, verses of fasting, Allah exhorts us
of this end. The word ‘fitr’ is de- tion of this rebirth as the scales of of their inward states and set right raise our voices and hold those to call upon Him saying, ‘Indeed,
rived from the verb ‘fa-ta-ra’ our being have been rebalanced the outer. who occupy positions of power I am close. I respond to the call of
which means ‘to cleave or break through stilling our lower self and It is through the Divine Wis- accountable. Our legacy has been the caller when he/ she calls. So let
apart’ as it is on this day that Mus- polishing the spiritual heart that dom that the verse that follows the struggle against injustice and them call upon Me and let them
lims around the world celebrate houses the consciousness of our immediately after fasting is, ‘Do our inspiring belief is the prophetic have faith in Me in order that they
the conclusion of the fast of Ra- Creator. not consume another’s wealth un- saying that the ‘greatest jihad is a may be guided.’
madaan. At this moment, as the takbeer justly and bribe rulers so that you word of truth before the unjust With this divine invitation we
‘Fa-ta-ra’ also has another pro- echoes through our memories, we may consume a portion of the ruler’. call upon al-Mujeeb, the one who
found meaning and that is ‘to cre- make a choice whether to main- wealth, sinfully and knowingly.’ Eid-ul-Fitr is also the culmina- responds, to guide our hearts,
ate, to bring into being’. tain this noble, elevated state or to This placement emphasises that tion of a month in which we wit- bless our actions and accept us
Ramadaan is thus the month once again debase ourselves and the spiritual dimension of Ra- ness a massive outpouring of into His Eternal Grace.
where the old has been cleaved abandon all that has brought us madaan, essentially striving to ful- charity by Muslims. As we partic- Eid mubarak!
info@broadwaysweets.co.za www.broadwaysweets.co.za
JHB +27 11 615 7120 or +27 11 615 7360 CPT +27 21 933 4343 DBN +27 31 824 9140
10 Muslim Views . June 2019
Islamic heritage as colonial and apartheid redress
SADIQ TOFFA
‘THE community spirit of
Bo-Kaap as described in many
historical studies has been carried
through the last two centuries by
generations of families residing in
the area. The protection of
religious, cultural and
architectural heritage of the area
is at the fore of community
concerns.’
These are the opening words of
the Government Gazette Notice of
April 30, 2019, where 19 places
across Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, were
declared national heritage sites by
the Department of Arts and Cul-
ture.
They include six mosques, three
schools, four historic homesteads
and six open landscapes.
This large number of concur-
rent declarations is unique and un-
precedented in the history of
post-apartheid South Africa.
Heritage is activated when
there is a sense of imminent threat
to the survival of a people or a A total of 19 sites in Bo-Kaap, including mosques, schools, homes and open spaces were declared national heritage sites on April 30, 2019. This large number of
concurrent declarations is unique and unprecedented in the history of post-apartheid South Africa. Important questions that arise are: How was this achieved? Why
now? What has been lost and won? And who belongs? Photos SADIQ TOFFA
place.
In Bo-Kaap, what is under
threat is the inter-generational
transmission of cultural knowl- ‘border imperialism’ to signal to Rather, they are artificial con- These borders have proven to and social polarisation.
edge, its religious life and its archi- us who ought to matter and who structions unjustifiably inscribed be adaptable and resilient, where These are new and unpre-
tectural heritage. ought not, who is enriched and upon land and bodies through vi- the apartheid buffer strip has dictable modes of dispossession
Under this wide ambit, heritage who is dispossessed by economic olence. transformed in the post-apartheid that must be understood alongside
has become a political keyword growth, and who belongs in the Border zones partition not only era into an onslaught of high-rise centuries-old processes of coloni-
for the negotiation of identity, ac- city versus who does not. space but also people and races. gated developments that has dis- sation that continue to shatter
cess to resources and the wielding Borders confine, enclose and Bo-Kaap’s borders became for- rupted the character and culture of communities and alienate individ-
of power. exclude a group. malised under the Group Areas the area. uals today.
Threats to Bo-Kaap have They also lay claim to space Act, where an apartheid buffer These new borders take the
largely been one of displacement and determine who is an insider strip was instituted to separate form of fenced-in back streets,
and colonisation along its borders.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
and who is an outsider. ‘Malay’ and ‘coloured’ population locked up public spaces, gated
The South Asian academic and ac- Borders are neither natural nor groups from the colonial white communities and developments
tivist Harsha Walia uses the term apolitical. city. that promote economic exclusion
Eid Mubarak
Wishing you and your families a blessed Eid!
