Muslim Views, March 2023

Ramadaan and the daily humiliation of Palestinians

The daily humiliation of Palestinians at Israeli checkpoints intensifies in the sacred month of Ramadaan as seen here at the Qalandia checkpoint in Ramadaan 1443

According to the International Journal of Conflict and Violence, Israeli soldiers are trained to ‘degrade, humiliate and oppress’ Palestinians. Checkpoints symbolise the daily humiliation experienced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. The indignity imposed on Palestinians is routine according to human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and B’Tselem Palestinians are subjected to collective punishment, restrictions on freedom of movement and degrading treatment, including excessive force and invasive body searches There have been multiple reports of Palestinian men and women forced to strip to their underwear The checkpoints are also designed to disrupt access to healthcare, education and other essential services These actions are consistent with the broader Israeli policy of destabilising the social and economic life of Palestinians. A particularly striking aspect of the occupation is the marked increase in Israeli aggression in Ramadaan. In 2021 and 2022, the sanctity of Ramadaan in Palestine was marred by Israeli military assaults on worshippers at Masjid Al Aqsa Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades, injuring hundreds The assaults continued throughout the sacred month, with airstrikes on Gaza killing dozens of Palestinians In 2019, Israeli forces carried out a series of air raids on Gaza in Ramadaan, killing at least 25 Palestinians, including two pregnant women and two infants We should expect nothing different this Ramadaan, under a more rabidly right-wing Israeli government But Palestinians will continue to resist and assert their dignity.

RAMADAAN 1444 l MARCH 2023

Photo RYAN RODRICK BEILER

Ramadaan offers Muslims across the globe a chance to re-think and act

RAMADAAN 1444 is on our doorstep, and we await its coming with eagerness and excitement

All over the world, Muslims have been making certain changes in their lives as Ramadaan draws ever closer The way we plan our days are beginning to change. We are more aware than before of the daily waqts, and (hopefully) more intent on performing our salaah in jamaah (congregation), rather than at home For those who have slipped up in the performance of their salaah, thoughts of returning to making salaah are much stronger The emphasis on salaah in thinking about Ramadaan is not accidental

The most obvious idea about Ramadaan is that Muslims who are able to perform the fast will not eat and drink during the period between Fajr and Maghrib each day for the duration of the

month-long period of fasting

In addition, Muslims do not indulge in sexual pleasures between Fajr and Maghrib

Along with not eating and drinking, and not engaging in sexual pleasures between Fajr and Maghrib, Muslims are aware of the need to stop lying, backbiting, cheating, defrauding and other negative human activities The way this is written in this editorial column may make Muslims uncomfortable It is important that this discomfort be felt Why should Muslims be open to the idea that we, too, lie, backbite, cheat and defraud others?

Because we are human, and we are as able to do bad things as is any other human being Ramadaan is our annual gift (among Allah SWT’s many gifts to us) from Allah SWT to re-think our lives and the way we live We

have an annual opportunity, with every other Muslim on the planet, to re-assess what it is that we are doing, and to work on correcting our faults None of us are perfect, and this month of Ramadaan is an opportunity to correct those things in our thoughts and actions that we know should be changed One of the obvious things we need to change is the idea that having food and water each day is normal It is not Billions of people in the world wake up hungry, and go to sleep hungry Millions die of starvation each year.

It is therefore important to feel the hunger and thirst during the month of Ramadaan If we do not feel these pains of being deprived of the food and water that Allah SWT provides for us, we are missing a basic lesson of this month When we feel the hunger and thirst, we need to remember that

at the end of the day, many of us will be lucky enough to have warm food and cool drinks available to us to end the feelings of hunger and thirst For the billions of hungry people across the planet, there is no time limit that ends their agony. While we thank Allah SWT for our food and drink at Maghrib, billions are not able to do this

This is where our salaah is so important In sujood, we are the closest to Allah SWT that we can be Increasing our salaah during Ramadaan will make sure that we bring the daily lessons of hunger and thirst into our prostrations before Allah SWT We will be more conscious of our responsibility to re-think the way we think and act in the world Hunger, thirst and poverty can be ended. Ramadaan 1444 can help us become agents of this change

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

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Food sharing in Ramadaan

SALEEMAH JAFFER

GROWING up in Cape Town, Ramadaan was filled with excitement as plates were hurriedly exchanged as the Maghrib adhaan approached Over the past few years, this tradition continues in certain community pockets, and is a cherished adornment to the Cape Town Ramadaan experience

Food plays an integral role in Muslim history in South Africa, as well as in present-day practices It can be used as a tool of reconciliation, and an opportunity to make amends The gesture of offering something sweet, to add sensory pleasure to an apology is a common practice observed locally

Food can also be a token of bereavement – it is comforting from both a sensory and physical perspective In many cases the intention is two-fold: to provide nourishment at a time when the bereaved may be feeling fragile or weak, and to assist them, as they might not be mentally, emotionally, or physically capable of preparing meals during that time of difficulty

Food is a basic human need for survival but also adds much joy and comfort, fulfilling our needs of belonging, security and satisfaction Sharing a basic human need with another person is an opportunity Sitting together and eating the same shared food becomes a platform for dialogue, with the foundation being our commonal-

ity as human beings

Many local festivities involve preparing traditional foods on special occasions and sharing this with loved ones During the month of Ramadaan, special foods are prepared and shared with family, friends, neighbours and those in need This sharing tradition is based on Prophetic narrations, which guide us to actions pleasing to Allah ta’ala.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, ‘Whoever helps break the fast of a fasting person, he will have the same reward as him without decreasing anything from the reward of the fasting person ’

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

This hadith encourages us to

share food with people who are fasting so that we too can reap the benefit The beauty of this action is that the reward already starts in this world – as sharing food creates an opportunity for love, compassion and human connection

Food-sharing is also a means to maintain and rekindle the connections of family ties Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, ‘The best of you are the best to their families, and I am the best to my family ’ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi) This hadith, together with the sunnah of the Messenger (SAW) emphasises the importance of being good to one’s family Ramadaan is a wonderful

opportunity to prepare food dishes or sweet treats and share it with loved ones

Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘Jibreel kept urging me that neighbours should be treated well until I thought he would make them heirs ’ (Al-Buhari and Muslim) From this hadith we can see the emphasis on being good to our neighbours and treating them well

Ramadaan, with its bounties and blessings, allows us to amplify the benefits and goodness that come from performing acts that are in alignment with the sunnah of the Messenger (SAW) and his

message.

Food-sharing can also be a means of charity Abu Musa AlAshari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, ‘Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set the captives free ’ (Bukhari)

Feeding the hungry is an encouraged act of worship, in servitude of the creation for the sake of the Creator In Ramadaan, we know the blessings of good actions are amplified, and thus often find ourselves making significant efforts to give charity and feed those in need

While this is – and should be –practised, we should also remember those people who are in need of food and basic necessities during the months pre- and post-Ramadaan Many organisations in South Africa accept zakaah, saqadah, fitrah and fidya during Ramadaan for food distribution

We can also prepare foods at home or with our families and distribute it to those who need it

Sharing food in Ramadaan can have many benefits – from the physical benefit of a nourishing meal to the emotional high of receiving a sweet treat from a loved one The most important benefit, however, is that it is an opportunity for closeness to Allah ta’ala

When we share food with the intention of serving His creation for His Sake, in the hope of pleasing Him, it becomes an act of worship Saleemah Jaffer is a community researcher and facilitator She works in the youth programming department for Madina Institute and is a student of the Alawi Husayni Ninowy Zawiyah (Spiritual School)

Muslims from across Kimberley in the Northern Cape joined the first-ever kasi’ (colloquial for township) mass iftaar which was organised by the Galeshewe Muslim Association in 2019

Photo KLM PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Ramadaan: a month of reflection and giving

SHAHNAAZ PARUK

RAMADAAN is an incredibly special time for Muslims around the world It is a time for deep reflection, prayer and remembering the plight of the destitute and the vulnerable in our society

As human beings, we are born with this inherent desire to help others in need The month of Ramadaan provides us with the perfect opportunity to do so – by giving charity and by encouraging the spirit of giving

As a humanitarian organisation focused on providing relief and development in communities across southern Africa and abroad, Penny Appeal South Africa, are proud to be marking five years of service to humanity, Alhamdulillah

Since launching our programmes in South Africa in 2018, we expended close to R27-million on key projects in ensuring that communities thrive, not just survive Thank you to our loyal donors, supporters, volunteers and well-wishers for supporting our causes that are allowing us to make a meaningful difference in the world

Penny Appeal South Africa’s theme this Ramadaan focuses on promoting the spirit of giving Last year, we were able to reach over 50 000 people through our Ramadaan food security initiative across the SADC region, Alhamdulillah

This year, our campaign will focus on providing food support for the indigent in the form of wholesome hot meals and food packs, and fitrah grocery vouchers. Our Eid Dream campaign will also provide Eid gifting and clothing to vulnerable children in South

Africa, ensuring the spirit of giving, sharing and caring is fostered, and brings our ummah closer for a good cause

We continue to support the war-stricken families in Syria. Our team on the ground is working across challenging conditions to

provide housing, food and health care for orphaned and vulnerable children Our most recent intervention in February 2023, saw close to 700 families equipped with winter blankets, fuel, food and clothing, and shoes for children

Meanwhile, in South Africa, we remain committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for orphans and vulnerable children through our orphan’s sponsorship programme, ensuring their most basic human needs are met in a dignified manner We have also recently concluded the construction of a masjid in Masiphumelele, which will bring the community together in a safe space for worship We are excited to officially hand over the mosque to the community before Ramadaan, ensuring that Taraweeh prayers and regular salaah will be established

All our efforts are implemented with the ultimate aim of empowering communities out of the cycle of poverty As we prepare to welcome this blessed month, let us renew our intentions to support those most in need

You can support our campaigns or volunteer initiatives by contacting our offices on 031-1100573 or send us a message to our Whatsapp line: 0632938737

On behalf of the Penny Appeal South Africa family, I pray that you and your loved ones are blessed with a spiritually uplifting Ramadaan Let us renew our intentions and may your homes be filled with barakah and blessings, always, Insha-Allah, ameen Shahnaaz Paruk is the chief executive officer for Penny Appeal South Africa Email: info@pennyappeal org za

Penny Apeal SA on a recent trip to Syria

Photo NAZEER JAMAL

The attractive mosque with a bankrupt worshipper

MUFTI SAYED HAROON AL AZHARI

RAMADAAN is the month of Taqwa (Allah consciousness) The purpose of fasting is to restrain our lower selves in order to seek the Divine Likewise, with our daily salaah and the recitation of Al Quran, it is to terminate all types of indecency, evils and to guide us to that which is most upright

Thus, doing the outer formalities of salaah and fast or by merely commemorating the anniversary of the Quran’s first revelation, without actually refining ourselves, is missing the point altogether Our Nabi (SAW) described the bankrupt worshipper as outwardly prosperous but one who has no substance We lose all our good deeds because we want to judge others because we think we’re too pious Below are a few examples:

External worship

isn’t everything

Our Nabi (SAW) said: ‘Some would recite the Quran, perform salaah and keep fast so much so that the salaah, fast and Quran recitation of my Companions will seem insignificant They assume that they are in line with the Quran but the Quran is clearly against what they do Their worship does not reach their hearts They would exit from Islam just as the arrow exits the bow ’ (Bukhari) These are the bankrupt worshippers.

