Muslim Views, December 2022

Ipsa students raise GBV awareness

‘IT is imperative that the collective intellectual strength of the ummah gathers in every masjid and all of our institutions to reflect on and contemplate the best solutions to Gender Based-Violence (GBV), and every form of violent crime in our country.’

Shaikh Ighsaan Taliep, one of the founding members of the International Peace College of South Africa (Ipsa) spoke to Muslim Views the ‘Bearing Witness to Justice Against GBV’ exhibition by IPSA students at the Voice of the Cape (VOC) Festival from December 2 to 4.

He added that GBV should be tackled ‘with the guidance of the universal values and principles of Islam, integrated with research in various spheres such as social and health sciences.’

The exhibition was a class project under the Contemporary Islamic Thought module and gave students an opportunity to collaborate on a project that not only raise awareness about the brutal reality facing our country but is also a form of dawah as it presents the stance of Islam on GBV and the solutions it offers.

The project also stems from the understanding that knowledge, according to the Quran, is holistic and all encompassing, and that the intellectual crisis afflicting the ummah arises from the segregation of knowledge

into religious and secular compartments.

‘This situation continues to deprive society from benefitting directly from the Quran and Sunnah which provides solutions to the lived-existential challenges of our time. As an ummah we need to change this notion,’ says Shaikh Taliep.

As South Africa joined the world in marking the UN-declared 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to

December 10, Shaikh Taliep said activism against GBV ‘should be every day because victims are not abused during a certain period but everyday women and children are tortured, raped and even killed’.

He added, ‘GBV continues to be a scourge that destroys every community irrespective of race, socio-economic status, nationality or religious affiliation.’

Drawing from figures released by the Minister of Police,

Bheki Cele, which showed an increase in GBV in the period between July and September 2022 compared to the same period last year, Shaikh Taliep pointed out, ‘Rape cases and the number of women who are victims of attempted murder have both increased by 11 per cent, femicide by 10 per cent and assault on women and children with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has increased by 16 per cent.

‘This is among the many

reasons which inspired the exhibition. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Believers are obliged to persistently stand, for the sake of Allah, as witnesses to Justice” (4:135). This then becomes a call to all believers to do something to contribute towards an attainment of justice.’

Third year Ipsa student, Muneebah Mohamed, who was among those who did a presentation titled The Status of Women in Islam during the exhibition, says Islam holds women in highest regard in every phase of her life.

‘When she is a daughter, she opens a door of heaven for her father. When she is a wife, she completes half of her husband’s faith. When she is a mother, heaven lies under her feet. Islam encourages men to treat women with honour and respect in all circumstances. Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said, “None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner, and none but an ignorant man treats women disgracefully.”’

The presentation by another third year student, Thaabiet Diedericks, was on the rights of women and quoted the verse: ‘The believing men and women are friends and protectors of one another. They all enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong’ (9:71).

‘This verse clearly declares that our abused sisters need the support of men, women and religious leaders.

‘No one deserves to be treated with disrespect, whether it’s in the form of physical, emotional, or financial harm. It is necessary to expose those who undermine another person’s sense of selfworth and cause physical and mental harm. We are all accountable to one another.’

NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI

Third year student, Muneebah Mohamed, was among those who did a presentation on IPSA’S Bearing Witness to Justice Against Gender Based Violence during the exhibition addressing attendees at the VOC festival. Also addressing visitors was fellow third year student, Ameera Lamera (right).

Photo NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI

‘Don’t look away!’ - hardship is more vicious during festive times

The Gregorian calendar year is almost at an end. It ushers in a time of deep significance for our Christian sisters and brothers as they welcome Christmas and the reflection and festivity that it brings. The end of the year also signals a break from the workplace for many millions of people (not all, but many). For those fortunate enough, there are holidays planned, presents to buy for loved ones, and there is a general air of excitement. So it should be. For those who have toiled all year, this should be a time of rest and enjoyment. For the majority of people in South Africa and across the world, however, the holiday season brings with it a sense of dread. For the parents and guardians whose ‘bonus’ payments will more likely help them to cover some item of debt, the holiday season is normally

a time during which they experience forms of depression and other forms of anxiety. All around them are sights and sounds urging them to buy gifts for their loved ones, yet the majority of our societies will not be able to afford getting their loved ones something to enjoy. They simply do not have the money. For all of us, regardless of our personal religious beliefs, this reality must be confronted. To put it another way, we have to ask why this is so. A great many people hold a deep belief that poverty must be blamed on those who are poor. This is a very useful train of thought, as it does not place any responsibility on those who are not poor. Once you blame the victim, you can sit back and declare to the world that you have worked hard, and it is your hard work that now makes it

possible for you to relax and spend meaningful days at rest and at peace with yourself and the world. A great many people, thankfully, do not believe this at all. For them, a different understanding of the world makes it necessary for them to take responsibility for the poverty, homelessness, unemployment and curable illnesses that are the lot of the majority of the peoples of the world. For this group of people, who often live in different parts of the world, the depth of despair suffered by their fellow-humans cannot be blamed on the victims. That is just too easy. To take just one example, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations initiative taking place annually from November 25 to December 10 (International Human Rights

Day). The theme for 2022 is:

‘Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment to build Women’s Resilience against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract!’ One of the key messages of this campaign is: ‘Act and don’t look away!’

This message is applicable across every aspect of our existence. One of the important things about a progressive society is that the most vulnerable in that society must be cared for by those who are able to secure well-paid employment, afford decent and dignified homes, and enjoy the many pleasures of the world, which has been created by Allah the Almighty. Don’t look away!

We need to ensure that our enjoyment is not blind and deaf to the hardships suffered by our sisters and brothers in humanity. We need to share with everyone.

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The killing of Imam Haron: probable homicide or murder?

DRAWING on the testimony of various experts who gave evidence at the inquest last month into the death of Imam Abdullah Haron, ANWAR OMAR argues that there is only one conclusion that Judge Daniel Thulare can reach when the inquest resumes next year for a ruling.

The inquest into the death of Imam Abdullah Haron, which took place from November 7 to 16 , 2022 , in the Cape Town High Court commenced with the testimony of an aeronautics engineer and fall trajectory specialist, Thivash Moodley, who conclusively demonstrated that the bruises on the late Imam’s body did not match that of someone who fell down a flight of stairs, in terms of the type of bruises, where it was located on the Imam’s body, as well as when it occurred in terms of timing.

In fact, it seems that the narrative of ‘falling down a flight of stairs’ was totally fabricated. The absence of abrasions, the timing of the injuries, as well as the bruises between the lower limbs are completely inconsistent with falling down a staircase.

The inquest continued with Dr Itumeleng Molefe, the stateappointed forensic pathologist and Dr Segaran Ramalu Naidoo, the pathologist for the Haron family, both experts in their field debunking myocardial ischemia as the cause of death of the Imam, as well as linking the latter to a fall down a flight of stairs.

According to them, to conclusively prove that myocardial ischemia was indeed the cause of death, the forensic pathologist conducting the autopsy on September 28, 1969, would have had to open the arteries of the deceased to determine whether they were indeed blocked. This was not done and therefore myocardial ischemia cannot conclusively be considered as the cause of death of the Imam. They also found the link between the fall down the stairs and myocardial ischemia quite bizarre

and not backed up by the physical evidence of the deceased.

Dr Naidoo’s testimony was quite damning and pointed out several shortcomings in the post-mortem performed by Dr T G Schwar, the apartheid state-appointed pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Imam Haron in September 1969.

It is important to note that Dr Naidoo has, to date, conducted more than 10 000 similar autopsies. He described the various bruises on the Imam’s body in detail in terms of where they were located, how they were possibly inflicted, how much they had healed and thus approximately when they had occurred.

It was against this background that the inquest proceedings culminated with the advocate for the Haron family, Howard Varney, questioning Brigadier Johannes Burger on days six and seven of the inquest. Burger is the only living policeman that interacted with Imam Abdullah Haron whilst he was detained by the apartheid security police in 1969. At the time Burger was the policeman who was responsible for the key to the padlock of the cell in which the Imam was held.