Zemcor, 124 Capricorn Drive, Capricorn Business Park, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: + 27 21 709 0541 Fax: +27 21 709 0899 Email: info@zemcor.co.za www.zemcor.co.zaMuslim Views . June 2019 11
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
administrative processes, with
each group having its own respon-
sibilities and accountabilities to
To speak of border imperialism each other.
is to speak of capitalist exploita- The task team provides for a
tion, racial hierarchy and class di- mechanism where power is shared
vision that pushes us to make the and representatives of communi-
necessary connections that borders ties are empowered to participate
have with Western and neoliberal with government in developing,
worldviews, racism, dispossession, implementing, and evaluating her-
displacement, patriarchy and, ulti- itage policies.
mately, empire. It gives assurance that there is
The borders of Bo-Kaap have representative and transparent de-
thus maintained a 21st century cision-making that supports social
colour-line. Racial capitalism equity, social justice and respect
helps us to understand how com- for minority viewpoints.
munities become divided from Co-management is a participa-
Driven out by coercion, intimidation and abandonment, the forced removal of ‘the Kraal’ informal settlement in Bo-Kaap on
each other in the name of eco- tory process of collective owner-
September 11, 2015, (left) resembled the methods of removal of District Six a generation earlier, and was a key to enabling
nomic and political survival, ship and governance of heritage
the escalation of gentrification of the area, coinciding with the breaking ground of the 117 on Strand development, just
metres away (right). Photos SADIQ TOFFA
where divisions between insiders resources that is people-centred
and outsiders under a racialised and community oriented.
regime of global apartheid are The declaration of the first 19
mirrored at the local, daily level. velopments such as ‘40 On Lion’ gles have contributed to the emer- This would change in late 2018 sites formed Phase One of the dec-
Border imperialism helps us to and ‘117 on Strand’ on its borders. gence of a nation, to democratic when the South African Heritage laration process.
understand how borders are de- This devastating event for the freedoms and provided the earliest Resources Agency (Sahra) estab- There is now Phase Two that is
ployed as mechanisms for uproot- families affected by the removal is model of religious tolerance and lished a Bo-Kaap Stakeholder currently underway to declare a
ing and segregation. Today, a blight on Bo-Kaap in the post- coexistence. Forum. second round of sites, including
gentrification in Bo-Kaap has be- apartheid era, much as District Six More broadly, it provides open- This is a collective of 10 organ- karamats, mosques and other sites
come the primary instrument of had been a generation earlier. The ings to new research and under- isations representative of Bo-Kaap of heritage significance.
social displacement, cultural trans- Wash House Quarry, the former standings about the contributions and the wider Muslim community The continuation of this
formation and economic exclu- home of the Kraal, is now a na- of Islam to the emergence of West- under the facilitation of the state process is one that centres dignity
sion. tional heritage site. ern civilisation, both locally and through the agency of Sahra. in research and activism, undoes
The precondition for gentrifica- We must celebrate our achieve- globally, and that science and civil- The stakeholder forum is an border imperialism and advances
tion is twofold. It depends upon ments but also learn from our fail- isation are the products of hu- unprecedented structure for Bo- decolonisation.
sustained and wilful neglect and ures. It asks us profound questions mankind as a whole. Kaap where often-opposing Bo-Kaap, with the founding
disinvestment by state and private about who has been uprooted, This true image of history must groups with divergent views were ouliyah of Islam at the Cape, com-
actors, creating an artificially de- who should be able to stay, who be shown and nurtured to our seated around a table together for munity and places of worship, is
pressed local market ripe for ex- should have a say, and, ultimately, youth in their educative years, the first time to set aside their dif- the heartland of Islam in South
ternal capital reinvestment. who belongs? which would contribute to histor- ferences, to listen, learn and work Africa.
It also depends upon the violent The declaration of national her- ical and social justice. together toward a common proj- The heart is that which turns
expulsion of the ‘ugly’ face of itage sites in Bo-Kaap also begins With Bo-Kaap first nominated ect. and also returns to the Creator,
poverty. Driven out by coercion, to challenge prevailing ‘regimes of for national heritage status in From the forum, a smaller task making heritage an innately Is-
intimidation and abandonment, truth’ as purported by pejorative 2003, it would take another 16 team was established to nominate lamic principle where remem-
the forced removal of Bo-Kaap’s narratives about the history and years for the declaration to be con- sites for declaration. brance is a form of ibadah and a
two informal settlements in 2015, character of the ‘coloureds’ and firmed. This prolonged process This successful model of co- pathway for the future.