A bankrupt person is not the one without money or possessions but as the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Verily, the bankrupt of my nation are those who come on Qiyamah with salaah, fast and charity, but he insulted, slandered, illegally consumed the wealth of others, shed innocent blood, and harmed individuals The oppressed will be given his good deeds and if his good deeds are finished before justice is served, then their sins will be cast upon him and he will be thrown into the Hellfire ’ (Muslim)

Many have transgressed the

boundaries of Allah by thinking they are more religious than everyone else They think they can admit people into paradise or damn others to eternity in the hellfire. Accusing believers of shirk (polytheism), kufr (blasphemy), bid’ah (heresy) and dhalal (misguidance) Claiming that everything is haraam and asserting their extreme understanding of Islam down people’s throats in order to monopolize the religion and to expel everyone else out of Islam

Ibn Taymiya informs us in his Majmoo’ regarding these renegades He said, ‘They have a supe-

riority complex problem Their primary aim is to cause dissension between the Muslims seeking to legalise the killing of those Muslims and to seize their wealth

Dark times and those to be blamed

Our Nabi (SAW) warned us about the dark times, when ‘Mosques will be full but won’t have any believers in it’ (mustadrak) The signs of dark times are unfolding A time where nothing will remain of Al Quran except its words Its message will be ignored Its people will call themselves Muslims but they’re furthest away from it

Their mosques will be attractive but their hearts void of guidance

The worst people will be the scholars of fitna (disorder) The strife will originate from them and return to them It is a time when knowledge will be lifted

If scholars educated people how to embrace our diversity and differences of scholastic understandings – that was and will always be – in matters of Aqeedah (Theology) and Fiqh (Jurisprudence), and not mis-educate them to accuse everyone who understand Quran and Sunnah differently as a kaafir, mushrik, mubtadi’ faasiq, and going to Jahannam then there would be way less fitna in the ummah

Accusing Muslims due to superiority complex

Our Nabi (SAW) said: ‘Indeed, what I fear for you is a man who

recites the Quran so much that its illumination appears on him and he becomes a support of Islam

Until this man changes his state to what Allah wills, by ignoring its guidelines (He thinks he is even superior to the word of Allah) He makes an effort to attack those around him with the sword, accusing them of shirk (polytheism) ’

Huzayfa asked: ‘O Prophet (SAW), which of the two deserves more to be described as committing shirk? The accused or the (illuminated) accuser?

Nabi (SAW) replied: ‘The accuser ’ Nabi (SAW) told us of the ardent worshipper who continued to see others as sinners The worshipper will take an oath saying: ‘Wallahi (By Allah), Allah will not forgive so-and-so ’

Allah will respond: ‘Who dare speak on my behalf that I won’t forgive him? Indeed most definitely I forgave him and destroyed all your actions ’

And in another narration: Allah will say to the sinner, ‘Enter into paradise through my Mercy,’ and will say about the other person, ‘cast him into the hellfire ’ (Muslim and Abu Dawud)

A Companion of Rasoolullah (SAW) who was previously punished for drinking intoxicants was charged again with the same crime While receiving punishment Umar (RA) said: ‘O Allah, curse him ’

CONTINUED ON PAGE

Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari Photo SUPPLIED

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

The attractive mosque with a bankrupt worshipper

The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Do not help Shaitaan against your brother Do not curse him, for by Allah, I know he loves Allah and His Messenger ’

Do not call a Muslim a kaafir because if he is not a kaafir in the sight of Allah then you become one (Bukhari). Likewise, if someone says they are from a prestigious bloodline (like that of Rasoolullah (SAW) then do not criticise their linage because Nabi (SAW) said that is also kufr (Muslim) If they are lying, they will lose their imaan (Bukhari) but you have no right to instigate problems, lest you lose yours

Everything stacked against him

The Companions were talking against Malik bin Dukhshum saying that he’s a munafiq and it’s best if duah is made against him so he can be destroyed

He does not love Rasoolullah

(SAW) because he’s is always in the company of the munafiqs and sympathetic towards them

Nabi (SAW) responded by saying: ‘Do you not see that Malik professes La Ilaha Illallah and I am the Messenger of God?’

They said: ‘Yes, but that is only lip service, its not from his heart!’

Nabi (SAW) said: ‘Doesn’t he make salaah?’

They responded: ‘Yes, but it’s not real!’

Nabi (SAW) then reprimanded them by saying, ‘Verily Allah will forbid the fire to touch any individual who declares La Ilaha Illallah (Bukhari and Muslim) and I was commanded to stay away from such people (the accusers) ’

Nabi (SAW) said: ‘If a man abuses and shames you for something which he finds in you then do not shame him for something which you find in him; for the evil consequence will backfire on him (Abu Daud)

Nabi (SAW) also said, ‘Do not expose, gloat or rejoice over the flaws and misfortune of your brother lest Allah have mercy upon him and afflict you with trials ’ (Tirmidhi)

Disclaimer

This article is not a licence for a person to sin or to hide behind the excuse ‘Allah will judge me’ but it’s a two-way gauge to hold ‘ourselves’ accountable in the Sight of Allah Similar to how I don’t have the right to oppress others by judging them, I also don’t have the right to oppress myself by disobeying Allah

Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari is head of the Cape Town Ulama Board

Political parties are going down history’s dustbins

MPHUTLANE WA BOFELO

THE 2023 State-of-the-Nation Address (Sona) and subsequent pronouncements of the ANC-led government are more like electioneering sound bites that are aimed at placating angry citizens and making big promises ahead of the national general elections in 2024.

Similarly, responses of opposition parties lack sound and practical alternative policies and programmes They sound more like electioneering statements that the ANC cannot govern

From the start of 2023, one could tell that it is the year before the national general elections The ANC seems to be fixated on how to improve its electoral performance, maintain its position as the governing party, and avoid losing its hold on political power

The main concern of opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), appears to be how to replace the ANC as the governing party The smaller parties are set on gaining or increasing their seats in government with a longer view of their increasing importance in opposition politics

Since all political parties want to govern and therefore respond to the needs and voice of the electorates with this end in mind, political parties direct their energies towards these immediate goals

They hardly ever channel energies towards the development of longterm goals and strategies

As much as they are obsessed

with ambitions to govern, most political parties are poorly governed and pay little attention to organisational governance, leadership and management For example, the governing party struggles with organisational and financial management issues It struggles with paying staff salaries, spends hours on accreditation of branches at its congresses, and is faced with objections and complaints about either the candidate list or congress outcomes This is not restricted to the ANC Most political parties do not have fully constituted, functional local branches or consistent programmes on the ground. Many parties have, at one moment or another, been dogged by claims of mismanagement of funds, or the abuse of power by its leaders or officials

Internal democracy and organisational governance issues are often at the centre of conflicts in political parties These range from allegations of factional and dictatorial ways of handling internal processes and dissent, to allegations of financial mismanagement, vote-buying, fabrication of information that informs the outcomes of congresses and manufacturing of results There are often questions around the legitimacy of leadership or the status of a congress On the (far) left of the political spectrum it is not new to hear of national executive committees and/or central committees elected at national congresses attended by fewer than 100 delegates Yet the

same parties mimic the bigger parties in their operations with their obsession with short-term objectives of electoral performance and winning votes

At ruling party level, this misplaced emphasis yields ad hoc and superficial responses such as establishing the Ministry of Electricity instead of an intervention that deals with the systemic causes of the energy crisis

In the long run, the sacrifice of long-term strategic planning on the altar of immediate political mileage and instant limelight diminishes public trust in the capacity and will of political parties to improve people’s living conditions

The rapid decline in the ANC’s and its alliance partners’ membership and support base, and the

natural death that the Pan Africanist, Black Consciousness and Trotskyist formations in South Africa are suffering, shows that surviving in the ever-changing political environment requires more than struggle credentials, a ‘proper’ political line, or politically correct responses to immediate issues It needs political parties to anticipate and be up to speed with social, political, economic, and technological developments and new societal demands

This is only possible through long-term political strategising

The success of such a political strategy is the ability to develop a new language and practice of politics, and to explore and experiment with new and fresh forms of organisation, organising and ac-

tivism

The worldwide resurgence of self-organisation and citizen-led protest movements and uprisings is a wake-up call that unless political parties find new and effective ways of making the government of the people, by the people, for the people, a reality, they are going down history’s dustbins

Mphutlane wa Bofelo is the training coordinator in the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) He writes in his personal capacity.

This is an abridged version of • the article that was first published on the Muslim Views website:

https://muslimviews.co.za/2023 /02/28/political-parties-aregoing-down-historys-dustbins/

Voters gather at the registration tables outside a polling booth during the municipal elections in 2011 The writer argues that, going back to our earliest elections, the governing party and the opposition are merely interested in garnering votes rather than directing their energies towards the development of long-term goals and strategies Photo SHUTTERSTOCK

Ramadaan gratitude and thanks – Hajj, The Timeless Journey

FATIMA ALLIE

RAMADAAN is the month of mercy, forgiveness and salvation

It is the month that affords us the opportunity to realign our spirituality It is the month that brings clarity on all matters. The days of Ramadaan truly are gifts from Allah that heighten our gratitude and thanks.

Hajj, The Timeless Journey is an amaanah that the late Shanaaz Parker entrusted to our panel, Rehana Sayed, Rushni Allie, Farid Sayed, Achmat Jacobs, Munier Parker and me

We took it one step further and

turned it into a community outreach project, which raised

R260 000

It is almost three years later, and through the mercy of Allah, we as a community, are able to send Uncle Rushdi Kaister and Uncle Sulyman Booth to perform their fard Hajj this year, Inshaa

Allah

Baie tramakassie to our community for nominating worthy individuals Shukran to all those who purchased the recipe books. Thank you to the following businesses who sold these books: Chikro Food Market (Grassy • Park, Parow and Mitchells Plain)

• lville)

The Chicken Warehouse (Bel-

• (Athlone and Grassy Park)

Busy Corner Meat Hyper

• River)

Good Hope Meat Hyper (Salt

• Big Boy Crockery (Lansdowne)

The Butchers Market (Bellville)

• Sawants Creations (Rylands)

• Spar Stores (Kromboom, Ottery,

• Grassy Park, Groote Schuur, Kensington and Strandfontein)

To our partners, Muslim Views and Radio 786, your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated

During these days and nights of Ramadaan, let us continue to be

Hajj, The Timeless Journey project, through the mercy of Allah, have been able to send Rushdi

grateful and thankful for all the blessings of Allah

Let our mind set be that of an ‘attitude of gratitude’ Let’s make

the most of these precious days of Ramadaan From the panel of Hajj, The Timeless Journey, Ramadaan Kareem!