Burger relates that it is only 51 years later, in 2020, when he was shown the autopsy report that he realised and thus conceded that ‘Hierdie man was gemartel!’ (‘This man was tortured’). Despite him at one stage becoming quite emotional, seemingly shedding a tear, and apologising to the Haron family, he quickly recovered his composure and almost immediately continued his testimony in an extremely arrogant and evasive manner.

Varney put it to Burger that given the evidence before the court, it is obvious that the Imam was continuously tortured throughout his incarceration and his physical resistance progressively weakened until he died and that it is very strange that Burger was not aware of what was happening to the Imam over several months whilst

in custody.

According to Varney, if the police (including Burger) neglected to provide the Imam with medical attention it amounts to probable homicide. However, if they deliberately and consciously prevented the Imam from obtaining medical attention it amounts to murder.

In light of the above, it is my opinion that Judge Thulare has no alternative but to conclude that the Imam was systemically tortured over several months and based on the distinction made by Varney –between probable homicide and murder – must rule that the Imam was murdered!

This is an abridged version of Anwar Omar’s comprehensive argument. Visit https://muslimviews.co.za/category/imam-

haron/ for his in-depth account.

Johannes Burger is the only living policeman that interacted with Imam Abdullah Haron whilst he was detained by the apartheid security police in 1969. Giving evidence at the inquest last month into the death of the Imam, Burger said he spoke to the Imam on the day before he died. While he apologised to the Haron family, his testimony was extremely evasive. He did, however, concede that the Imam was tortured but said that it was only obvious to him many years later in 2020 when he was shown the autopsy report.

Photo and text ANWAR OMAR

WE MOS ALL FAMILY

Hajj: An inspiring journey bringing a lifetime of change and blessings

REHANA PARKER SAYED

IN essence, Hajj is a Muslim’s evolution towards Allah, our return to Him, as was my late mom Shanaaz Parker’s return to Allah. Her time was there and she knew it but she also knew and understood the weight of Hajj and the impact it weighed in this lifetime and the next.

In the eyes of a daughter, it takes a selfless mother whose last conversation to her daughter and son-in-law, Azeem, entails the instruction to sell all her remaining books and send deserving pilgrims on Hajj.

As any daughter would, I often have flashbacks of the last conversation and I try to

grasp what my late mom was telling me. At that time I had no idea it would be my very last conversation but deep down I know she did. In hindsight it was the best gift she could have given me. My mom gave me a purpose. One that would benefit others. May Allah accept hers too but most importantly to be a guiding light of what we need to be to others in this world. Even on her very last, she was thinking of others.

The sacred journey to perform Hajj is an uplifting one.

The entire Hajj experience leaves one with a new meaning and refreshed purpose in life. There is no single adjective that

can explain Hajj. It’s powerful and inspiring, but ultimately Hajj is an honour and is a direct call from Allah and is a lifetime of change and blessings.

I cannot guarantee who will be selected nor can I guarantee how many. Just as Allah chooses the time for each of us to depart this world He will choose who will be selected. It will be Allah’s calling and at HIS time.

This journey for me has been such a beautiful sense of Islam in the truest form. Those that I know by name and those that I do not have left such a beautiful mark in their contribution. As a daughter I extend my gratitude to one and

all for your contributions. May

Almighty Allah reward you for all your efforts and accept my effort as a daughter on behalf of my mom, Ameen.

Nominate a candidate for Hajj

So how can you continue to assist? Write to us and nominate a person worthy of such a gift. The candidate must be faced with financial constraints preventing them from fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam. The nomination process is user friendly:

• Radio 786 has kindly designed an application form on their website: www.radio786. co.za;

• Click on the ‘Hajj: The Timeless Journey’ icon and follow the

prompts;

• Your motivation should be no more than 300 words;

• A person can be nominated more than once by different people;

• Couples can also be nominated;

• Email nominations to hajjthetimelessjourney@ gmail.com

You may purchase Shanaaz Parker’s recipe books as all proceeds go towards this initiative, or make any cash donation into the banking account of Hajj the Timeless Journey.

To date, Alhamdulillah, we have raised a total of R255 000. Radio 786 and Muslim Views are proud partners to Hajj: The Timeless Journey.

Key points to consider when planning a vacation

SALEEMAH JAFFER

BOOKING accommodation, securing flights, planning road trips and researching tourist spots are an exciting part of preparing for a vacation.

When planning a holiday, be it local, national, or international there are three key areas we need to consider as Muslim travellers.

Prioritise prayers

Before embarking on a journey know the shariah rulings that are applicable, and consider these when planning your itinerary. There are many apps that allow one to find the Qibla and salaah times wherever one may be. Download salaah times prior to commencing your journey in case you do not have wi-fi access or mobile data. Plan your journey with prayer in mind. Carry with you a travel musallah and a small water bottle, remembering to empty the bottle prior to boarding flights and refill them after the security checks.

If travelling in a group, discuss your comfort level of praying in public spaces. Depending on where you may be travelling to, designated prayer spaces may not

be easily available. Keep in mind that praying in public spaces could also be a safety hazard in some areas.

When planning your day trips look for masajid near tourist attractions and plan your route accordingly. Before embarking on your journey, make the intention of performing all prayers within the stipulated times and ask Allah SWT to facilitate it for you with ease.

Have an eating plan

In South Africa, halaal food is generally easily accessible. When travelling to a new place do some research on the availability of halaal foods. Keep in mind that in different countries, different standards may be upheld in terms what is considered permissible to eat.

My own travels led me to question what halaal food means to me. I was unaware that in some places ‘fully halaal’ outlets may serve alcohol, or that in other places all beef and chicken, regardless of how it is slaughtered, is considered permissible to eat.

These challenges are not only found in western countries but in Muslim countries too, where pork

Tooba Africa to serve Bonteheuwel community

THE Tooba Africa Foundation was established in 2021 in Bonteheuwel to address the needs of the local community, including social welfare and counselling for trauma, drug abuse and domestic violence.

The foundation emerged from the vision of youth, for youth, who were inspired by the success of their first annual Quranic Quiz in Ramadaan 1443 (AH).

Thirty teens between 12 and 18 years of age participated in the event that sparked an initiative to launch an Islamic school. The envisaged school will offer classes from Grades R to 7 based on the curriculum of the Western Cape Education Department.

In addition, hifdh will be included as part of the school’s curriculum to ensure that the Quran and the basic values of Islam are prioritised and imparted to learners. Hence an

products may be found on menus of seemingly fully halaal eateries.

It is very important to research the place one is visiting and understand the local terminologies and context in relation to food.

In South Africa so many foods available at our grocery stores are marked halaal that we may not be conscious of the fact that these items are possibly not halaal in other places. These could include cheeses, marshmallows, ice cream, jelly, salad dressings, gravies or baked food containing lard.

Some countries may not have halaal authorities or they may follow different standards.

When travelling with friends or family have an open discussion on how you want to navigate your meals.

Good relations

According to some sources, Sayyidina Umar (RA) is reported to have said: ‘You don’t really know a person until you live with him, travel with him or do business with him’.

When embarking on a journey with family and friends make the intention to maintain good relations regardless of the challenges. It is often best to

Islamic library is part of the project.

Tooba Foundation’s most ambitious next step though is the acquisition of a building and property for housing the project.

To raise funds for this purpose the foundation will be hosting an inaugural dinner on December 17, 2022 at the Country Manor Complex in Schaapkraal. Tickets are available at a cost of R250 and covers a three-course dinner, live Islamic entertainment and an auction.

Anyone wishing to obtain tickets or make further enquiries may call 082 480 1202 or 072 441 6007.

The

discuss boundaries, needs and expectations prior to embarking on a journey. Be transparent about your budget and how you want to prioritise your time while on your travels. Simple things like how bills are split, or who gets to plan the itinerary, can cause tension within a travelling group. We also need to be good to the people of the place we are visiting and show them kindness and respect. This may mean learning a few words in a new language or doing some research on local customs or traditions.

their language or showing appreciation for their arts can be the start of lasting friendships and pave the way for other visitors coming after you.