known as ‘the Farm’ and ‘the the ‘Malays’. was partly the result of institu- leadership between government Sadiq Toffa is an architect and
Kraal’, opened the way for the es- The experience of slavery, colo- tional incapacity and obstruction, and the community was a support- anthropologist based at
calation of gentrification in the nialism and apartheid has bonded and, partly, division from within ive model of capacity-building, University of Cape Town and is a
neighbourhood, with high-rise de- Muslims to this land. Our strug- the community. able to execute complex legal and trustee of the Tana Baru Trust.12 Muslim Views . June 2019 Now is the time for an emancipatory alternative THE Economist magazine, some of its institutions would, of India’s Narendra Modi and, closer foisted on most of our children. to a discredited liberal consensus. investment firm Goldman Sachs course, be welcome. to home, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, No society can endlessly endure We require that the wealth of and the South African But it is not, on its own, enough they come from the Left, and the the kinds of violence that are a this society be understood as the Communist Party all see strong to start to address the conditions promise to mobilise popular or- routine feature of life for the ma- property of the people as a whole support for President Cyril that allowed for the predatory and ganisation to empower the state to jority in the country. and redirected not to a cynical and Ramaphosa at the polls in the authoritarian project that cohered share the collective wealth of hu- We inhabit as clear a case as rapacious counter-elite but to May 8 elections as the best way around Zuma to win control of manity on a more equitable basis. any of what Frantz Fanon called where it can alleviate want and forward for South Africa. the ruling party – and then the This is why, for instance, Bernie ‘non-viable society, a society to be suffering most effectively, and un- The standard argument for this state – in the first place. Sanders, and not Hillary Clinton, replaced’. leash human potential most effi- position takes the view that Going back to things as they would have been the correct Dem- Ramaphosa and many of his ciently. Ramaphosa is the only viable were before Zuma’s ascent to ocratic candidate to run against backers assume that we can re- We need inclusive, safe and buffer against the avarice, author- power is not a politically viable the Republican Trump in the store things to the way they were beautiful cities, with glorious itarianism and, in some cases, out- option. United States. before Zuma disrupted the post- parks that can be enjoyed by all. right chauvinism, of the predatory The only alternative to those South Africans are often insular apartheid settlement. We need schools in which every nationalists in the ANC and the who exploit the massive racialised and obsessed with our own pain The Economist and Goldman child can enjoy sport and music, EFF. impoverishment and exclusion in and its particularities. And we cer- Sachs seem to think that we are and learn what they need to learn It is undeniably important to our society for their own ends is a tainly do have some particulari- the one country where the liberal to be able to thrive in a rapidly put a stop to the looting that project that offers a genuine route ties. order can be restored. changing world. marked the years under then pres- to a more just society. The history of national oppres- We are not. We need streets on which ident Jacob Zuma, along with the That requires both ideas for vi- sion and the hegemony won by a Even if Ramaphosa were to ac- women can walk, linger and laugh descent into crude forms of chau- able alternatives and the develop- national liberal movement, for in- quire the sort of power within the in safety. vinism and, particularly in ment of the social forces to stance, means that deeply conser- ANC that would allow him to We need to take deliberate and KwaZulu-Natal, the routine mo- support the realisation of those vative figures such as Zuma often drive his agenda effectively, we effective measures to oppose the bilisation of political violence. ideas. mask themselves in elements of the would remain a non-viable society racism that continues to fester and But Ramaphosa is a billionaire, Ramaphosa has neither. He is, language of the anti-colonial Left. with millions of people locked out reproduce itself a quarter of a cen- one of the people whose personal to put it plainly, utterly bereft of The EFF can engage in the most of opportunity. tury after first post-apartheid pres- fortunes have benefitted the most both. atrocious kind of public sexist in- The inevitable result of that is ident Nelson Mandela was sworn from the compromise that saw the Across the planet, candidates timidation, along with other forms profound disruption of business as into office. ANC – which had won a global that supported the neoliberal elite of chauvinism, and still be called usual. Ramaphosa does not provide a moral victory but failed to mount consensus that crashed and progressive. We cannot make easy assump- viable and sustainable alternative a serious military campaign burned in the financial crisis of But our society was fundamen- tions about the character of that to the altogether grim forms of against apartheid or to sustain 2008 are now unelectable. tally shaped by colonialism, a disruption. politics that cohered around popular power after the transition The advantage has rapidly global project, and much of our Radical disruption can, Zuma and now seek other cham- – take state power in 1994. shifted towards the Right, and to economy remains in the hands of whether via some charismatic pions in and out of the ANC. Ramaphosa’s understanding of forms of politics that incite and global capital. charlatan talking up a good game This is not the time to abandon the world is, in many respects, pander to people’s crudest preju- We are not an island apart from on television or some kind of rup- aspirations for a genuinely demo- now typical of that class, what the dices to turn ordinary people the rest of humanity. ture in the streets, move in very cratic and egalitarian society. Occupy movement in the United against each other while handing No society in history has been dangerous directions. Already On the contrary, the imperative States called ‘the one per cent’. an ever greater share of the collec- able to sustain the mass unem- xenophobia, a key ideological of the moment, a perilous moment He is as much a Davos man as tive wealth over to the billionaire ployment that has been visited on, touchstone for much of the Right to be sure, is to recover the French president Emmanuel class. in particular, young black people around the world, is rapidly being prospects for a genuinely emanci- Macron or former British prime Where there are real prospects in South Africa. normalised in our politics. patory alternative. minister Tony Blair. of effective opposition to the hor- No society on the planet can We require, and with far more This article was first published by Cleaning up the state and ror of figures like Brazil’s Jair Bol- prosper in the world to come with urgency that most other societies, New Frame restoring the basic integrity of sonaro, America’s Donald Trump, the atrocious education that is a genuinely progressive alternative (www.newframe.com)
Muslim Views . June 2019 13
Top ratings for Toyota as new Corolla and RAV4 excel in Euro NCAP safety testing
The Toyota Corolla (left) and the Toyota RAV4 (top) have performed strongly in
THE new Toyota Corolla and and to ‘vulnerable road users’, The scores in each category for the safety tests by Euro NCAP’s independent programme. Photo MOTORPRESS
RAV4 have both secured a top such as pedestrians and cyclists, as Corolla and RAV4, respectively,
five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s well as the effectiveness of the were: and 85%; and which the models are built, help-
independent safety testing Toyota Safety Sense active safety Adult Occupant: 95% and Safety Assist: 77% and 77%. ing to maintain the integrity of the
programme. systems (applicable to RAV4 VX 93%; The crash test results also cabin in the event of a collision.