Kaister (left) and Sulyman Booth to perform their fard Hajj this year

The concept of shura must underpin the administration of the masajid

IT has been established that the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) mosque, Masjidun Nabawiy, served as the seat of government, a prison, court of law, the treasury, a welfare centre and in general served as platform for the regulation of the affairs of the Muslim community

Moreover, all matters were resolved by means of shura as advocated by the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) At Masjid Nabawiy, the unity of the Muslims had to be fostered, conserved and protected

After the demise of the Prophet (SAW) the Sahaabah (RA) perpetuated the principle of brotherhood and fully adhered to the following injunction in which Allah says: ‘And assist each other in goodness and in piety, and assist not each other in evil and calamity ’ (Sura Al Ma’idah, 5:2)

In the above verse, believers are enjoined to assist and encourage each other in doing good and avoiding evil This verse further creates awareness that as individuals we need each other to bond as a strong Islamic brotherhood

The masaajid as community centres

Every masjid constructed becomes the living heart of its Muslim community It is a very

In a paper written for the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), the late MOULANA MUAATH MANIE sketched his vision of the role of a masjid and the fundamental implementation of shura in its administration

important symbol of Islam and is of great importance to the Islamic system to perform congregational prayers and to propagate the religion

Facing the Qiblah in the masjid provides a Muslim not only with spiritual direction but also with social and moral direction In the House of Allah all social and class barriers are broken down All stand shoulder to shoulder to supplicate to one Creator.

This is the only place of worship where the rich, when he prostrates before Allah places his head behind the feet of a poor man who stands in the row in front of him. This place of worship is where the concept of equality is propagated

and practised as preached by Islam

It also serves as the socio-cultural, educational and welfare centre of the community and the reliance of the needy Many masaajid in the world have adjacent rooms that serve as clinics, halls, day-care centres, schools and soup-kitchens

Such facilities benefit and help to uplift the community at large on the basis of religion but also on humanitarian grounds Many nonMuslims have reverted to Islam through acts of kindness and mercy, system of service delivery to humanity instructed by the Quran. Is this not the method in which we should share Allah’s Bounty?

This is the House of Allah, whosoever endeavours to enter it, consciously endeavours to establish a personal and spiritual relationship with the One, True Allah and nothing else matters

Allah says in the holy Quran: ‘And masaajid belong to Allah, so worship no-one else other than Allaah ’ (Sura Al Jinn, 72:18)

The constitution of masaajid

It is important to understand, that the ultimate constitution for Muslims is al-Quran and that all policies formulated must adhere to al-Quran and the precedents of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Thus, it becomes the edifice by which we regulate all our affairs

In the strictest sense, public meetings must be conducted in accordance to the prescribed procedures set in place by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) We all commence a meeting with an opening supplication, but thereafter we substitute the prescribed method of mashurah with a secular system that holds no-one accountable

Instead of reaching a consensus on an issue we opt to cast votes to validate an issue Shura is a process based on mutual consultation and from which emanates mutual agreement and accounta-

bility

As decisions are always taken after consultation in an open forum, it forms the bases of informed decisions This principle demands from all administrators especially those who have knowledge who are in authority, to interact with one another and to resolve matters amicably and in strict accordance of the shariah as interpreted by the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah

In the following verse Allaah clearly states: ‘Those who respond to their Lord and establish regular prayer who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, who spend out what we bestow on them for sustenance’ (Sura Ash Shura, 42:36-39)

Shura provides all members present at a meeting with an equal opportunity to discuss a matter and to reach consensus

Appointment

of the amir

The amir geared with his knowledge of the shariah is appointed by the community He endeavours at all times to provide a platform where the community is consulted regularly in an open forum and be part of the decision making process

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

The ameer is not the aamir (dictator) but rather the facilitator and will act to fulfil the Maslahatul Aammah i e the best interest of the community In general, the ameer encourages that the collective viewpoints determined through shura are upheld and followed, as opposed to individual opinions, especially in matters of public concern

However, on occasions, the ameer has veto power in matters of dhorooriyyah (necessity) If a minority proposal is based on truth and conforms to the shariah and public interest, and this is confirmed through shura then it is adopted.

A majority decision that contradicts and contravenes fundamental Islamic principles is rejected When consensus has been reached on a matter, it is accepted in true Islamic spirit and brotherhood and the decision of the ameer is binding after the process of mashurah

The exclusion of the system of mashurah indicates in strong terms that the key concepts of the shariah are considered as outdated and not a viable option in manner we wish to conclude our daily affairs and that the consultation of a community is not a priority

We should thus gear ourselves towards the remembrance that the shariah is not outdated and that its application is valid through all ages Says Allah Almighty in the Holy Quran: ‘So pass over (their faults) and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness and consult with them in affairs Then when you have taken

The role of the masjid and the implementation of shura in its administration

a decision put their trust in Allah, for Allah loves those who put their trust in Him ’ (Sura Ali-Imraan, 3:159)

In conclusion, our policy as a Muslim ummah and the guardians of the Houses of Allah should be that shura is a Divine Instruction that ultimately cultivates consciousness in our deen allowing us to implement it to the best of our abilities, in accordance with Almighty Allah’s intention and not according to our own whims and fancies

The system of mashurah if upheld correctly, would allow us not to contravene the resolutions taken at a mashurah, and ensures that the end-result reflects the collective opinion of the majlis ash shura It is based on intense deliberation and expresses the mutual consent and consultation of all The imam on his appointment as the amir operates in unison with the majlis ash shura and not in his own capacity, and thus we have cohesion and not individuals working on their own doing separate activities from the majlis

It is his duty to ensure that the congregation remains focused and informed regarding the most pressing religious, moral, political and socio-economic issues

If a community and congregation is kept informed and motivated to react positively where necessary it allows for growth, secures harmony in the House of Allah, and provides an ideal platform for the development and progress of the Muslim ummah

Wallaah A’lam, And Allah knows best

Moulana Muaath Manie (13 August 1970 – 18 January 2023) was the imam at Masjidun Nur, in Dove Road, Parkwood Estate, Cape Town His imamate was centred on love and compassion for all, and focused not only on spiritual upliftment and education but rather the socio-economic conditions of the entire community Here he is (left) speaking at a qurbani, organised by the masjid and briefing the jamaat on the distribution of the meat to the needy He writes that the masjid should serve as the socio-cultural, educational and welfare centre of the community, and place that the needy can turn towards As elected amir and imam based on a mashura system of mutual consultation, several programmess were implemented to provide sustainable solutions to combat poverty and provide weekly support to all in need, irrespective of religion or creed His humanitarian work was prolific and undisputed and he was fondly known as the imam who knew the shoe sizes of his community He spent almost his entire Eid-ul-Adha day with the community, setting up a qurban programme and creating a festive environment for all strata of society He spent years sharing iftaar in a tent packed to capacity during the month of Ramadaan His success with these ventures was mainly attributed to his ability to network and build partnerships His biggest strug-

gle was with the City of Cape Town in trying to purchase or lease land adjoining Masjidun Nur for building a multi-purpose centre for the development and upliftment of the community Years of negotiations and investing in developing plans brought no results as the City continued to put obstacles in the path Despite all of this, he never gave up hope and continued to use the limited space available to implement the function of a community centre Moulana Manie attended Fairview Primary School, in Grassy Park, and matriculated at Groenvlei High School, in Lansdowne He graduated as Alim Fadhil at Darul Uloom Newcastle, in KwaZulu-Natal, in 1995, and taught at Douglas Road Primary School, in Wynberg, Cape Town, for 17 years as the life orientation and Islamic studies teacher until 2013 In 2001, he was appointed as the assistant imam to his illustrious uncle, Imam Faried Manie, and commenced duties as the official imam after the passing of his uncle, in 2006 He was passionate about education and conducted fiqh classes at Masjidun Nur where he taught the classical work, Fiqh al Manhaji, and in Quranic studies he taught the tafsir of ibn Kathir Moulana Manie is survived by his wife, Shaikha Nawaal, daughter, Maryam, and son, Muhammad Riefah Photo SUPPLIED

The waqf mutawallee: in the hot seat

DR HISHAM DAFTERDAR

THE waqf is an institutionalised form of continuing charity

Creating a charitable waqf is a passive way of giving. Neither the waqifs nor the beneficiaries have to know each other

One of the important issues concerning awqaf is the appointment of a nazir to manage the waqf Waqifs find it more convenient and conceivably more effective to select a trustworthy and capable person to serve as nazir for their awqaf Shariah provides principles-based criteria to the appointment of the nazir and to his duties and responsibilities Shariah lays down governing principles of spiritual, mental and physical behaviour for the nazir

The nazir’s duties are distinguished between obligatory and discretionary Obligatory duties specify the nazir’s responsibilities in administering the waqf property in accordance with the terms of the waqf deed. The waqf deed is treated as a sacrosanct document that should be meticulously followed

Discretionary duties, on the other hand, give the nazir some latitude in making choices and taking decisions within the bounds of the provisions contained in the waqf deed The guiding principles

for the nazir’s discretionary power are based on three defined parameters: ethics, diligence and professional competence Both of the discretionary powers and obligatory duties are not independent of each other and must be maintained and reflected in the nazir’s exercise of his duties and responsibilities

Within the inner sanctum of the waqf sector, there’s a governance shortfall that has long stymied its development and growth Because of awqaf ’s private and usually esoteric nature, and lack of clarity how awqaf are governed and regulated, awqaf appear to work in isolation from other sectors The reason for this seclusion is mainly attributed to the ritualistic management style of nazirs

Because of the nature of awqaf, its religious message and social application, it seems logical that those who are entrusted with awqaf properties to be more religiously conscious and therefore employ their faith when managing

Nazirs have the responsibility to safeguard, invest and grow assets in their custody and produce good returns, which makes it harder to act solely on their beliefs It is true that managing a waqf requires a certain level of spiritual maturity but in today’s financial and regulatory environment, the nazir must be realistic and pragmatic, and able to navigate through many layers of bureaucratic formalities and market volatilities

Awqaf organisations and their stakeholders cannot be absolutely protected from the vagaries of human behaviour Even nazirs who are known to be honest, committed and competent, can fall short of what is required

Any wrongful use by the nazir of his obligatory duties or discretionary powers, whether intentional or unintentional may lead to a breach of the waqf deed and could render the nazir liable for any loss or damage to the waqf property and the rights of the beneficiaries

The nazir bears a fiduciary responsibility to the beneficiaries However, it’s a responsibility without the matching authority This is an important issue to deal with The conditions of the waqif are paramount – not the desires of the beneficiaries

There’s a real possibility that the nazir has never met the waqf beneficiaries Usually, the nazir meets only with the founder of the waqf who appoints him This raises the question of how the nazir can faithfully fulfil his fiduciary responsibility to people he doesn’t even know

In the field, there are three different ethical dilemmas that evoke some concern to a nazir: The Deed vs the need, the beneficiary vs the community and business vs charity

Awqaf is not an easy sector that first appears to be In fact, it is quite complex Nazirs have to work with people, come up with solutions and do not always say no The public is unaware of the nazirs’ useful contribution to the community Ask the public if awqaf are important and they’ll say yes, but ask them if the nazirs are up to the task, you lose out

Nazirs have been portrayed as icons of mediocrity and cynicism

Awqaf are often in the full glare of the media spotlight Minor slip

ups can be put under the media magnifier and blown out of proportion Nazirs are not only required to act in good faith for the best outcomes for the waqf, but in a fishbowl environment they also need to be seen acting diligently and building trust among their stakeholders