Travelling together is a wonderful opportunity to establish human connection, develop friendships, increase trust and create special memories. It allows one to create meaningful relationships, learn experientially, get out of one’s comfort zone and broaden one’s horizons.

We ask Allah SWT to keep us and our loved ones safe over the

Survivor’s Blog

Broken relationships

a relationship that you really care about.

AS we grow older we realise who matters most to us.

Most of the time the people that stay by your side are those who want you to stay by theirs. The sad reality that our culture faces, which is a total cliché, is the absence of loyalty and miscommunication whether it be in friendships or family relationships.

I have lost many friendships and family relationships as I went through life. Some of those I have made a lifetime of memories with and were once a big part of my life. The majority of people feel like they give more than they get. This can be very emotional especially if you are investing in a friendship or

The discovery of it all is allowing yourself to let it go, not for their sake, but to free yourself from the weight of not ever knowing what went wrong.

With many friendships/ relationships there is the case of asking yourself, ‘Did they really value me as much as I valued them?’ If they were true to you, you would never have to ask yourself that question. You may just be surrounded by people that do not align with you.

There are some people who enter your life like jewels. They have no ulterior motives, no inferiority and superiority complex. They are not superficial or fake. They understand

you when no other person does. They do not wear a mask, rather they care enough to be open and honest with you and sincere enough to only want good for you. They know your flaws but love and guide you anyway. They’ll always have your back and will be mature enough to be a communicator rather than ‘ghosting’ you. If you have people in your life like this, you are blessed! Be thankful for all the real ones in your life. The ones that show up, keep their word, and stay loyal in every season.

Surah Yusuf teaches us that the closest people can betray you. But it also teaches us that broken hearts can be healed with love, and people of patience have beautiful endings.

Furthermore, you become unstoppable when you work on things people can’t take away from you. Things like your mindset, character, personality, transparency and your entire being.

The end of anything is the beginning of something else; sometimes not having closure is all the closure you need. Letting go is hard but holding on is harder. So, if your power-puff girl group no longer exists, or your childhood friend decided to unfollow you, pay them no mind, and keep moving forward.

My mother once told me that sometimes people dislike you because of the way other people love you. Growth is a strange and wondrous journey. Do not shrink yourself to fit the person you’ve outgrown. Live your purpose. Practise gratitude and be your highest self.

KAUTHAR ROOMANEY

Kauthar Roomaney is a survivor, teacher and motivational speaker.

Bags all packed for a vacation? The writer reminds us to consider three key areas when planning that vacation. Photo SHUTTERSTOCK

SHAIKH MOEGAMMAD COLBIE AL-AZHARI

The ‘tyranny of capital over people’ is part of the West’s new colonial escapade

Professor Ben Turok, who passed

ZUNAID MOOLLA

TWO events in the financial sector that had catastrophic consequences for the world economy were the crash of the stock market in 1929 and the sub-prime mortgage crisis in 2008.

What both crises had in common was the collapse of financial systems (a steep drop in the value of shares; widespread bankruptcies of businesses, banks, investment houses and individuals; and a halt in the circulation of money). But what was different about the two crises? In 1929, banks were allowed to go bankrupt; in 2008, billions of dollars and euros were pumped into the system to keep banks afloat. Why? Welcome to the era of financialisation!

This was one of several hardhitting points made by Professor Yanis Varoufakis, the former Finance Minister of Greece, when he gave the second annual Ben Turok Memorial Lecture online on November 30. An in-person audience attended the lecture at Bertha House in Mowbray, Cape Town.

In 2015, at the peak of Greece’s post-2008 financial woes, Varoufakis took a principled stand against the bailout offered by the IMF, the European Central Bank and the European Commission which imposed brutal austerity measures on his country. He resigned after six months as Minister of Finance and three years later returned to politics with the launch of his own party, MeRA25, which he described at its launch as an alliance of ‘people of the left and liberalism, greens and feminists’.

The annual Ben Turok Memorial Lecture marks the anniversary of the death of the founder and former director of the Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA), the struggle stalwart,

of the deficit. By cutting public expenditure, Varoufakis said, government expenditure will go down but, at the same time, national income will shrink. Tax revenue will shrink faster than government expenditure so the deficit continues to increase. For this reason, ‘austerity is bound to be self-defeating’.

He illustrates this with what happened to Greece in the financial crisis of 2008: The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) imposed on Greece, which was tougher than anything imposed on Africa by the World Bank, resulted in a 28 per cent fall in its GDP. Other countries where austerity has been introduced such as Britain and Sri Lanka show the same outcomes.

Varoufakis sees the destruction of the commons and the wholesale transfer of assets – such as water,

ports and airports – as fiscal war against the weakest members of society, which he sees as ‘a form of colonialism’. The whole idea is to make debt unpayable because it is a weapon that allows the transnational oligarchy to get their hands on public and private assets. The impact of austerity is the spread of right-wing ideologies and fascism from the global south to the global north. The popularity of political leaders like Trump in the USA and other right-wing politicians in Europe is the result of people who feel humiliated and deprived of ‘the good life.’

The dollars earned by countries from their exports flow back to the USA where it is invested

to re-create the non-aligned movement of the 1960s and to re-purpose the World Bank backed by a digital currency issued by a re-purposed IMF. He said ten per cent of global GDP needs to be invested in public education, public health and poverty alleviation.

available on IFAA’s website: www.ifaaza.org Varoufakis is unequivocal on Israel as an apartheid state. He writes on his website (www.yanisvaroufakis.eu): ‘I wear the Palestinian flag as a symbol of solidarity with a people living in an apartheid state built by reactionary Israelis damaging my Jewish and Arab brothers and sisters and stoking the fires of racism.’

Former finance minister of Greece, Professor Yanis Varoufakis, delivered the keynote address online at the second annual Ben Turok Memorial Lecture on November 30.

Mindful Muslim: A course on the fundamentals of Islam that meets contemporary challenges

SHAIKH ISMAIL LONDT

IT has been a year since the inception of the Mindful Muslim course and the experience has been life altering for all the participating members.

One of the graduates said he ‘perceives the world differently’. Another student has become more aware of the differences between this worldly life and the hereafter.

Mindful Muslim is a course that covers the very least that every Muslim should know regarding the teachings of Islam and how a Muslim navigates his life in an ever-changing world.

It has successfully managed to navigate the intended content with 20 members consisting of matriculants, three memorisers of the Quran and a revert to Allah’s beautiful religion.

The course has empowered this group of aspiring leaders with fundamental knowledge regarding the Quran and Islamic studies.

Beyond honing the recitation of selected familiar chapters, time was spent to analyse, discuss and understand its message.

The course also

comprehensively addressed belief, prophetic history, the caliphates, jurisprudence and its origins, the preservation of prophetic narrations and more.

Practical training was gained in areas such as name-giving, nikah and burial.

Special effort was made to discuss and explore the Quran and Prophetic guidance where modern challenges are concerned.

We live in a world that is rapidly changing and we may be left unsure as to who we are in relation to everything around us. We may not know how to respond to or deal with current events, specific situations, concepts and claims. Gender matters, sexuality, Islamophobia, anxiety and depression are the buzzwords of the day, pointing to contemporary challenges, and a Muslim needs to know where to find direction regarding it all. A wide variety of topics were explored and expert help was sought to guide us through this maze of important and relevant issues.

In addition to all the above, the course members received life-coaching, home-maintenance

training and fitness input and the entire programme was designed to create a platform of engagement and expression. No question was ignored, and everyone had the opportunity to express himself.

There was no written examination but a creative method of quizzing was developed to recap on content studied and involved all in a fun manner of revision.

Feel free to contact the DU Centre on 076 650 7772 for further information or apply for the full-time course directly via this link: http://tinyurl.com/ DUMMregistration.

Inquiries have been made for similar sessions on a part-time basis with online offerings that would accommodate female membership as well. We have considered it and inquiries in this regard may be forwarded to our office as well. Please watch our social media announcements regarding it and the way forward.