demonstrate the ‘designed-in’
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
The cars performed strongly models locally). Child Occupant: 84% and
across the board in the protection The scores achieved in each test 87%; strength of the Toyota New
given to adult and child occupants category are listed alongside: Vulnerable Road Users: 86% Global Architecture platforms on14 Muslim Views . June 2019
THE AWARD-WINNING OPEL COMBO VAN
Why choose the Opel Combo Cargo Van to be your business partner?
It’s Exceptionally Versatile!
A Fleet Manager’s purchase shell – an integral part due to
decision is based on Return on blacked-out windows, remote-
Investment (ROI) with Total Cost controlled central locking, interior
of Ownership (TCO) the ultimate electronic rear door lock and an
solution sought. The Opel Combo anti-theft immobiliser.
fully meets these requirements and The exterior shape also offers
is available in Standard and LWB substantial potential for branding on
configuration. the exterior – your moving billboard
The 1.6 turbo diesel engine is on the road!
more efficient – fuel combustion is It offers up to a massive 4.4
15 to 20% less with a combined fuel maximum cubic metres of load
consumption of 5 L/100 km. The space – the lower load floor height
overall lower running costs and CO2 allows for efficient and easier
emissions produced is lower – an maneuvering of goods and equipment reduce inner-body damage – no
environmentally friendly choice for and ample space inside to load up compromise!
your business. to 600 kg and 1 000 kg of cargo. The new OPEL COMBO was
It keeps the driver and passenger The OPEL COMBO’s body shape designed as part of a cross-business
road-safe and comfortable with Airbags, allows for ‘up-fitment’ opportunities programme in which services were
3-Point Seatbelts, Hill-Start Assist, ABS, such as shelving, storage bins, tool systematically tailored as closely
EBD and ESP + Air-Conditioning, boxes, refrigeration, compressor as possible to the needs of B2B
and offers maximum protection for and Air Line Fitment. Secure your customers around the globe. Contact: REEDS Claremont
your valuable cargo and equipment goods with the floor tie-down loops REEDS Claremont wishes you and T: 021 002 3984
in the alarm-equipped, enclosed to eliminate cargo movement and your family a Blessed Eid Mubarak. W: www.reeds.co.zaMuslim Views . June 2019 15
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
At highway speeds, collisions matic High Beam and Road Sign
were avoided when approaching a Assist.
slower vehicle; when coming up These achievements demon-
The robust structures, both for behind a stationary or slowing car, strate the success of Toyota’s com-
the Corolla Hatchback and Toy- impacts were avoided in most mitment to car safety, which sits at
ota RAV4 SUV, are reinforced in cases, and mitigated in others. the heart of its mission to make
critical areas and make strategic The system’s pedestrian and cy- ever-better cars.
use of high-strength steel to ab- clist recognition function also per- Toyota ensures that the benefits
sorb and channel impact forces formed well, with collisions being of advanced safety technologies
away from the cabin. avoided in all tests, in day and are not limited to high-end, high-
The second generation Toyota night conditions. specification models but are made
Safety Sense package includes a Other significant Toyota Safety available across the board, max-
Pre-Collision System which can driving, and can also recognise cy- points in Euro NCAP’s testing at Sense features include Adaptive imising their potential to make
detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s clists by day. low, city speeds, with collisions Cruise Control, Lane Departure driving safer.
path in both day and night-time The system scored maximum being avoided at all test speeds. Alert with steering control, Auto- Source: MotorPressYou can also read