Awqaf management can be classed as a social science where nazirs need to interact and understand their beneficiaries and build relationships with all those they deal with It’s important for nazirs to develop behavioral characteristics and communication skills It’s not a job for amateurs The task requires a multi-disciplinary background combining shariah, law, finance and sociology Nazirs need to connect with the community, and deal with financial, legal and media matters More fundamentally, the nazir has to demonstrate that the waqif conditions are met and the social objectives are being achieved

Hisham Dafterdar, CPA, PhD, is chairman of Awkaf Australia Ltd Photo AWQAF SA

Children’s Hospital Trust needs help to build Red Cross Children’s Hospital an orthopaedic unit

‘THINGS were complicated with my pregnancy ’

Zohra recounts her daughter, Amal’s birth She does her best to sound calm, but the anxiety can be seen

Eight months into her pregnancy, Zohra’s baby went into distress The baby couldn’t turn Little Amal has a congenital defect commonly known as clubfoot Unilateral congenital clubfoot is prevalent if there are factors such as family history and congenital conditions like Spina Bifida Other factors may also include smoking or insufficient amniotic fluid during pregnancy

Doctors had to perform an emergency Caesarean Section delivery for Amal’s and her mom’s safety

‘When Amal was born, we waited a few months before visiting Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital to address treatment for her clubfoot By the time we came to Red Cross, there was a lot of progress but far from perfect ’

Amal had an operation to lengthen her left leg Clubfoot can be mild or severe; the foot can be twisted downward and inward or so severe that it appears upside down The affected leg and foot may be shorter than the unaffected limb, and the calf muscles are usu-

ally underdeveloped

Amal’s team at Red Cross have been monitoring her development since birth The discrepancy in leg length presented more visibly at around three years of age; by the time Amal turned six, the difference was a very pronounced 4cm

It was beyond the point where heel-raisers could help Zohra let Amal’s medical team at the Children’s Hospital know they were ready for the operation.

The orthopaedic surgery provided at Red Cross has lengthened and repositioned the ligaments and tendons where necessary

Amal had her leg cast for two months and a metal brace with pins in her leg and foot for a year This surgery corrects the clubfoot to the point where it could prevent the defect from returning.

There is a state beyond brave that only children seem to get to Despite the pain, difficulties and limitations of recovery, Amal has made friends and memories to fill her life with joy

One in every 1 000 babies are born with clubfoot When you share your blessings this Ramadaan, you are joining in prayer with Amal and children like her Donate towards The Children’s Hospital Trust and, Insha Allah, you will reap the rewards of your tree in Jannah, ameen

Is there light at the end of the tunnel for South Africa’s economy in the year ahead?

ON February 22, 2023, Minister

Godongwana delivered his 2023 budget speech, intimating on the country’s economic standing against a backdrop of world economic decline, COVID-19’s post-traumatic stress effects and growth estimates pointing downwards

Global growth estimates for 2023 have been revised lower, from 3,4% in 2022 to 2,9% in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund Domestically, load-shedding has become more persistent and prolonged, impacting on service delivery and threatening the survival of many businesses and general economic growth for the country This is compounded by disruptions to freight and logistics networks Households are under pressure from the rising cost of living, and unemployment remains stubbornly high

However, not everything sounded like a broken-record as the minister acknowledged Sars For the second consecutive year, Sars has exceeded expectations in relation to the taxes collected Tax revenue collections for 2022/2023 are expected to total R1,69-trillion This exceeds the 2022 budget estimate by R93,7-billion

Some of the drivers for this include improved tax compliance and administration by Sars. Sars believes that there is still more to

TINASHE CHIPATISO, a tax and corporate consultant at Nexia SAB&T, provides some insight into the budget speech delivered by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, on Wednesday, February 22

encourage businesses and individuals to invest in renewable energy and increase electricity generation

harsh economic reality that many people cannot afford these alternative renewable sources of energy

come from that ‘pot of gold’ and it therefore intends to simplify and modernise the current VAT administrative framework To achieve greater certainty, measures may include advance rulings and legislation to enable Sars to conclude bilateral advance pricing agreements But then, what’s in it for us citizens?

The finance minister endeavoured to strike a balance between spending priorities and limited resources available to National Treasury National Treasury will be bringing the fiscal deficit down without resorting to tax increases or any further cuts in social wages and infrastructures Government announced two tax measures to

From March 1, 2023, for two years, businesses will be able to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of an investment in renewables, with no project size thresholds Individuals, who from March 1, 2023, install rooftop solar panels will be able to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost, up to a maximum of R15 000

The rebate is a reduction of the actual tax liability in the 2023/24 tax year. This incentive will be available for one year and only in respect of ‘new and unused solar panels’, to the exclusion of inverters, batteries and installation costs

In addition to the renewable incentives, there were no tax increases for individuals Government did however claim to be ‘granting tax relief ’ by adjusting personal income tax brackets and rebates to account for the effect of inflation Personal income tax brackets will be adjusted for inflation, thereby increasing the taxfree threshold from R91 250 to

R95 750

No increases in fuel levy and Road Accident Fund levy this year and to limit the impact of the energy crisis on food prices, the diesel fuel levy refund will be extended to manufacturers of foodstuffs for a period of two years, from April 1, 2023, until March

Paradoxically, Minister Godongwana stated that government remains focused on ensuring that the tax system is fair, efficient, and equitable However, one can but wonder who the real beneficiaries of these measures are

Summary of significant tax incentives and rates

Solar Panels

31, 2025

The country's struggling sugar sector received a reprieve, with no hike in ‘sugar tax’ this year Increases of the health promotion levy on beverages to 2,3 cents per gram of sugar is being delayed to April 1, 2025. But, by default, sin tax or excise duty on alcohol and cigarettes was increased ‘in line with expected inflation’ at 4,9%

While some of these measures are welcome, it begs the question whether there is light at the end of the tunnel for many people, considering that many businesses and individuals have already incurred significant capital sums on installing alternative electricity sources that will not benefit from these measures

Compounded to this, is the

25% Tax rebate to individuals • for new and unused solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with minimum capacity of 275W Capped at R15 000 • Available for one year •

Subject to certain conditions

• Portable panels will not qualify • Batteries, inverters, fittings, • diesel generators and installation cost do not qualify VAT invoice and proof of pay- • ment required to claim Certificate of Compliance evi- • dencing first time use only after March 1, 2023

Renewable energy tax incentive

By investing in renewable en- • ergy taxable income can reduce by 125% between March 1, 2023 and February 28, 2025 No threshold on the size of the • projects that qualify Available for two years •

Please note that not all aspects of the budget speech have been dealt with herein Please note that the above is for information purposes only and does not constitute tax/financial advice. As everyone’s personal circumstances vary, we recommend they seek advice on the matter While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Nexia SAB&T does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors contained herein.

For any queries or further information, please contact:

Hassen Kajie (Entrepreneurial Business Services Director, Cape Town)

Mobile: (+27) 82 333 3389; Email: hassen@nexia-sabt co za

Yousuf Hassen (Entrepreneurial Business Services Director, Centurion)

Mobile: (+27) 82 333 3376; Email: yhassen@nexia-sabt co za

Ulama bodies address LGBTQIA+ challenges

MOULANA RIDHWAN ZIYAEE

AT a critical discussion and engagement session last month in Cape Town, this special meeting took place in the boardroom of the Muslim Judicial Council

Members of the Muslim Judicial Council, Cape Town Ulama Board, Samnet, Amal and Islamia College met with Ustaad Mazhar Khan during a special closed meeting

Mazhar Khan is an activist in the United Kingdom who is actively involved in matters of the Muslim community He discussed the international issue that we are faced with, ‘Muslims navigating or responding to LGBTQIA+ issues’

This has come at a time when the Western Cape Government is taking ‘pride’ in flashing the rainbow colours – the colours of the LGBTQ flag – across state buildings in support of this minority community

The bold acceptance and prominence given to this matter poses a challenge to our God-fearing citizens

Khan has been advising parents as well as Muslim institutes in the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world on how to deal with this challenge

The Cape Town Ulama Board and Muslim Judicial Council have already issued statements of dissatisfaction with the actions of the Western Cape Government regarding prioritising certain issues over others

In a video that has emerged of

Pagad national co-ordinator, Haroon Orrie, addressing a Pagad rally in Cape Town a few metres away from the State of the Nation Address, Pagad slated the community, saying its behaviour went against religious teachings

Orrie said to cheers from his audience: ‘Those who support, those who promote LGBTQ and those who are involved in this type of behaviour, their punishment by the almighty God is death

‘Gun rights, homosexuality, prostitution and alcohol, drugs, theft, gambling, incest, you name it This is the golden calf that the people are worshipping today in this country. So how do we expect to prosper and thrive as a nation if we go against the instruction of the Divine Creator?’

The Muslim Judicial Council issued a statement saying: ‘The preponderance of profound challenges faced by the people of the Western Cape, and solutions thereof, like the many social ills, poverty, and crime, should light up the Parliament buildings instead The MJC (SA) believes that the Western Cape government should prioritise significant matters over mere frivolity ’

It added that while the MJC condemned any violence or crime against any person, it strongly objected to the ‘veneration of choices made by a very small minority group of people’

Meanwhile, the Cape Town Ulama Board said the focus and attention being placed on the LGBTQIA+ community was ‘disproportionate’

It said: ‘We do not see the Western Cape government and the legislature take the same focus or have the extra dedicated focus to the daily lives lost in our poor and working-class communities; we do not have the same focus on drugs and gangsterism in our communities ’ The Ulama Board added that they feared that the increased ‘emphasis on this matter in the way it is being forced down our throats is going to result in the behaviour being normalised’

With a war of words, Premier Alan Winde said he disagreed with the Muslim bodies, and that the decision was made to visibly show their support and willingness to confront ‘unacceptable and archaic’ prejudices and discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community faced ‘We, as the Western Cape Government, take our values from the country’s constitution, which is rooted in respect for all cultures and our rich diversity, as well as the rights of all South Africans I

respectfully disagree with their comments,’ he said

In the interest of the Muslim and God-fearing community, the United Ulama Council of South Africa is in the process of discussions and a way forward surrounding the issue on a national level in South Africa

The Cape Town Ulama Board and Muslim Judicial Council are registered members of the umbrella body UUCSA

Moulana Ridhwan Ziyaee is the director of Hijazi Channel

Ustaad Mazhar Khan, an activist from England, addressing ulama and members of Muslim institutions and community organisations on LGBTQIA+ challenges at the offices of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) Photo HIJAZI CHANNEL

Ramadaan is the most blessed month

SANZAF COMMUNICATIONS

FROM extensive daily Iftaar programmes and regular zakah advocacy initiatives, to our extensive Operation Fitrah campaign, Ramadaan is one of the busiest times of the year at Sanzaf.