We request everyone’s prayers that the Almighty guides us, blesses our efforts with acceptance and grants us the intended beneficial outcomes to truly empower the youth, our leaders of tomorrow!

Tell your story and change the narrative

SALEEMAH JAFFER

SOUTH AFRICAN Muslims are uniquely positioned. Our different backgrounds, ethnicities, family histories and cultures all contribute to our vibrant local Muslim identity.

Like many young people growing up in post-apartheid South Africa, with immigrant grandparents who were victims of the Group Areas Act, understanding my position in the world is a journey that continues.

We find ourselves at the intersection between South African history, Islamic world history, and our own family histories, needing to map the way forward into the future.

Knowing our history gives us the opportunity to learn from both the successes and the challenges of the past and gives us an insight into the current context we find ourselves. Understanding where we come from, as Muslims, as South Africans, and as members of our families or communities, can be a means for us to better understand ourselves.

When discussing history, there is always that underlying question: ‘whose story?’ Who wrote this story, where did it come from, have these facts been verified, and from which

perspective is it written? These are similar questions we find ourselves asking when we read current news bulletins. As a Muslim woman I often find myself asking the question: ‘Would this story have been narrated differently had it been written by a woman?’

One way we can tackle some of these questions is by starting to write the stories ourselves – write today for tomorrow’s history.

The value of history is indeed great. We can learn details about the past and memorise facts and dates. Or we can recognise that history is converted from information into knowledge when we allow it to transform us. We can take this simple threestep approach to leverage the wealth of knowledge we have inherited from our forebears as we move ahead into 2023.

1. Identify the lessons that we can learn from history

Knowing the facts is great. Knowing how to apply the lessons is power. This simple step elevates a story to a learning opportunity. It can be achieved by recognising the values and principles embedded in our history and by understanding the consequences of actions. Be critical, ask questions and tap

into both the heartache and the inspiration of the past.

2. Embrace it

Sometimes when we delve into the past, we may find things that make us uncomfortable or even angry. Acknowledge the impact these events have on our lives and think about how this shapes our worldview.

It is important to reflect on these incidents or tragedies and better equip ourselves for our future. Sometimes our past reveals things that may cause us pain and suffering. Generational trauma, as well as post traumatic stress disorder, are real challenges of many individuals today. Do not be afraid to take the necessary steps to heal. For some, this may look like therapy or medical support. For others it may be human connection, self-care, or time out. Whichever path of healing one chooses, as Muslims, we know the paving of this path must be remembrance of Allah.

3. Tell your story

Don’t be afraid to tell your story.

We live in a time where there is so much information everywhere that we often feel that our voice will simply be lost in the sea

of stories. With social media the number of platforms and opportunities to share our stories have increased exponentially.

One of my teachers always says, ‘We love the clash of the minds, as long as it’s not the clash of the hearts.’ What this means is that we can and should have conversations about topics or events, and that it is okay to disagree with others, if it is done with mutual respect and kindness. Make sure you check your facts and add references if they are required; this gives you more credibility.

As we approach 2023 we

have the opportunity to make a change. We can be the voice of hope, growth and opportunity in our communities, the flag bearer for truth and integrity.

It is becoming increasingly important for us to understand our agency and leverage our ability to effect change. We can change the status quo, we can break destructive patterns of the past, we can build on the strong foundations of our forebears. We can change the narrative. 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).

The writer encourages one to write today for tomorrow’s history and in that way shape the narrative and also to better understand ourselves. Graphic SHUTTERSTOCK

Family reunion honours legacy of forebears

ZOGHARA FAKIER (NEE WILLIAMS)

FAMILY reunions not only serve to strengthen relationship bonds but also capture the enduring legacy of forebears in the community.

This was the motivation when the well-known Williams family from Grassy Park held its firstever reunion on Sunday, October 9, 2022 – corresponding to 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1144, the day marking the birth of our beloved Nabi Muhammad (SAW).

The 350 family members gathered for this long overdue event at South Peninsula High School in Diep River were the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren – five generations in all – of Hajji Abdulla Williams and Hajja Gawa, nee Slamang.

Hajji Abdulla was born on April 7, 1902 and passed away on January 1, 1973.

His wife, Hajja Gawa, passed away at the age of 90 on November 7, 1992.

The couple served the community as madrasah teachers from 1938 to 1968. Hajja Gawa conducted part-time classes – also known as ‘koples’ – for younger females.

These classes were held in their

family homes which were built between 1936 and 1938 in Fifth Avenue, Grassy Park. It was also a meeting place for the family every Sunday. The houses are still owned by family members.

An annual event that was dear to Hajji Abdulla and Hajja Gawa, and still commemorated by the Williams family, is Moulood-unNabi, the birth of our beloved

Prophet (SAW).

In fact, our grandmother’s father, the late Hajji Ismail Slamang, better known as Tata, was one of the founder members, together with the late Shaikh Lamara, of the Red Crescents Moulood Jamaat.

The couple had 14 children, two of whom passed away at birth. At the reunion were the offspring of

the six who subsequently passed on – Omar, Darawees (Boetie), Toufeeq (Dara), Wareldia (Tietie), Nadeema (Oegtie) and Gadija (Anja) – and the offspring of the surviving siblings – Yunus, Suleiman, Sedick, Rugayah, Adiela and Rusdeya.

Each family wore different colours to represent the 12 siblings of the late Hajji Abdullah and Hajja Gawa.

The event started off with an opening duah followed by speeches and family photograph sessions and continued throughout the day

brought back fond memories of the early days as a slide show of old family photographs were screened throughout the day.

It was also an emotional time as we honoured our deceased family members. May Allah SWT grant them Jannatul Firdous, Ameen. This event was such a huge success that planning is underway for many more family gettogethers.

All the family members expressed the view that this reunion was of extreme importance as our grandparents always emphasised the need to maintain good family ties.

May Allah Almighty accept all our efforts and duahs to continue maintaining strong family ties as taught by our beloved

The well-known Williams family from Grassy Park held a grand reunion bringing together all the surviving offspring of Hajji Abdullah and Hajja Gawa Williams.

Photo NASIEF SMART / Collage ISMAIL FAKIER

Hajji Abdullah and Hajja Gawa Williams (nee Slamang) who, for over 30 years, conducted madrasah classes and left an enduring legacy for their offspring. Photo SUPPLIED

AMA launches initiative to help the vulnerable during harsh northern winter

NADDA OSMAN

THE scene has become all too familiar. In Lebanon, every winter, refugee tents get flooded amidst heavy rains and the chilling cold. In Afghanistan, children struggle to find warmth and shelter as the humanitarian crisis in the country worsens by the day.

While around the world people are preparing for cosy nights in during the holiday season, for the world’s most vulnerable people winter is a dreaded time of year.

In both Afghanistan and Lebanon, temperatures drop to below freezing, with the thin sheets that make up the refugee tents offering little to no protection against the harsh cold. The weather not only results in poor health and the spread of illness but can also be fatal for young children.

Despite the bleak situation, Africa Muslims Agency (AMA) is providing help on the ground through the provision of blankets, heaters, food, mattresses and clothing.

‘The Winter Rescue campaign looks at empowering local communities in Afghanistan and Lebanon amidst the winter storms and cold season. AMA is working to provide widows and

orphans in particular with essentials to keep them warm, as they are some of the most vulnerable,’ said Hafidh Hussain Choonara, Regional Manager of AMA.

‘In the camps of Lebanon we’ve seen children go to sleep and wake up in clothing soaked from the rain, which causes them to get extremely sick. The elderly are also sleeping on the cold floors. So our campaign is designed to protect them against these harsh conditions,’ he added.

Living in constant fear

Every year a wave of heavy snow and rainfall hits parts of Lebanon completely devastating the tents which are home to displaced Syrians. Refugees are forbidden from building concrete houses or to reinforce their tents – as these are considered temporary housing – leaving them vulnerable to the elements.

Lebanon is home to over 950 000 Syrian refugees who are registered with the UN, although the actual numbers are thought to be much higher.

