It was a day of tears and laughter as former activists, religious
leaders and civil society organisations within the Muslim community
gathered to pay tribute to those who persevered in bringing down
apartheid. More than 500 Muslims attended the Muslim Judical Council’s
(MJC) Khatamal Quran programme at the St. Athens Road masjid in Athlone
on Sunday, in commemoration of those who lost their lives in the
struggle and those who continue to fight for equality.
The
initiative forms part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the
African National Congress (ANC), and is one of many events being held
around the country. “We are honoured to be standing here today as a
Muslim ummah, remembering all Muslim brothers and sisters who has fought
for us in the struggle. Because of them we are standing here today,”
said Sheik Abdul Gamiet Gabier, president of the United Ulema Council of
SA (UUCSA).
“As Muslims living in South Africa, we should be
proud knowing that our people have made the Muslim community one of the
strongest in the world.” Gabier said citizens living in South Africa
should live up to the non-racial values and ideals fought for during
apartheid. Seventeen years after democracy, racism was still very much
alive, he added.
Retired judge and activist Dr Essa Moosa
remembered his days in the struggle, citing the significant role played
by Muslim political activists. The organisers of the event also
showcased various photos of political leaders, activists and community
members who were at the coalface of the anti-apartheid movement. “This
is not just a tribute to the Muslim community and to those who fought in
this struggle, but also looking back on our history to the very first
Muslims who rocked up on the shores of Cape Town and to those who made
it possible for us to be standing here freely today.” Moosa also paid
tribute to Imam Abdullah Haron who was killed in police detention as
well as Toufeeq Damon, a taxi driver who was banned and imprisoned
during the apartheid era.
MJC president Maulana Igsaan Hendricks
stirred the crowd with his powerful speech, urging the Muslim community
to draw on the lessons of the past. “If we look in our communities
today, there are many people who are not living up to what these people
have fought for. We still very much find racism and there are still
groups in our community who are practising it. We do not want our
history to be forgotten and shunned by the new generation. We as Muslims
should unite and appreciate our people and country.”
Hendricks
said they will continue to implore for the freedom of Palestinians and
believe that one day they too will achieve sovereignty. “There are many
countries still fighting for freedom and here many of our youth and
adults don’t appreciate their independence. If they could just imagine
and put themselves in the shoes of these people who are struggling.”
Hendricks
took the audience on a trip down memory lane to the humble beginnings
of the MJC during 1945, exploring the ulema body’s contribution to the
fight against oppression. While the event served to recollect the events
of the past, it was also an opportunity for old friends and comrades to
reunite. All those who attended were also treated to lunch after the
programme concluded.
Meanwhile, the MJC will host a public meeting
on Wednesday 29 February at the Rylands Civic Centre where they will be
inviting members of the ANC, as well as honour women who actively
resisted against apartheid. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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