During this time of reflection and spiritual rejuvenation, the organisation also sees a marked increase in distribution as well as income as Muslims across South Africa and further afield entrust Sanzaf with their zakah, fitrah, fidyah, sadaqah and Lillah

Sanzaf continued its annual tradition of ushering in Ramadaan with a of pre-Ramadaan dhikr programme which was flighted on local community radio stations in the Western Cape, and viewed on social media platforms across the country

ZAKAH SEMINARS

Zakah seminars aimed at educating the public about the virtues of zakah and providing a holistic understanding about the third pillar of Islam is envisaged throughout the month of Ramadaan at various locations throughout the country

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting person’s re-

ward ’ (Tirmidhi)

While Sanzaf pursues several initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger throughout the year, such as soup kitchens, breakfast runs, school lunches and food hamper distributions, the organisation intensifies its efforts during Ramadaan Our intention is to provide up to one million suhoor and iftaar meals throughout the country to those less fortunate

Operation Fitrah plays a vital role in Sanzaf ’s activities during this auspicious month, and begins well before when the organisation

plans its collection, coordination and distribution of fitrah in partnership with our pre-existing networks of masaajid, social welfare associations, businesses, grassroots organisations and volunteer groups

Our detailed approach helps with avoiding duplication and ensures that the fitrah entrusted to us reaches those who need it the most

This year, we aim to provide over 45 000 families throughout the country with fitrah hampers to ensure that they will be free of

want on the day of Eid through Operation Fitrah.

As part of continued efforts to bridge the divide between donors and beneficiaries, the organisation continues to expand on its annual Fitrah Hamper Packing events, drawing large numbers of volunteers nationwide The hampers, which contain fresh produce, nutritional foods and canned goods, are packed by donors and volunteers under the guidance of Sanzaf ’s staff

These nutritious packages are distributed to beneficiaries’ homes

in the week preceding Eid-ul-Fitr, and go a long way in ensuring that under-resourced families have a nutritious and hearty meal on the day of Eid Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said: ‘There are two joys for the fasting person: the joy when he breaks his fast, and the joy of when he meets his Lord ’ (Tirmidhi)

For more information visit www sanzaf org za or contact 021 638 0965 to find out how you can support Sanzaf #believe in the power of zakah

In studio recording an episode of the brand new series titled ‘Let s talk Zakah which will be aired during Ramadaan are Basheerah Hendricks-Gamieldien (left) and Yasmina Francke, Sanzaf’s CEO The Sanzaf Zakah Advocacy Programme is a prominent feature of the organisation throughout the year These initiatives are increased during the month of Ramadaan

Photo SANZAF COMMUNICATIONS

Recording live, weekly Zakah in Focus Q&A interviews aimed at empowering and educating members of the public on zakah, the third pillar of Islam are, from left, Moulana Hassiem Cassiem, Sanzaf first deputy chairperson, Jasmina Petersen, Radio Voice of the Cape presenter, and Fayruz Mohamed, Sanzaf national chairperson These interactive and engaging talk shows are running on several community radio stations throughout the country

Photo SUPPLIED

Plans to produce tarbiyya tool

YOUSUF CAJEE

AN initiative calling for suggestions and contributions are being requested for the production of an education or tarbiyya/ taalim tool

The focus is on Islam, with its worldview, traditions, literature, knowledge and civilisation for development, character and selfforming or imaan, ihsaan and Tasawwuf

Events and effects seeking our understanding and wise or wellbalanced treatment:

• the past and present of

people of Islam, early migrations of our forebears, the slaves, prisoners, labour and traders and today’s refugees, trafficking and slavery;

• concepts in texts that teach the good to know as lessons for the future – Bi’ithnillah;

• wars, apartheid, imperialism and dealing with modernity by civilisations;

• the dominant West that impacts on life, peace and development with or without mizaan; Materials were written and compiled in the past and most of these resources are accessible on

the webnet They should be carefully selected and made accessible for public study and education

We know that times change rapidly as issues for different contexts present themselves Our 21st or 15th Hijri century’s challenges demand that we bring relevant knowledge, values, attitudes and skills training in this era and leave a legacy for our descendants, otherwise what’s the point of it all?

Consultations are ongoing and feedback received mentions a need for public, informal education

While we study, interaction and faced learning meetings are the

ideal instead of the virtual Also, to have two parallel programmes, for youth and adults with materials for different levels

The task requires much thought and resolve from the community, society and ummah

The objective is that we produce:

(1) a booklet with an introduction and guidelines; with chapter headings and subsections;

(2) an app and website capturing links and a synopsis to the materials of articles, videos, pdf ’s and sites.

Issues to consider for the above objective are:

(a) What sections or chapter headings should we have? and

(b) What content materials to

include/ exclude for the three levels of the two programmes?

(c) Do we consult? which schools, individuals or institutions with personal interviews and a survey;

(d) What issues are predicted? promotion of reading Iqrah, volunteers, management, marketing and other

While we welcome and appreciate responses, note that we are not an organisation and not affiliated but aspire by our tradition and history to be inclusive, respectful and evaluative in and of Muslim diversity in thought

Please send comments, questions or suggestions to email: yousuf@cajee com or call Yousuf on 082 508 0499

Fulfil the wishes of those in need with AMA this Ramadaan

IMRAAN CHOONARA

Ramadaan Mubarak from the team at Africa Muslims Agency

While we are filled with joy at the beginning of this month of blessings, we also begin it in a sombre mood this year, following the extreme devastation experienced in Turkey and Syria, two of the countries in which AMA works during Ramadaan and throughout the year

However, as humanitarians, our work is not only to provide food and water to those in need but also to provide hope and a human connection; to provide people in the most dire circumstances with the encouragement and care needed to lift them out of the situation and begin to rebuild

This Ramadaan, AMA launches the ‘Wish’ campaign, a campaign which highlights the hopes and dreams of those in need, and which shows us how we can help fulfil those wishes

We all have something we wish and pray for each Ramadaan, from special food for iftaar, to ibadah goals which we set for ourselves, to the amount of time and money we spend in charity

Iftaar is a special time to come together and enjoy Allah’s abundance, and little children are often enticed to keep fasts with promises of delicious treats for iftaar

Yet, for thousands of families across the world, their wishes are only for a date or piece of bread,

for any morsel to allow them to make suhoor and iftaar.

Through the generosity of the zakaah and sadaqah donations we receive, AMA will provide millions of meals and hundreds of waterwells to the fasting across the world And when we fulfil seemingly simple wishes, such as those for food or water, we are, in reality, fulfilling much bigger

wishes; Wishes for health, for education, for a happy family and a safe childhood

As we fill our tables and homes with the barakah that Allah has granted us, let us also fulfil the wishes and duaHs of fasting families in need

Join the AMA ‘Wish’ campaign in providing culturally appropriate meals, starting right here from our

home in South Africa, expanding to our neighbours in rural Malawi and Mozambique, Mali, Uganda and Lesotho, as well as across the oceans to Burma, to Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Lebanon, to Gaza (Palestine), Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen and the mountains of Afghanistan

The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘None of you will have faith till he wishes

for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.’

Which wishes will you fulfil this Ramadaan?

Contact Details: Hussain

Choonara: +27 82 859 2932; w w w. a f r i c a m u s l i m s a g e n c y. c o . z a Follow AMA on Instagram (@africamuslimsagency) Facebook (@AfricaMuslimsAgency) Twitter (AMASDirectAid)

Turkey and Syria are included in AMA’s annual Ramadaan Campaign, and will receive a special focus this year following the devastating earthquakes Photos AMA MEDIA TEAM

A school becoming: Modderdam High School Library launch

ADNAAN ADAMS

ON February 25, Modderdam High School launched their newly revamped library space

Modderdam’s library has been dysfunctional for many years until COVID 19 created a reflective moment in everyone’s teaching practice

Undeniably, teaching for the sake of teaching is not enough for the community we serve – Bonteheuwel and surrounding areas We need to teach with an innovative and imaginative mindset, knowing full well the value and impact of technology on education

Put differently, key to changing an unsatisfactory situation within an educational context is to create conditions and spaces for positive educational outcomes to emerge

It is only through those innovate practices that the unimaginative can happen and present themselves

By taking on seemingly insurmountable projects and initiatives, we will demonstrate and display that what is considered impossible is possible Within that social activist mindset bolstering with commitment and dedication has endless possibilities for teaching, learning and beyond

The most notable impact in my teaching career at Modderdam High School is the library project

Knowing the place of reading within our Islamic tradition makes the library space an ethical and religious obligation, an inalienable right of every student despite their social economic conditions or

standing within any community

The nature of the traditional libraries has been challenged over the last few decades The new 21st century space should be a smart space; a space that is learner centred, a space that is mindful of the students it serves, and central to any educational institute is the operational effectiveness thereof

If we want to be relevant and part of the global trend, our library space needs to be a functional and multilayered space incorporating technology, and above all, built on a sustainable model

Modderdam’s Library is affectionately known as Moddie Libraryre-imagine And rightfully so because we know the importance of presenting ideas and an innovative approach to our learners and the community we serve

Our newly revamped library consists of three main areas The main library space that holds over 6 000 relevant books from all genre’s – fiction and non-fiction –computers for research and printing, including rooms for consulting or studying

Over the last few months, the library committee has been very active in networking with publishers, bookstores and NGOs in sponsoring and donating books to our library

Our second innovative space is our 125 square metre secure outside space that boasts artificial grass, seating place as well as a stage to involve learners in a creative way And thirdly, we have included a ground-breaking space; a

space to engage, a space to debate, a space to host events, book launches, including inspiring talks

The space is fitted with a projector, Wi-Fi connectivity, a kitchenette when small business, influencers, community leaders or entrepreneurs need an area to workshop and meet

Finally, Modderdam High, particularly the Moddie Library reimagine, committee and our library monitors want to thank the community of Bonteheuwel and beyond who have supported this noteworthy initiative

It is through our collaborative mindset that we can achieve more Thank you to our speakers and guests who have honoured us on

the day of our launch: Dr Zubeida Jaffer, Prof Farid Esack, Dr Hendrik Theys, The Bookery, and the publishers And a special thanks to our main funder Western Cape Education Department -

Directorate: Physical Resource Planning and Property Management and the many publishers, individuals who have unselfishly sponsored, funded, donated books, laptops, a printer and a Smart TV to our li-

brary

Reach us on: 083 6870559; (021) 100 3926; Facebook: proudlymodderdamhigh; Instagram: proudlymodderamhigh; Twitter: @modderdam

Website: www modderdamhigh co za Adnaan Adams is HOD Mathematics and Science and the library coordinator at Modderdam High School

The coordinator of the Modderdam High School Library, Adnaan Adams (left), and the library assistant, Ms Denise Sauls (right), with some of the library monitors that play a key role in assisting students to access the full potential of the revamped library

Photo SHUAIB VAN DER SCHYFF

The revamped library at Modderdam High School, in Bonteheuwel, in Cape Town, has been divided into three sections, each providing a space for particular activities The main library area is currently stocked with over 6 000 books

Photo SHUAIB VAN DER SCHYFF

Your zakaah is powerful

EBRAUHIM ALLIE

‘ AND those in whose wealth there is a recognised right, for the needy and deprived’ (Quran 70:24-5)

Zakaah, a fundamental pillar of Islam, is a religious obligation for all Muslims who meet the criteria to help those less fortunate and vulnerable Zakaah is a form of almsgiving and is a mandatory charitable contribution of 2,5 per cent of a Muslim’s savings and wealth, distributed to those in need

The power of zakaah lies in its ability to provide financial assistance to those who are less fortunate, promote social justice, and reduce economic inequality within

the Muslim community In addition, giving zakaah purifies one’s wealth and improves spiritual growth in attaining nearness to Allah SWT Zakaah is not just a religious obligation but a humanitarian one as well