Throughout the winter many of the refugees struggle to stay warm, often having to resort to using their belongings as fuel for a fire to keep it

going throughout the night. This can, of course, have devastating impacts.

‘In this tent we are a family of 13 people,’ one refugee residing in a camp in Lebanon told AMA. ‘The winter and the lack of basic food makes life so difficult. As you can see we are burning plastic bags, old boots and wood to get warm,’ he added.

Those living in tents expressed to AMA that they lived in constant fear of a storm blowing away, or completely devastating, their tent.

‘There is no security here. We’re always afraid about either food, cold, clothes, the sleeping situation; we fear everything,’ he said.

AMA staff note that in the winter their teams come across many young children walking barefoot in the snow and the muddy ground.

In an effort to ease the situation, AMA has also launched the Bread of Hope campaign. The projects operate in Afghanistan and Lebanon, providing bread on a daily basis to hundreds of impoverished families.

In Lebanon AMA makes 3 500 bread bags per day. This is distributed to Syrian refugees and poor Lebanese families. A similar project takes place in Afghanistan.

Extreme weather conditions

In Afghanistan, particularly in the mountainous regions, entire communities become cut off from urban centres for months at a time due to the heavy snowfall.

This makes it increasingly difficult for people to secure food, water or essential items. The country, which is currently going through one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, is home to over 24,4 million people who are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The UN Refugee Agency has already issued a warning over the extreme hardship many displaced families will experience during winter this year, stating that this will only become worse as a result of the lasting impacts from the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis.

In Afghanistan temperatures can become so extreme, they plunge to -25 degrees Celsius across many parts of the country.

AMA has responded to the extreme weather conditions by re-launching our Winter Rescue campaign which targets vulnerable families, providing them with hot meals, blankets, heaters and clothing.

You can contribute to AMA’s Winter Rescue campaign by donating online to help fund the regular distributions AMA conducts on the ground in some of the most poverty-

stricken parts of the world.

Hassan Choonara, AMA’s regional director, explains that the donations being made have already had a tangible impact on the ground.

‘It makes you more grateful for what you have,’ he said after visiting the camps in Lebanon earlier this year. ‘Snow in any part of the world is a beautiful thing to see; it’s very picturesque but the reality for those in refugee camps is very different,’ he added.

Contact details: Hussain Choonara: +27 81 030 8241; www.africamuslimsagency.co.za

Follow AMA on Instagram (@africamuslimsagency), Facebook (@AfricaMuslimsAgency), Twitter (AMASDirectAid)

Sanzaf honours scholars and students of the Quran

THE South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) hosted an appreciation event on November 23 to honour scholars and students as part of the series, ‘Quran and its People –Learning About Them and Learning From Them’.

The series follows the journey of the scholars’ and students’ experience of teaching and learning the Quran.

Guest speakers included Shaikh Amien Fakier, Shaikh Ismail Londt, Head of the Muslim Judicial Council’s Department of Quranic Affairs (DQA) and Moulana Hassiem Cassiem, Sanzaf First National Deputy Chairperson. The

proceedings were anchored by Shafiek Barendse, Sanzaf Western Cape Regional Manager.

Moulana Cassiem highlighted the benefits of teaching the Quran and referenced the hadith narrated by Hadrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA) in which the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘The best amongst you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.’

He thanked the guests and those who participated in the Quran and its People series. He added that the participants demonstrated their dedication in advancing the love and reading of the Quran and their journey to achieve this end.

Issued by Sanzaf Communication

SANZAF held an appreciation event to honour scholars and students who were part of the series, ‘Quran and its People – Learning About Them and Learning From Them’. Shaikh Amien Fakier (centre) received an appreciation award for his longstanding commitment to learning and teaching the Quran. Presenting the award are Moulana Hassiem Cassiem, SANZAF National First Deputy Chairperson (left) and Hajji Abul Gakeem Sydow, Sanzaf Welfare Department Head (right).

Shaikh Ismail Londt, Head of the Muslim Judicial Council’s Department of Quranic Affairs (DQA) at Sanzaf’s appreciation event to honour scholars and students who were part of the series, ‘Quran and its People – Learning About Them and Learning From Them’. Renowned for reciting and teaching the Quran, Shaikh Londt, on behalf of the DQA, collaborated with Sanzaf to anchor the successful series. The series will continue in the future featuring more scholars that are making their mark in society.

Leading scholars of the Quran were in attendance at Sanzaf’s appreciation event to honour those who were part of the series, ‘Quran and its People – Learning About Them and Learning From Them’.

Photo NAZMEH SCHROEDER

Photo NAZMEH SCHROEDER

Photo NAZMEH SCHROEDER

An overview of Islamic Capital Markets

ICONSULT CORRESPONDENT

ISLAMIC FINANCE made its debut in South Africa in 1989 with the country’s first Islamic Bank. In 1992 , South Africa’s first Islamic Capital Market (ICM) instrument made its entrance to the market in the form of a unit trust and just over two decades later, in 2014, the National Treasury paved the way for greater depth of the Islamic Capital Market by launching a US$500 m sovereign Sukuk.

But first, back to the basics!

What is a capital market?

A capital market can be defined as a platform for channelling savings and investments between those who have investable capital i.e., surplus funds, and those who do not have employable capital and need funding. Surplus funds are collected and made available through banks, non-financial institutions and sometimes private investors. Those in need of capital include governments, businesses and occasionally, individuals.

Ordinarily, a market constitutes a physical place. However, a capital market is not always physical in nature.

With the advent of technology, modern day capital markets connect funders with those in need of capital digitally, thereby improving efficiency and transparency of transactions. The stock and bond market can be seen as the most common forms of a capital market.

What makes a capital market Islamic?

A Capital Market can be referred to as Islamic when both form and substance are based on the principles of Islamic commercial law.

A case of similar form, but not substance, would be that of a mutual fund. While conventional mutual funds are unrestricted in terms of where or how funds are placed, Islamic ones are bound by, among other restrictions, shariah-approved debt or equity instruments.

A case of similar substance, but not form, would be Sukuk (Islamic investment certificates similar to bonds). Sukuk returns may at times be ‘fixed’ in terms of rate of return, thereby resembling a conventional bond, but with underlying shariah compliant contracts and cash flows from real projects. Conventional bonds on the other

hand, provide interest returns and are not necessarily linked to real projects.

An Islamic Capital Market can also be differentiated based on its unique objective/s or value basis, which is to:

• Facilitate wealth circulation, as dormancy of wealth is not in keeping with Islamic economic principles.

• Facilitate holistic communal development and prosperity, as wealth in an Islamic economy is geared towards the fulfilment of needs as opposed to individual wants.

• Maintain financial transparency to avoid undue exploitation of wealth provided by surplus units.

• Validate ownership to ensure property rights are afforded to surplus units. What are the main instruments of an ICM?

An Islamic Capital Market can comprise several instruments. These include, and may not be limited to the following:

• Sukuk are individual certificates of undivided ownership in underlying projects, portfolios of eligible existing investment, or even future assets.

• Shariah-approved stocks are stock market shares that meet both the sector-based and accounting-based filters set out by industry experts and shariah scholars.

• Islamic mutual funds or unit trusts are collective investment schemes where investors have an opportunity to invest in the share market through risk-managed portfolios based on specific investment philosophies, appealing to risk averse, neutral or aggressive investors. Shariah compliant unit trusts or mutual funds invest in Shariah-approved stocks, commodities, and even fixed income instruments based on their investment philosophy.

• Shariah compliant Real Estate Investment Trusts (i-REITs) are collective investment schemes that invest in Shariah compliant real estate.

• Shariah compliant Exchange Traded Funds (i-ETFs) are a

basket of shariah-approved financial instruments that represent and measure the performance of a specific market, asset class, market sector or investment strategy.

In conclusion, although Rand Merchant Bank’s (RMB’s) Where to Invest in Africa report indicates that growth has been constrained as a result of the pandemic and unrest in Europe, the report does highlight that South Africa still remains Africa’s most well-developed financial and capital market on the continent. This is evident from the JSE All Share Index hosting the African continent’s first Sustainability Sukuk issuance by Agararius in October 2022.

