Humairaa Mayet
Following the letter penned to the presidency by attorney Zehir Omar, controversy and conflicting opinions arose in the Muslim community. While the Majlisul Ulama, Jamiatul Ulama, and several others have called for the reopening of mosques during the lockdown, many oppose their claims.
Speaking to Salaamedia’s Azhar Vadi on The Alternative View, Dr. Faisal Suleman of the South African Muslim Network explained that his organisation and several others, including the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa and the Minara Chamber of Commerce, all disagree with the letter. “Those calling for the opening of mosques only represent a minute fraction of the Muslim community,” said Suleman.
Suleman claimed that the Majlisul Ulama may be using the situation to gain market share – if the case is taken to the Constitutional Court it will be a win-win situation for the Port Elizabeth-based organisation. If they win the case, they will be portrayed as the saviours of the Muslim community of South Africa, and if they lose, they will still be viewed in a favourable manner: As an organisation that tried even when other institutions stood against them.
“Now is the time for bold leadership,” Suleman claimed. “As things stand, there is no need for congregational prayers. The preservation of life comes first.”
Also speaking on the Alternative View was Abdulqadir Mandla Nkosi, Amir of the Gauteng Muslim Shura Council.
“Although the mosques mentioned in the letter have stated that they will provide masks and towels to attendees, many mosques in South Africa will not be able to afford to do that,” said Nkosi.
“This is not an Islamic state, and all religions have an equal footing in our country. Furthermore, chaos will ensue should all religious institutions call for the reopening of their respective sites and meeting places.”
Nkosi, who operates from the heart of townships, explained that the virus will be transmitted rapidly, not only in townships but everywhere, if citizens insist on performing congregational prayers and fail to abide by the law.
“Lives are at risk and no Islamic regulations are being violated if one were to perform their five daily prayers at their homes given the present circumstances.”
Listen to the full discussion below:
Featured image by Utsman Media on Unsplash.