Ramadan with Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief will continue its life-saving work during Ramadaan 2023, ensuring your donations reach those who need them most

We are on the front lines in over 30 countries, providing food, water, shelter, education, emergency relief, and medical and psychosocial support to those in desperate need

Alhamdulillah, by the grace

and mercy of Allah, we had a successful Ramadaan 2022, which was the most momentous Ramadaan distribution programme by far Your support enabled us to distribute over 300 000 Ramadan food packs, benefitting more than 1,5 million people in 33 countries, Alhamdulillah This was possible due to the generous support of donors who donated their zakaah to help those in need

This year, we aim to support and provide for even more vulnerable and underprivileged people and communities Our objective is to provide sustainable solutions to those in need so that they can break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient, which is achievable with your support

Donate your zakaah: your donations enable us to save lives

Your zakaah has funded some of our most crucial work with people and communities living in disaster and war zones: drought and famine-stricken countries across East Africa; communities affected by conflict in Syria, Afghanistan, Gaza and Yemen; and countries affected by natural disasters in Pakistan, Turkey and Indonesia

Your generosity has enabled communities to build sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change and holistically improved the lives of vulnerable orphans and families across the globe, Alhamdulillah

This Ramadaan, Islamic Relief intends to help even more people in need We use your zakaah to support various programmes and projects, including assisting people in need with food and shelter, helping to fund health and educa-

tion programmes, supporting orphans and widows, providing emergency relief in response to natural disasters and conflicts, and supporting economic development initiatives In addition, we use zakaah funds to assist in long-term development programmes and help build sustainable communities

We are encouraged to increase our charitable giving during Ramadaan, and donating zakaah is one of the best ways to improve the lives of those in need Your zakaah is an amanah (trust), and when entrusted to us, we distribute it with excellence and precision

May Allah accept the sadaqah and zakaah given during this blessed time, and may it serve as a means of attaining the nearness, mercy, and forgiveness of Allah SWT, ameen We ask Allah SWT to purify and illuminate us through the blessings and goodness of this month, ameen

Islamic Relief South Africa provides Ramadaan food packs to underprivileged families

Photo ISLAMIC RELIEF WORLDWIDE

Your Ramadaan donations bring smiles and joy to the most vulnerable families worldwide

Photo ISLAMIC RELIEF WORLDWIDE

The devastation of the earthquake in Turkiye

IERFAAN CASSIEM

MONDAY, February 27, Adana airport in Hatay Province, Southern Turkiye.

This province bore the brunt of the two massive earthquakes, which struck on February 6

As we set out on our two-hour journey to Antakya, I started asking my driver questions about the area we were heading to as well as the damage I could expect to see Unfortunately, his English was not any good and he spoke in Turkish into an app on his phone, which then translated to me what he said. He did, however, use sign language and his app to point out to me where houses or buildings were damaged or destroyed

The closer we got to Antakya, the more the damage was visible Building upon building was lying in ruins The removal of rubble from the roads to make it accessible and clear again was also impressive A mere three weeks after one of the biggest earthquakes in the last century, the rubble had all been moved to the side of the road, and roads were clear for traffic

I was part of a Muslim Hands delegation from the UK, France and South Africa whose primary objective was to ensure that the funds our donors entrusted us with were going to those in need In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, Muslim Hands provides hot meals, emergency medical care, food parcels, hygiene packs and temporary accommodation

Early the Tuesday morning, we set out for a visit to downtown Antakya The destruction was unbelievable What once was a thriving city and community was lying in ruins Apartment buildings, shops and other commercial properties were abandoned and either completely destroyed or severely damaged

We visited the Muslim Hands open kitchen that provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to the earthquake survivors who have now been all left homeless and destitute Sadly, we found that most of the people had left the city

They have either been moved to the temporary tents and container homes which are now being provided in Phase 2 of the response or they moved to other cities to be with relatives

The queues for food were still long, however As most of the people were either security forces protecting the area as well as the last survivors who remained behind The kitchen will now be moved to one of the nearby tent cities

We also visited a hospital and housing settlement fully constructed from prefabricated containers. For just R66 000 one of these container homes can be provided By using your zakaah or sadaqah you can fund a home for a family of four

One evening we went to visit our open kitchen in a tent village in an area called Samandag. Here we found a community of 67 tents housing about 750 survivors The mood amongst them was incredibly sombre

I decided to go and mix with the people and to chat to them There were many youngsters, ranging from the ages of around three to 20 years of age. Many of them were now orphans, having lost either one or both their parents The younger ones were easier to get through to I showed them YouTube on my phone and they immediately felt temporarily comfortable

I was left heartbroken, thinking about what the future might hold for these kids They were ordinary kids like mine back home and on more than one occasion I shed some tears I immediately felt as Muslim Hands, we must help with getting the kids psycho-social support On my return to South Africa it is something I will immediately look at Historic religious buildings were also not left unscathed We visited the Masjid of Habib Al Najjar, a person who is referred to in the Quran In Surah Yaseen (36:20) Allah says, ‘O my people, follow the messengers And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent!’ Many scholars of Tafseer are of the opinion the man referred to here is Habib Al Najjar

The destruction everywhere both to infrastructure and to the people is immense Lots of recovery work will be required The direct physical damage caused is estimated at $34,2 billion

Our appeal to you is to continue to give generously, especially during the coming month of Ramadaan, where the rewards are multiplied

Visit www muslimhands org za today to give your za-

kaah or sadaqah, and help support the most needy You are their hope

Ierfaan Cassiem is the CEO at Muslim Hands South Africa

Ierfaan Cassiem, the CEO at Muslim Hands South Africa, on the ground in Turkiye Graphic MUSLIM HANDS SA

March in South Africa is associated with Sharpeville Day

MUCH of post-apartheid has been about an attempt to erase any other contributions to the struggle to end apartheid

Allowing for all voices to be heard, even of one’s opposition, is fundamental to a fragile experiment in democracy

One can only agree with this call for public protest The public has to take a stand on the state of governance, or rather its failure

Without political education about the issues around the economy, housing, education, employment, healthcare, the media, criminal justice, war and peace, human rights, and foreign policy, nothing will change

Democracy is not a spectator sport It is premised on isegoria and parrhesia Isegoria is the right to participate in the affairs of public concern Parrhesia is speaking truth to power Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living

For 30 years, isegoria has been hollowed out to periodic voting in elections Democratic citizens require citizens who assume isegoria not only as a right but as a duty Something inside, a commitment to truth must be constitutive of who we are But truth is a pursuit and dialogue not as a final version owned by some to the exclusion of others

Moreover, for too long has parrhesia been muted We knew that things had gone wrong We could

have done, said, or prayed or wished for something different

We often looked the other way As long as the middle class could afford better housing, education, medical care, and private transport, they did not care

The poor just went from desperate to catastrophic, barely holding on to mere existence And the black economic empowerment tendertrepreneurs became millionaires and billionaires Many captured and looted the state

So now we have a popular demonstration around Sharpeville Day Look at the language

Who constitutes the population that frames the popular? We have been there before with necklacing

Stay at home. That is not only a popular demand When was this popularly discussed and where Who was allowed to disagree?

Close your shop to avoid being looted

This is a legally valid statement, although the reality is that if the shop were open then it would likely be looted

This kind of campaigning is what we faced before It has a scary edge that has more negative than positive consequences

Our situation in the country requires a political culture where seeking truth is an ongoing accomplishment I never have the final answer I might have better or worse answers But, I must be open to the views of others Even if they are wrong, I must not lose track of humanity

Our country needs all of us to assume responsibility to address the root causes of our problems And we have to face the Socratic

consequences of telling the truth

This campaign on March 20 is both medicine and poison Medicine is when it does raise public mobilisation Poison when a very black consciousness concept from Paolo Freire is missing That is conscientising Calling, demanding and threatening is not conscientising

A disciplined popular measure would give conscientising and political education as its first and ongoing step

More than that, it is a moral and spiritual issue That is for another day

Dr Reederwaan Craayenstein

Lessons to be learned by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

THE earthquakes can occur due to our sins Earthquakes are an abrupt conscientious wake up call to remind us all that the resurrection day is close.

It is also to draw us closer to our Creator because we live as though there is no Creator Earthquakes and calamities are also given to elevate our status on earth, cause when calamities befall Muslims, Allah elevates our status, Algamdulilaah

When we die of a calamity, one dies as a shaheed Allah creates opportunities for us to enter jannah.

Allah promises us in the Quran that when we are faced with hardships and we bear patience on earth, we are guaranteed to enter paradise, Algamdulilaah

Allah is sufficient for us Allah is in control of the universe and

nobody else Allah knows who are all strategically plotting against Muslims Allah is the best planner and Allah knows the solution to everything Nobody can change the divine plans of Allah nor destroy it We must never forget to ask earnest forgiveness for Allah Allah can take us at anytime Every living being must conform to the most gracious alluring dhikr of Allah We must constantly and consistently praise Allah abundantly Allah tests us all differently And Allah always gives us signs to take heed We are nothing without Allah

Allah alone has the ultimate power over the dunya and the aghira Only Allah knows what happens in the heavens and the unseen Allah is the Greatest Safia Davids

We are in terminal decline

OUR beleaguered nation is in critical mode, maintained by artificial respiration, as normalcy rapidly fades into oblivion. South Africa is now in a hospice situation

Over the past 20 years, leaders from all walks of life, have warned us that South Africa is becoming a powder-keg that could erupt with volcanic fury decimating every aspect of normality in a country that is horrendously imbalanced in every facet of life

The latest warning comes from Busisiwe Mavuso of Business Leadership South Africa

Her stark prediction forecasts mayhem that saw change in Egypt and Tunisia in 2011 that could become a reality in trouble torn and lawless South Africa

We grimly witnessed shattering events in July 2021 that almost destroyed our rainbow nation in an orgy of grotesque violence and destruction that seemed unstoppable

The social architecture that was formed over three centuries confirms that we are the world’s most unequal society It is absolutely shocking that 3 500 adults own more than the poorest 32 million people in a country of 60 million people

A distortion of this magnitude cannot be maintained, sooner or later 40 million people will lose their sense of forbearance, and the inferno that could erupt will change the entire landscape of our nation The haves and the havenots will not find refuge anywhere in an utterly devastated South Africa

According to former statistician-general and research associate at Oxford University, Mr Pali Lehohla, inequality and poverty levels in our nation are worsening An ominous development whose ramifications could spiral out of control, sending the entire country into a whirlpool of chaos and absolute anarchy

We have about two years to rectify the ills of our nation, should we fail at this critical juncture, events will cascade out of control, ushering in a dispensation that will forcibly change every equation of life in South Africa

Farouk Araie, Gauteng

Robben Island Kramat remembered as a symbol of struggle and faith

SAYED RIDHWAAN

MORE than 400 Muslims from across South Africa attended the annual celebration on the island February 26, 2023, marked the day when hundreds of people from all over South Africa boarded boats from the Nelson Mandela Gateway (V & A Waterfront) in Cape Town, sailing to Robben Island where the annual urs of Sayed Abdurahman Motura (RA) was held by the Cape Mazaar Society and Cape Urs Committee.