It is worth noting that in excess of US$1,4 billion in shares are traded daily on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), compared to the Cairo Stock Exchange’s US$44 million. This shows that the JSE is, by far, Africa’s most liquid stock exchange.

The stakeholders integral to the Awqaf SA ecosystem

ZEINOUL ABEDIEN CAJEE

AS an organisation grounded in the shariah Awqaf SA has the immense responsibility of trusteeship (amanah) of donor funds and that responsibility extends to ensuring that all stakeholders within the ecosystem of the organisation are generally satisfied with the workings, activities, reporting, management, governance, legalities and various other issues.

Trust must be maintained at all costs. At the outset, Allah SWT is the real and true owner of all waqf assets and therefore becomes the single and most important ‘stakeholder’. Everyone from mutawallees, trustees,

patron trustees, volunteers and management are all accountable to Allah SWT.

The ecosystem is simply the various stakeholders that are involved with the organisation in whichever way. At times these are interdependent stakeholders and at times they are independent.

In our previous article (muslim views, November 2022) we discussed some of the stakeholders that are intimately involved with the workings of Awqaf SA. These are volunteers, patron trustees, donors, staff, beneficiaries, mutawallees/ trustees, partners, founders, community, shariah and legal advisors, and auditors.

But there are also a number of other stakeholders that form part of the Awqaf SA ecosystem. What does this entail? We shall discuss these in turn as follows:

NGO Sector: The entire NGO sector, both Muslim and general, are duty bound so as not to become tainted with corruption or maladministration as this will severely hamper the work of the NGO. There have been experiences where there has been such malfeasance in some NGOs that

had negative impacts on the whole sector. As an organisation we need to ensure that Good and Best Practise Corporate Governance is uppermost in the Management of the organisation.

Banks. We have seen banks close the accounts of companies that are regarded as high risk to the good reputation of banks. Bankers need to be confident that the type and flow of transactions and the compliance with their regulations are complied with meticulously. Banks usually require FICA compliance and if these are not forthcoming, it could lead to the freezing of your bank account.

South African Revenue Service (Sars). Compliance with the Income Tax Act and all its regulatory requirements, particularly around Public Benefit Organisations (PBO), S18 deductions, taxation of ‘trade’ income, submission of regular tax returns, and the general maintenance, regular and timely submission of the required returns is essential. Failure may risk the NGO losing its taxexempt status or even its S18 deduction allowances.

Master of the High Court: Awqaf SA is a registered Trust with the Master of the High Court. The Master is the government organ responsible for ensuring that the trust as an entity

is governed according to the Trust Property Control Act and the trust deed of the trust. Here again, compliance is key. There are several matters of concern. Should there be complaints against the trustees or should there be any form of maladministration, mismanagement, or some other issue of non-compliance, the public has recourse to the Master. Perhaps a trustee may need to be removed from office.

Religious Sector: Awqaf SA, being a faith-based organisation which espouses Islamic values, falls within the scope of the religious sector. Stakeholders include the Islamic religious sector as well as the broader religious sector. It would be in the best interest of the organisation not to bring itself into disrepute by pursuing activities that are not in line with its underlying ethos and values. Bringing the organisation into disrepute could indeed be damaging not only to Awqaf SA but also to other similar religiousbased organisations.

International: Awqaf SA has over the years developed relationships with various international organisations in several countries. Awqaf SA is thus well known in Turkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mauritius, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Dubai, Kuwait,

Sudan and Qatar.

Broader Community: This goes beyond the Muslim community to included the entire South African population. There are many projects that Awqaf SA engages in that impact on the broader community. For example, the Matric Maths Upgrade Programme deals with hundreds of public schools and the Department of Basic Education. Misconduct will damage the organisation’s reputation and that will be the end of a very important relationship.

These stakeholders are an integral and essential part of the Awqaf SA ecosystem.

Visit www.awqafsa.org.za for further information or contact us at info@awqafsa.org.za or call us on 079 507 1196.

Zeinoul Abedien Cajee [CA (SA) MEd] is the founding CEO of Awqaf SA.

Hindutva ethnic cleansing predates independence

THE BJP/RSS menace, now in its sixth year, is not new to India.

Stalled for a while when more ‘secular’ and democratic leaders were at the helm, the Hindutva brand of ethnic cleansing, targeting Muslims, has its origins pre-1947 when talks between Britain, India and Pakistan (not formed then) were underway to quell the communal riots that plagued Hindustan. The creation of Pakistan was well supported by Jawaharlal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as well as Mahatma Gandhi. One could add that the

assassination of Gandhi was the precursor to the mayhem plaguing India at present. A dissident Hindu, Nathuram Godse, cited his anger at Gandhi’s conciliatory stance towards Muslims as the reason for assassinating the Indian leader.

The RSS had always wanted the state of India to remain Hindu, being vehemently opposed to Muslims staying on after India was given independence.

Rahul Gandhi’s loss in the last election, held in 2019, signalled the end of the Nehru/ Gandhi dynasty that paved the way for the BJP to lead the country twice, causing untold misery to Muslims, minorities and the economy which has seen negative growth.

A R Modak Johannesburg

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters via email to: editor@muslimviews.co.za

Kindly include your full name and address. Letters must not exceed 500 words. Shorter letters are given preference. The editor reserves the right to edit and abridge letters.

Mourning Dr Khan, a devoted caregiver

KUILS RIVER and surrounding areas are in deep mourning over the death of well-known Dr Ferhan Khan.

Ferhan was a consummate physician. He exemplified the importance of hard work and close observation and had a practical approach to the issues at hand.

His warmth, compassion and concern for his patients made him a role model. In his passing, we lost a medical colossus and a caregiver, whose utmost devotion will hardly be matched in our lifetime.

Ferhan was an integral part of his community, making his loss an intimate one. We are both comforted and numbed by the outpouring of grief for this beloved medical icon.

We draw the lesson that life is fleeting and it becomes clear that death is the great equaliser no matter who the person. Death reminds us of our own mortality as human beings. In sorrow, we mourn our monumental loss.

Ferhan was a fearless medical first responder, a warrior who was doing the hard fighting and risked his life during the

COVID-19 pandemic, trying to save humanity from an enemy that is 1/900th the width of a human hair.

He made the supreme sacrifice fighting for the health of all of us. Ferhan refused to retreat in the wake of this unprecedented biological calamity. We must applaud the heroic efforts of courageous and inspiring doctors like Ferhan, who made the difference between life and death.

Ferhan fought this viral war with unmatched compassion, placing himself at risk of exposure to the pathogen. As Carl Jung said, ‘Medicine cures diseases but only a doctor can cure patients.’

Ferhan will be remembered and honoured as a medical professional par excellence. He demonstrated compassion and personal sacrifice while providing health care to a marginalised population in a poor community. His gift was humility, unassuming demeanour and generosity of spirit.

The dedication that he showed to caring for every person in a holistic, kind and compassionate way was second to none; he won the admiration and confidence of his patients in one session. He epitomised what medical care is about. Ferhan put his life on

the line every day, not seeking headlines or glory, but for the simple satisfaction of helping and saving his patients.

He saved many lives, and his special and powerful contributions will never be forgotten. He remains, to this day, a household name in his community.

He positively influenced the world he inhabited. Ferhan had humanity in spades towards all who came to seek medical treatment.

He knew the problems of his patients were best solved by getting to know them from all possible angles. His unsurpassed clinical judgement will be his legacy for all to remember. Generations to come will hardly believe that a doctor of Ferhan Khan’s calibre walked on this earth.

Our priceless loss is Almighty Allah’s Will. I pray that Almighty Allah gives us all the strength to withstand this tragic moment. May Allah rest his noble soul in total peace and may his abode be Jannah.

Never in his geographical area has one man done so much for so many without seeking any compensation.