Guests were waiting to board the boats from as early as 5:30am, and the urs celebrations began early in the morning with much fervour and gaiety A symbol of unity, people cutting across religious and caste affiliations throng this place throughout the year as a tourist site

This gathering was different as it focused on spirituality and education, and not on sightseeing An estimated 400 attendees were present from different parts of the country, including Durban, Johannesburg, Ladysmith, Pretoria and also some from beyond the borders

As part of the urs celebrations this year, hundreds of devotees paid homage and offered special duahs during the urs There were many guests who were present, including leading ulama from the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB), Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and Sunni Ulama Council Cape (SUCC).

The duah at the kramat marked the official opening to the event

where the duah was led by Moulana Sayed Imraan Ziyaee (deputy president of the Sunni Ulama Council) and Shaikh Riaad Fataar (2nd deputy president of the MJC)

During the informative and educational keynote address, the 2nd deputy president of the MJC, Shaikh Riaad Fataar, said: ‘We must work hard to reach the ouliya (saints), the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamah believes in karamat, we affirm karamat; when a person rejects karamat then in our deen it is considered rudeness and disgust

We choose the middle way and ac-

cept whatever Allah allows, that comes from them in extraordinary things ’ Meanwhile, Cape Town Ulama Board executive member, Shaikh Sayed Ridhwaan, also supports the address of the MJC deputy president, who further adds ‘the deep rooted celebrations of Islam must not stop due to unfounded claims by extremist minorities We should remember the kramat on Robben Island is a symbol of the struggle for the establishment of Islam, it is our responsibility and duty to continue educating people about these kramats and saints

that lie buried around the Cape ’

A skillful ceremonial demonstration of mastery known as ‘ratieb’ was led by Khalifa Ebrahim and was conducted, using bayonet routines, drums, dance, and rhythms, praising Allah and His Messenger (SAW)

Many guests recited praises of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the event The day concluded with a scrumptious lunch, followed by qawali, led by Abdul Kader Qawaals

Yusuf Khan Dalwai, PRO of Cape Mazaar Society shared his special thanks

‘We are pleased to mark the 41st annual urs of Shaikh Abdurahman Motura on Robben Island We are happy with the success and turnout of 400+ people at today’s event and we thank all our participants and attendees.

‘We are particularly grateful to the Robben Island Museum Team for annually allowing us the opportunity to host this gathering; RIM is responsible for providing such great hospitality to our guests ’ Sayed Ridhwaan is a member of the Ahlus Sunnah Media Network

The shrine of Sayed Abdurahman Motura (RA) is one of the landmarks on Robben Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where political prisoners from the colonial and apartheid era were incarcerated Photo ONDREJ BUCEK / SHUTTERSTOCK

Towards a simple understanding of shariah

MOEGAMMAD TAHIER KARA

IN discussions about Islam on public platforms and debates, the question arises, what is shariah?

The question is usually answered in the negative

what shariah is not

The context when people ask what shariah is, is mostly when the rights of women are discussed or the penal codes of the law The standard answer is to say that shariah is not there to oppress women or that there is no compulsion in the religion of Islam.

The description and the definition of shariah should be free from its underlying components The different parts and aspects of shariah should not determine how the main idea is conceptualised and defined It should be answered from its perspective and in the context of the religion of Islam

The word ‘shariah’ has become a political football for many people around the world When they want to say something negative about Islam, the word shariah will be used to explain how bad and backward Muslims are

Shariah can be defined as a range of laws that form part of the daily life of a Muslim There are four sources the shariah is derived from: the Quran, Hadith, Ijma and Qiyaas

The Quran is the revealed scripture of the Muslims and the Hadith is the prophetic tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

While the Quran and Hadith are the primary sources, Ijma and

Qiyaas are the secondary sources

Ijma is the consensus or the agreement of the Muslim community on a point in the law at a certain time Qiyaas is the process of deductive analogy in which the teaching of the Quran and the Hadith is used to interpret points of law that are not covered in the Quran or Sunnah

Shariah encompasses every stratum of the life of a Muslim

There are three distinct components to shariah: ibaadah, mu’aamalat and mu’aasharaat

Ibaadah is the ritual that is prescribed to worship Allah in all its facets; mu’aamalaat is about social interactions between people; and mu’aasharaat covers economic interaction between people

Components of shariah

Ibaadah is the individual duty of a Muslim towards his Creator Ibaadah can be divided into two

different components, namely fardul ain and fardul kifaayah Fardul ain is the duties that an individual Muslim should perform It is compulsory for the individual Muslim, and examples of this are the salaah (five daily prayers), Hajj (the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia) and fasting in the month of Ramadaan. To help a person is worship; even smiling is an act of worship

The fardul kifaayah are those things that are compulsory for a community of Muslims The fardul kifaayah has two components, namely worship and community and social infrastructure. If some are doing it then the burden is taken away

One example of a fardul kifaayah is worshipping at a funeral

The whole community is responsible for the wash and burial according to shariah but if a few are doing it, it takes away the responsibility of the whole community

Another example of fardul kifaayah is social infrastructure, like the building of a bridge over a river When society will develop its laws in terms of the shariah of Islam, ibaadah will not be part of the laws because it is the individual’s responsibility towards his Creator

Mu’aasharaat is the social interaction between people and interaction in institutional interaction of society Simply it refers to the organisation of society There are guidelines for the mu’aasharaat on how to treat your parent, your neighbour, the orphan, the needy

and the traveller

These interactions will not become part of the law of a country but it is part of shariah

The overwhelming part of the mu’aasharaat is not part of the body of law of a country because human interaction on a personal or community level cannot be legislated into law

The family is one of the institutions of society Around these institutions, laws will be developed

In this regard, it can be the law of marriage In the instance of inheritance, clear guidelines from the Quran exist Therefore, there is no space to develop unique legislation in terms of inheritance.

Mu’aamalaat is the economic interaction between people or organisations

These interactions can be in the form of contracts and other procedures that govern the interaction between people Again there is

also a wide range of ethics to follow when doing business

Shariah will encourage people to be honest in their dealings with other people One of the divinely inspired laws is around interest Interest in any form is prohibited in Islam Mu’aamalaat can also be extrapolated to include the economy – fiscal policy - of a country An example of fiscal policy is that in the Quran it is forbidden to hoard wealth The rich people are warned to hoard money amongst themselves Shariah, as in any other law, is to provide protection and to have a balance of justice when laws are implemented. There is no reason to be alarmed when people are talking about shariah because it is like any other law

Moegammad Tahier Kara is a Masters student in the Sociology of Religious Education at Stellenbosch University

Fardul kifaayah, according to the shariah, is an act of worship which is compulsory for a community of Muslims An example of fardul kifaayah is the janaazah (funeral) from washing the body, the prayer until burial Photo SHUTTERSTOCK

Moegammad Tahier Kara is a Masters student in the Sociology of Religious Education at Stellenbosch University Photo SUPPLIED

Mohammed living her dream as media manager of West Indies

GROWING up in Trinidad, where cricket is one of the most popular sports, Naasira

Mohammed didn’t have a choice but to join her cousins in the streets playing the game with handmade wickets and bats

Those games, together with watching the legends of West Indian cricket ply their trade, got her hooked on the sport

Although she played at university, it is as an administrator where she made her mark

Her break into journalism came by pure coincidence ‘I was looking for a job and I went to the TV station to interview for the position of a traffic clerk, and while talking to the HR manager, she

asked what my passion was and when I told her that I loved sport, she said she could tell because my eyes and enthusiasm shone when I spoke about it I didn’t get the traffic clerk position but I did get a call back for an interview for a junior sports journalist position, which I got and as they say, the rest is history,’ said Mohammed Her big break at the headquarters of West Indies cricket came after the women won the ICC T20 World Cup, in 2016 ‘After the West Indies won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2016, I jokingly tweeted to the then president that I would love to be their media officer, should they ever be looking for one I was asked to submit my

resume and about 1,5 years later a vacancy became available, I applied and got the position and began working at Cricket West Indies,’ she said As communications executive and media manager, Mohammed is now based in Antigua, and is responsible for all match reports, liaising with journalists in the Caribbean and around the world regarding interviews, does her own content, does photography and videography as well as public relations

She also gets to work with her childhood hero, Courtney Walsh, who is head coach of the women’s team ‘I have to pinch myself every day As a West Indian growing up, he was on the telly and on everyone’s mind, and the fact that I can now rub shoulders with him is somewhat surreal

‘My grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s now but before the disease, I told her, ‘ma I work with Courtney Walsh now,’ and

she couldn’t believe it I get to live my dream that not a lot of people get to,’ she said about working with legend Courtney Walsh

Mohammed, who gets to travel a lot through cricket, loves meeting different people, learning different cultures and as a Muslim woman has not had many issues while travelling ‘Honestly, many people ask me this, but I haven’t had any issues so far However, at one time I was attached to the men’s team for eight months and there were some people in India and Bangladesh that came up to me and said that I’m not supposed to work with men, but my response was that this is my job,’ she added

Mohammed states Australia as her favourite country, for now, though, travelling slows down for a while It’s back to work in Antigua before taking a short holiday ahead of Ramadaan

Feroz Shaik is news editor at the Voice of the Cape

Communications executive and media manager of the West Indies women’s team, Naasira Mohammed, was recently in South Africa with the team at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup FEROZ SHAIK caught up with her about her journey to the top

A highlight for West Indies media manager, Naasira Mohammed, when she was in Cape Town during the touring team s ICC Women s World Cup, was a visit to Robben Island

Photo TWITTER

Talfalah Institute: The school of success

SAMEENA AMIEN

WHAT is legacy? Is it money? A grand statue or edifice designed to immortalise a philanthropist? Perhaps, the good deeds and kindnesses of people that touch your life as they pass through it? Or is it what Isaac Newton called ‘the shoulders of giants’ on which he stood to come to his ‘Eureka!’ moments?

Some would argue – all of the above But when Haji Taarien Moos, Haji Hashiem Maged, Imam Abubakr Abduraouf, of the Claremont Road Mosque and the other trustees of the Claremont Moslem Educational Society first got together, it was mostly about responding to a need and a threat that they had identified, and a strategy to make the solution last They would all go on to become the original founders of the Madrasatul-Falah, later to be known as the Talfalah Institute

It was the turn of the 20th century, and as was the modus operandi of the colonial machinery, Christian missionaries from various European countries and denominations were flocking to South Africa to establish church schools Anticipating the danger to the Muslim community here, the society decided to establish the first Islamic school in the country, and in 1912, purchased what was once a large bakery in Draper Street, Claremont, for the princely sum of £275

But this was no knee-jerk, ad hoc, ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ response, if the society’s

carefully crafted constitution is anything to go by

It shows both a thoughtful understanding of the possible pitfalls and struggles ahead, and a clear vision for the future, as well as checks and balances to help prevent corruption within the society

The site of the school itself was carefully chosen for its proximity to the growing and close-knit Muslim community mushrooming from the surrounding suburbs of Westerford, Rondebosch, Newlands, Wynberg, Kromboom and Lansdowne, and centring around the Claremont Main Road Mosque

A small step for man

At launch, the staff complement at Madrasatul-Falah numbered all of two educators: Imam Abduraouf and Imam Muawiya Sedick, of Wynberg Times were hard and it was only much later that the society employed other muallims on a temporary basis, their meagre salaries of an oulap (a penny) per child per week provided by already struggling parents, and dispensed from a suitably named Redemption Fund!