Farouk Araie Benoni

COME December, many employees generally receive a 13th cheque, and under the impression that they suddenly have considerable sums of money, there is an innate urge to want to spend it.

People tend to get carried away over the festive season by going overboard without a proper plan set in place and often spend money impulsively. While having extra cash makes you feel giddy, be careful not to fall in the over-indebted trap during the December holidays because it will probably have damaging repercussions come January.

There is heightened careless and impulsive spending in December on unnecessary items. But with variant options (and distractions) vying for your

got paid, and I got a little money to burn’ – the December trap

advisable to use some of your bonus to get ahead of the coming school year by making upfront payments which could earn you some discount.

attention, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. However, be sensible with your extra cash, and make carefully thought-out choices that will keep on giving into next year. This year has been replete with steep increases in living expenses due to the tough economic climate, and one is uncertain what lies ahead in 2023.

If you were fortunate enough to receive a bonus despite challenging economic conditions, you now have a great opportunity to strengthen your financial position, and here we offer some helpful tips on using your bonus effectively.

The temptation to splash out on those expensive unbudgeted accessories desperately wanted (but don’t really need) becomes very real once the money reflects in your bank account. Such purchases certainly bring short-term satisfaction. A word of advice: resist those ‘sale’ signs and if you did not budget for a festive holiday, rather stay

at home! Always be cautious when you are tempted to buy goods that could later see you falling into debt for months or even years.

So, if sanity prevails and you manage to resist the urge to indulge, the big question becomes: now what?

One of the very first options you should consider is using your windfall bonus to pay off or reduce any shortterm debt obligations, particularly those carrying high interest rates, such as personal loans or store cards. If in debt, then paying down your debt should always be top of your list.

However, the behaviour of relying on your annual bonus to settle debts should not become habitual, because it would be prudent to view any future bonuses as a possibility rather than a certainty.

Another sensible proposition is to put money aside that will be needed in January. For most parents ranking high in the list of expenses are school fees, uniforms and stationery and it would be

However, if you don’t have these financial responsibilities, consider topping up your tax-free investment account, if available, or retirement fund or general savings. This will come in handy in the future.

There is a general consensus amongst scholars and statisticians that only between 6 per cent to 10 per cent of South Africans will be able to manage their living expenses in retirement. In light of such findings, it will be wise to boost your retirement savings using your bonus.

Furthermore, it is also advisable to allocate a portion of your bonus to a ‘rainy day’ fund that can be used as a safety net to cover any unexpected future expenses, such as medical emergencies or critical home or car repairs. An emergency fund can also help to cover your living expenses should you for some unbeknown reason become unemployed.

I may have come across as miserly! So let me loosen the budget belt a bit:

you also deserve to reward yourself. Having worked so hard the entire year it’s justifiable to feel entitled to spending a bit of your bonus on yourself. There is no reason why you shouldn’t, provided it is done sensibly. But before you start swiping your credit card, decide on a budget and stick to it. However, in doing so, be mindful to save a little, pay off some debt, and remember January.

Lastly, make good use of your yearend bonus so that a debt trap does not await you in January 2023.

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

‘Just

TINASHE CHIPATISO, a tax and corporate consultant at Nexia SAB&T, has some tips on how to avoid the January debt trap.

Emergency relief and rebuilding in Pakistan and Indonesia – thanks to loyal support

ZYAAN DAVIDS

SERVING people during their greatest times of need, instils a deep respect for the resilience and faith that we at Islamic Relief witness in the communities in which we work across the world.

We are also profoundly grateful to all our loyal donors for their continued support of our work, not just in South Africa – where we are committed to helping to address the socio-economic challenges and inequity in our country – but also abroad.

Floods ravage Pakistan; earthquake devastates Indonesia

This year, Islamic Relief has focused much of its energy and resources on responding to climate-related disasters of unfathomable proportions. During monsoon season in Pakistan – from mid-June until the end of August – much of the country experienced unprecedented rainfall, turning villages into islands and

impacting an estimated 33 million people – including 16 million children. Hundreds of thousands of homes, roads, bridges, schools and hospitals were damaged or destroyed; 4.4 million acres of crops were ruined; and over 1 600 lives were lost.

The need for immediate relief is only matched by the need for sustainable rebuilding in the country. Thanks to our donor community, Islamic Relief has been able to reach nearly 700 000 people in Pakistan – providing temporary shelter, food, clean water and sanitation kits, as well as unconditional cash transfers.

We are currently doing the same in Indonesia where, last month, a 5,6 magnitude earthquake hit west of the island of Java, killing 321 people, injuring another 7 729 and displacing an estimated 73 693 people.

The scale of infrastructural damage in the 154 affected villages is also of great concern, with 62 628 houses, 14 health facilities and 2 235 classrooms in need of repair.

Our commitment to helping to rebuild affected communities

In addition to our emergency provision in Pakistan and Indonesia, Islamic Relief is committed to contributing meaningfully to the sustainable rehabilitation and reconstruction of both countries. Our early recovery plans, which span between nine and 24 months, include ensuring semi-permanent shelter, the recovery of livelihoods and food security through pastoral and agricultural revitalisation, and ensuring protection for all those affected, with particular emphasis on the more vulnerable in these societies. In the longer term, we intend, through the Almighty’s Grace, to sustainably rebuild damaged homes and infrastructure, to repair water supply systems and sanitation facilities, and to address the psychological impact of these crises in the affected communities.

Gratitude for our loyal donor community

Having barely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the

skyrocketing cost of living, a ruthless job market, and an uncertain political climate, we recognise that these are very challenging times for us here, at home. The fact that South Africans support Islamic Relief’s local causes, as well as our appeals for countries that some have never visited, is testimony to the spirit of interconnectedness

that has become known the world over as ‘ubuntu’.

The Islamic Relief team sincerely thanks each and every one of our donors. We are humbled by the support and work hard to ensure that every cent entrusted to us goes towards the intended cause. We know that we are accountable to our donors, to our rights holders and, ultimately, to the Almighty. We pray that all donations significantly benefit our rights holders, and that all donors be abundantly blessed InshaAllah

R1300

Islamic Relief continues to assist the people of Pakistan who were severely affected by unprecedented floods between June and October this year

Photo ISLAMIC RELIEF WORLDWIDE

Gift a school kit with Muslim Hands

AISHA ADAM three dimensions of well-being: monetary poverty, education and progress at school in rural communities.

attain an education and earn a livelihood with dignity in the

Alhamdulillah, through the generosity of donors like you, the Gift A School Kit campaign has assisted thousands of learners across South Africa since its onset in 2014. The stationery packs include exercise books, pens, rulers, files, folders and other extras to kick start a child’s new school year.

For the 2023 Gift A School Kit campaign, we aim to distribute stationery packs to the most vulnerable and most needy schools in rural communities across the country. Not only will this help a child in need progress at school but will also ensure that your donation reaches those in greatest need locally.

The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs’ (Bukhari).

End 2022 by following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and help an orphan or needy child. For only R550, you can gift a stationery pack to a child in need that includes exercise books, pens, pencils, files, folders, crayons and much more.

For every stationery pack you donate, we will give a pair of new school shoes

For the 2023 school year, we will provide every child a brand new pair of school shoes along with your gift of a stationery pack.

Children living in rural areas walk long distances every day to go to school and majority cannot afford shoes. As such, we have pledged to donate brand new school shoes to children in need in rural communities, ensuring they are able to travel to school without injuring themselves.

SubhanAllah, how beautiful it is that your simple donation of a stationery pack can help a child in need earn a quality education and lift themselves out of poverty one day, InshaAllah.

Gift A School Kit today

You can support the Gift A School Kit campaign by donating online at muslimhands.org.za, or alternatively, visit our office at 30 Ernest Road, Rylands Estate, Cape Town. If you require telephonic assistance, you can call us on 021 633 6413 and our staff will readily assist.

Gift A School Kit and support an orphan or needy child today with Muslim Hands.

Flashback to earlier this year with Imraan Roomaney, Muslim Hands Fundraising Manager at the Cape Town office, handing over stationery packs to pupils at Mimosa Primary School in Bonteheuwel. The Gift A School Kit campaign is an annual one, and with the help of donors more schools are set to benefit next year

Photo SUPPLIED

Study at Madina Institute and live a life with purpose

TASLEEMA ALLIE

NOT many have certainty when pursuing a career but the opportunity to know the Creator, the Prophetic model and Quranic sciences is a hundred per cent investment for better choices, a guidance to success and a life richly lived with purpose.

The Usul al Din programmes offered at Madina Institute are built on the teachings of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

Students enter hungry and graduate hungry for more. There is no end to the study of Islam for Islam is a way of life. Islam is the world and has certainly been sent to enrich its traveller with the full guidance and direction to do it right.

Since 2014 Madina Institute has been graduating better people with the one-year Usul al Din programme designed for one at any phase of one’s life.

While some come fresh from matric, our eldest female graduated at the age of 65, and this year we have our eldest male student at 71 years of age.

Described aptly as the ‘going back to basics’, the Usul al Din course has also graduated new reverts to Islam and while it is hard work it indeed is an

opportunity of self-investment sought after by every Muslim.

In 2019 the first year of Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies students started a degree accredited with the Department of Higher Education and Training. This is the first degree to be offered at the institute that graduated its first cohort of BA students in 2021 and will be graduating its second batch this year.

By 2024 the degree will be upgraded from being provisionally registered to being fully registered.

In 2024 Madina Institute will also offer its first Master’s programme.

As a young educational institute to be accelerating at this pace serves as a blessing and an accomplishment for the Muslim community both locally and internationally. The institute is a global campus with branches in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, Norway and South Africa.

Shaikh Dr Muhammad al Ninowy from Atlanta, USA, founded Madina Institute after studying under many Islamic scholars and acquiring his PhD in Hadith Sciences from Al Azhar University in Cairo.

He is also an anaesthetist and a professor at the University

of Georgia in physiology and anatomy.

Besides having authored many books, the shaikh is noted as one of the top 500 most influential Muslims in the world.

Shaikh Ninowy has taken immense effort in ensuring the Usul al Din programme offered at the institute is one of the best in the country, taught by some of the leading scholars, and that the graduates of Madina Institute continue to be ambassadors of Islam who serve the ummah beyond the classroom.

Shaikh Ninowy will tour South Africa from January 26, 2023 to present his latest publication,

The Forty Hadith on Mercy and Those Who Show Mercy by Imam Shams al-Din ibn Tulun al-Salihi al-Dimashqi al-Hanafi.

Shaikh Ninowy believes it is imperative that the study of Islamic Sciences is accessible to all and to work towards that goal the Madina Institute Student Bursary Fund supports 80 per cent of its students on full student bursaries.

Needing to raise R13-million for further projects and developments to serve the community Madina Institute invites businesses and families to make a generous sadaqa jariyah.

The institute has recently acquired a satellite campus in

introduced the Deen 4 Teens programme, free tuition for school children, and Muallimah and Imamat courses that have been well received by the local community.

The Belgravia Campus will also be home to the one-year Foundations in Islamic Studies programme especially designed for the hufaadh and others who have not completed matric. The course is very similar to the Usul al Din programme.

The satellite campus in Belgravia Estate also has a public hall for rent and accommodation.

Applications are open for all the Madina Institute programmes and the student bursaries. For further details call 083 661 1664

Participants in the BA 3 Muslim Personal Law seminar, held on December 3 at Madina Institute with the co-ordinators and visiting panellists: Front (from left): Fagrieya Adams, Ghikma Johardien, Zainab Mohamed Ashraf, Thaakira Robertson and Adeela Solomons. Middle (from left): Ruwaida Ariefdin, Sorayah Martin, Shaikh Nabeel Majiet, Shaikh Mukhtar Ahmed, Hafidh Zubair Devajee. Back (from left): Muneeb Solomons, Awad Mohammed, Rayaan Evans, Jasmina Dollie, Dr Intisaar Etbaigha, Professor Sadika Khan, Saleemah Jaffer, Ayesha Royker, Tasleema Allie, Ilyaas Amien, Yaseen Rawoot, Nazmeh Schroeder and Mikhaeel Sallie.

Photo MUNEEB SOLOMONS

‘Get Fit for Hajj,’ says sports physician

NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI

MUSLIMS devote substantial time and resources to learn the rituals of the Hajj and to prepare spiritually for this lifechanging journey. Preparing for Hajj is financially challenging and it requires a rigorous application process to become accredited as a pilgrim.

However, the Hajj also makes demands on the mental and physical well-being of pilgrims. It is estimated that half of all hujjaaj walk about five kilometres a day over the five days of Hajj. And they perform rituals in temperatures that approach 50 degrees Celsius in high humidity. Pilgrims who are physically unfit may have difficulty performing the Hajj rituals.

‘This is typically the case for many who have undertaken the Hajj with poor levels of mental and physical fitness,’ says Fit for Hajj co-ordinator and sports physician, Dr Mohammed Nasir Jaffer. He also announced that the Fit for Hajj registration for 2023 Supervised ExerciseTraining Programme for hujjaaj opened on December 10, 2022.

Established in 2018, Fit for Hajj is a non-profit organisation which was established due to the growing need for pilgrims to become physically fit prior to departure for their pilgrimage.

Dr Jaffer says the Fit for Hajj programme takes cognisance of the admonishment in the Quran, in surah 3:97, that the Hajj is an obligation on every sane and capable Muslim to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

‘However, physical and mental fitness are vital in order to fulfil the obligations of this life changing journey,’ says Dr Jaffer.

In a research paper entitled, ‘Effect of a Supervised ExerciseTraining Programme on Morbidity and Wellness of South African Hajj Pilgrims in 2018: A Pilot Study’, by Drs Jaffer, Salim

Parker and Ozayr Mahomed, the authors conclude that participants in the Fit for Hajj programme experienced fewer incidents of illness compared to pilgrims who did not participate in the programme. The paper was published in the I nternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health in June 2022 and it documents the impact of the Fit for Hajj programme on the overall well-being of pilgrims who participated in the study.

‘Only thirteen of the 88 participants (14,7%) who participated in the Fit for Hajj programme reported having suffered either an injury or illness during the pilgrimage. On the other hand, of the 82 pilgrims who did not participate in the exercise programme, and who undertook to complete the morbidity questionnaire,

sessions on Saturday afternoons. The programme is completed at the convenience of participants for a period of twelve weeks.

Dr Jaffer noted that the supervised exercise programme is mainly focused on walking as it is an easy, inexpensive and accessible form of exercise.

‘People often consider walking more of a recreational activity than an exercise, believing it’s less beneficial than ‘real exercise’. Walking is as good a workout as running. Just ten minutes of walking provides ample health benefits,’ says Dr Jaffer.

The Fit for Hajj programme also offers a medical evaluation. Once applicants register, a medical and fitness evaluation is done in order to determine their fitness level. They are then assigned trainers and suitable routes and points of assembly.

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is designed to gradually increase the distance they cover. This facilitates confidence building and allays fears and stress.

‘Part of our programme is to monitor those who struggle and to check up on those who drop out. We also keep tabs on unsupervised sessions and provide a back-up plan for adverse weather conditions,’ says Dr Jaffer.

Fit For Hajj also offers optional sessions in Ramadaan, in order to maintain fitness levels. Participants are encouraged to join the Ramadaan sessions. This part of the programme is held once a week for thirty minutes, either on Sunday mornings after Fajr, or on Saturday afternoons just before iftar, subject to the availability of participants.

The Fit for Hajj programme was initially based only in

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Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. Dr Jaffer welcomes anyone in other provinces to join.

The 2023 supervised exercise programme commences on December 24, 2022. This date makes provision for twelve continuous weeks of supervised exercises to be completed on the last Saturday (March 18, 2023) prior to the commencement of Dr Jaffer concluded that the public may support the programme by means of donations. Further information about Fit for Hajj may be

A group of participants in the Fit for Hajj programme during their supervised exercise.

Photo FIT FOR HAJJ