But as shocked as we all might be at that fact, what it also clearly illustrates is the unity of purpose of that initial community They gritted their teeth and bore it together, with a little help from early Struggle stalwarts like Dr ‘Doel’ Abduraghman and Ms Cissy Gool, who were also central to the establishment of several other Muslim educational schools countrywide, among them the Rah-

maniyah Institute (1913), The Muhammadiyyah Institute (1929) and the Habibia Kokani Educational Institute (1941)

By 1916, the area’s Muslim community had grown substantially, and Imam Sedick then approached Dr Abduraghman with the idea to adding a secular education component to the school’s offerings Of course, as we all know, in Islam the distinction between secular and sacred knowledge is fluid, if not non-existent, but once again, this move illustrates the way in which the Talfalah community rose to the challenge of its times

Some of the first pupils of the new school were Shaikh Salie Abadie, Shaikh Amien Fakier,

Abdol Salie, Amina Toefy, and Mareldia Haan

The first principal, Mr Moosa Behardien, presided over a staff of only three teachers: Misses Wadlington, Hoedemaker and Abrahams – interestingly, all females, which surely goes some way to debunk some myths on Islam and the education of women

If there’s anything this institute has taught us from its inception to its evolution into the truly Islamic institution it is today, more than a century later, it’s that we don’t always fully appreciate how truly hard-won the longevity of the practice of our religion and traditions was, and the fact that nothing is ever static

That the integral status our faith and culture currently enjoys in the fabric of our nation is also always subject to change if we don’t keep our eyes on the ball and renew and rejuvenate, while keeping to the Islamic guidelines

Here our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW’s hadith of teaching our children differently to how we were taught for they would inhabit a world different to ours, springs to mind Islamic and religious practices in general are coming under fire all over the world Here in South Africa, too, where even the adhaan has become a near-constant source of debate

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Talfalah Institute is now situated in Sherwood Park, as a result of the Group Areas Act, which forced its removal from the leafy suburb of Claremont Photo FACEBOOK

South Africa loves Aqsa

SOUTH AFRICA joined almost 40+ countries in the annual Aqsa Week events that took place between February 13 to 19, 2023 Aqsa Week events occur around the world from Bayt al-Maqdis, to South Africa, Malaysia, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and beyond.

Aqsa Week is a grassroots initiative with no overall single organizer What unites everyone is that Aqsa Week is to be marked in the week of 27 Rajab, a date often associated with AlIsra Wal-Miraj every year The global networking tool to promote Aqsa Week activities and content will be the hashtag #LoveAqsa

In South Africa, the events were pushed out by Palestine Information Network, Al Quds Foundation and the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) with a purpose purely to highlight the importance of Jerusalem’s AlAqsa Mosque and the injustices suffered by Palestinians under Israel’s illegal occupation and apartheid regime

According to the secretary general of the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB), Shaikh Sayed Ridhwaan, the CTUB took part in International Aqsa week by hosting daily events for the public

This campaign is just one that forms part of a broader battle against Israel’s oppression against our Palestinian people He says, ‘The Palestinians are facing conditions very similar to the ones our freedom fighters faced during the apartheid regime, and through our nationwide efforts spearheaded by UUCSA, PIN and Al Quds Foundation, we hope to get continued support from the international community to continue educating the masses on the reality of what’s happening in Palestine ’

Hundreds of organisations, schools, madrasahs and masaajid accepted the call of participation and hosted various events and public talks Images attached are from a few events around South Africa Report and photos by

Ahlus Sunnah Media Network and Palestine Information Network

The current struggle seems to be against the complete secularisation of civil society globally, and we must be up for the challenge

The Talfalah Institute and others like it were able to stay the distance partly because of the tenacity of its various personnel and alumni (many of whom went on to play vital roles in the South African ummah), and the communities that supported them through every challenge. For instance, when the Group Areas Act forced the school and its thriving community to relocate to Sherwood Park and its surrounding areas in the 1970s, two families mortgaged their homes to help fund the building of the new school

We call on that collective cohort now to help us record the full social history of the institute from its beginnings to how it is now – struggles, triumphs and funny anecdotes alike

Come forward and share the memories: they could be of your own time at the school, or stories handed down by friends and family members

Also, we’re interested in your thoughts on how to ensure that that Talfalah spirit of imaan and cooperation survives and thrives

How do you participate?

To participate, kindly email Achmat at: aachmat46@gmail com, or Rashied at: rashiedbcs@telkomsa net

If you like, you could also use multimedia tools such as voice notes and video to record your memories

We leave you now with this:

On his brilliant podcast, The Lex Fridman Podcast, Fridman asked Carnegie Melon maths professor and US Math Olympiad National Coach, Po-Shen Loh, what he considers the meaning of life and of success

Po-Shen replied that as a mathematician, he had devised a little score for himself using criteria that were vital to him: he wanted to contribute something innovative that would outlast him by at least two generations, and it absolutely had be something that mattered Interestingly, Po-Shen added that it wasn’t even important that he get the credit for it

It seems that any venture worth entering upon should at least start on those precepts, and if that’s the case then the founders of Talfalah Institute were indeed among the giants upon whose shoulders many of the triumphs of our current Muslim ummah stand

Youth for Al Quds Group participant holding up the Palestine flag during the ‘Hike for Aqsa

A learner at Qurtuba Islamic Academy (Gauteng), dressed up in support of Palestine during its Aqsa Week Cake Sale

Why

IT’S the Friday before the Cape Town Cycle Tour is due to take place. Ismail Dhorat, from Gauteng, who is riding the shorter addition – 42km race –for the first time, has agreed to use the opportunity to raise funds for two medical students who are part of the bursary programme of the Institute for Learning and Motivation – South Africa (better known as ILM-SA), a non-profit organisation I founded in 2006.

Securing a place in medical school isn’t easy so you take what you get, hence both Brooklyn and Rical are studying away from home, significantly escalating the costs attached to them studying

Shortly before Brooklyn matriculated, in 2020, both her parents were retrenched from the company that they worked at, leaving them puzzling as to how they were going to fund her dream of becoming a medical doctor Someone put them in touch with us, and we were able to fund some of Brooklyn’s needs from our lillah reserves

In Durban, Rical’s mother, a nurse, faces the same dilemma Her husband is unemployed, and her income isn’t sufficient to fund Rical’s tuition fees and accommodation She reached out to us in October 2021 – Rical was nearing the end of her fourth year, but faced exclusion because she was owing the university in excess of R100 000 We activated a social media appeal, and were able to raise the funds required to keep her dream alive

Since then, sourcing the funds to assist these two young women has proven to be challenging – and has entailed the activation of repeated social media appeals, as well as reaching out to specific donors.

When Ismail agreed to undertake a #ride4education to assist them, we were very grateful. However, as widely as this campaign has been advertised, the fundraising has been painfully slow, begging the question: ‘How would people respond if he was riding for victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria?’

On a daily basis, we see appeals for funds for the earthquake victims, on WhatsApp and social media That the global ummah has come together to assist our brothers and sisters in their time of dire need, is heartening indeed

But when I was recently trying

to raise a few thousand rands to enable an Uber driver in Cape Town to have his car repaired, someone on Facebook commented that Turkiye and Syria, and not he were a priority!

Alhamdulillah, millions of rands are being sent the way of Turkiye and Syria, and I’m certain that every cent thereof is required But, as South Africans we need to remember that we are living in a country which in 2019, the World Bank determined to be the most unequal in the world In fact in 2020, the United Nations Human Development Report (HDR) noted that about 11 million South Africans live on less than R28 a day (R800 per month)

Being involved in a non-profit, I come into contact with people who don’t have access to basic necessities on a frequent basis

Every month, I receive a message requesting basic food items from Muhammad* a gentleman in his thirties, living in an informal settlement, who cannot secure employment

Then there’s Uncle Ahmed,* a seventy-something old man, who should be enjoying retirement but is instead in a constant state of anxiety because his salary doesn’t cover his rent

There are single mothers – widows and divorcees – who aren’t

able to pay for electricity The list goes on and on Unsurprisingly then, we encounter a shockingly high number of individuals who have resorted to taking loans

often interest bearing ones – in an effort to make ends meet Alhamdulillah, it is relatively easy to assist these individuals as they usually qualify for zakaah assistance, and since the discharging of zakaah is compulsory upon every financially able individual, this category of funding is not hard to come by But then individuals like Elvis* and his wife Sharona* who are not Muslim come along – they found themselves without an income overnight, and were forced to sell their possessions – including their fridge – to buy groceries, and we are faced with a dilemma: how do we assist them?

The limited lillah funds we have at our disposal are used to cover our operating expenses, and not wanting to turn anyone away, we turn to crowd-funding to raise funds for lillah causes

The same applies when it comes to the severely under-resourced Embizweni High School, in the township of uMlazi The school is surrounded by an informal settlement from which most of its learners hail A walkabout reveals multiple broken windows, over-

populated classrooms and a library housed in a tiny container structure, and it is not uncommon for the principal, Mr Khubone, to tell me that they do not have a Maths or Physical Science teacher.

We assist the school with meals for matric learners in the run-up to examinations, when intensive study ‘camps’ are held, and again, this entails intensive crowd-funding campaigns

Recently, the school has experienced a spate of burglaries, and Mr Khubone asked us to assist with a security system Sadly, an organisation on our scale is unable to fork out in excess of R50 000 lillah to assist, and we anticipated

that a crowd-funding campaign would be unsuccessful so we referred him to a larger, significantly more well-resourced organisation, which we hope will be able to assist him.

One might argue that it’s the government’s responsibility to assist its people, but let’s face it –that’s not going to happen, and at the end of the day it’s up to each and every one of us to try to make a positive difference in our own country – this can be in addition to assisting with international causes But, international causes should never take the place of local causes, for charity does indeed begin at home

What better time to start than the month of Ramadaan, a month that is inextricably linked to the concept of giving? It is my hope that in addition to discharging our zakaah this month, we strive to include a lillah component to our giving After all, lillah is entirely voluntary and is likely to attract more reward from the Almighty

*not their real names

Fatima Asmal is a freelance journalist and the founder, co-director and a trustee of ILM-SA a Durban-based non-profit involved in various projects, including the provision of bursaries to tertiary students and assisting seven underprivileged madrasahs for children in rural KZN and its townships She may be contacted at fatima@ilmsa co za

Ernest Road, Rylands, 7764, Cape Town mail@muslimhands.org.za

must international causes push the challenges of the poor at home to the background?

FATIMA ASMAL writes that Ramadaan is the opportune time for one to think deep about trying to make a positive difference in our own country – in addition to international causes But, international causes should not take the place of local causes

Matric learners from Embizweni High School, in the township of uMlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, pose for a photograph during a study ‘camp’ It is one of the severely under-resourced schools that ILM-SA supports

Photo FAYYAAZ AKOOB

Muallimah Fatima Shibe, who runs a madrasah for underprivileged children in a tiny lounge in Malukazi, is dependent on sadaqah, lillah and zakah via ILM-SA to continue to impart basic deeni knowledge

Photo SUPPLIED