Muslim Views, March 2020 by Muslim Views

Vol. 34 No. 3

SHA’BAAN 1441 l MARCH 2020

COVID-19 South Africa rallies to President’s call MAHMOOD SANGLAY

THE unprecedented global crisis precipitated by COVID-19 has radically altered the public life of Muslims as a faith community. Muslims typically gather in mosques for congregational prayers, and every Friday, most mosques are filled to capacity for the Jumuah prayer. This practice has now fundamentally changed by government

decree. No more than 100 people may gather in one place. Soon after the announcement of this measure by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, March 15, mosque committees started preparing for implementing the restriction on numbers. The impact is greater on larger mosques, some of which accommodate over a thousand people. Several mosques in Cape Town commenced procedures to close

their doors, including Masjidul Quds, Gatesville, Claremont Main Road Mosque, Husami Masjid, Cravenby, Azzawia Institute, Walmer Estate and Zeenatul Islam Masjid, in Muir Street, Cape Town. Habibia Soofie Masjid in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is on record as the first masjid to announce that it would be ‘temporarily closed for prayers, events and visitors from Monday, March

16’. This statement was issued by the imam of the masjid, Moulana Irshad Soofie, almost immediately after the president declared a national state of disaster in light of COVID-19. Following this, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) issued a fivepage statement on March 16 that was inconsistent with the decision taken by these mosques. In the MJC statement, Mufti Ta Ha Karaan detailed the religious obligations of Muslims in light of the risks of exposure to COVID19 transmission. Regarding the closure of mosques and the performance of Jumuah prayers, the mufti stated that for as long as it is ‘feasible’ to preserve the performance of Jumuah congregation in mosques, and to preserve life and health, ‘neither should of necessity have to be sacrificed for the sake of the other’. The MJC’s position was thus that mosques should not be ‘completely closed’ for both Jumuah and other congregational prayers. However, the mufti stipulated guidelines consistent with the decree of government to restrict gatherings to a maximum of 100 individuals. The following day, on March 17, Mufti Karaan, amidst skepticism from various quarters, told Muslim Views that he is aware that ulama have differing views on the matter and that he respects all their views. He also stated that the MJC’s view is not cast in stone and that it may change. Later that day, after a meeting with medical experts and the Department of Health, Mufti Karaan announced that the

MJC is now calling for a suspension of Jumuah for at least four weeks. He added that although this decision to suspend Jumuah for four weeks would remain unchanged, they are awaiting a response from the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) to join them in order to make a national announcement. He explained the significant change in the MJC’s position from one day to the next is attributed to a change in the direction of transmission of the virus, ‘from returnee travellers to community transmission’. He added that South Africans now have an opportunity to ‘flatten the curve’ of transmission and that delaying it is unwise. ‘The possibility exists that either of our positions is wrong. ‘We are prepared to face and own up to the mistake of temporarily suspending Jumuah but not to countenance the charge that we caused hundreds if not thousands of deaths,’ said Mufti Karaan. He labelled the latest measures recommended by the MJC as a ‘positive step towards preserving life’. He also said that the MJC’s position was consistent with shar’i provisions in matters of life and death, given the rapid development of conditions, and that there was adequate processing of the shar’i position based on sound intellectual application. Mufti Karaan said he was satisfied that there was an inclusive process of consultation with relevant medical experts and professionals who understand infectious disease in communities.

Sharpeville and Sobukwe remain a one-day affair in post-apartheid South Africa - See our Editorial Comment on Page 3 of this edition -

YOUR ZAKAT CHANGED THEIR WORLD

Sharpeville and Sobukwe remain a one-day affair in post-apartheid SA

SIXTY years ago, on Monday, March 21, 1960, thousands of South Africans left their pass-books at home, marched to their local police stations across the country and offered themselves up for arrest. They marched behind their local leadership, who had identified the hated Pass Laws as a key mechanism that held Black people in daily servitude. Philip Kgosana, a key figure in the Cape, indicated that over 1 000 people per day had been arrested for some violation of the Pass Laws in the years before this campaign began. Where did the campaign originate? The white liberal and Communist influence on the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1950s had alienated much of the vibrance of the ANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1949 Programme of Action, which had been drafted and championed by the radical ANC Youth League. A key member of the ANCYL was

Muslim Views . March 2020

Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Sobukwe, born in a township outside Graaff-Reinet, in the Eastern Cape, had moved, with difficulty, through school to the famed University of Fort Hare, where he encountered lecturers from the All-African Convention (AAC) and the ANC. They ignited his political imagination, and he joined the ANCYL at the university. After graduation, Sobukwe taught in Standerton before securing a lecturing position in African Languages at University of the Witwatersrand. Through all these years, Sobukweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quiet intellect singled him out as a figure of note. His work in the ANCYL, as he tried to convince the ANC to be true to the 1949 Programme of Action, is part of a legacy that is hardly known. The events of March 21, 1960, are hardly known, except in short tributes that normally last no longer than a day.

Vol. 34 No. 3 l SHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BAAN 1441 l MARCH 2020

In 1959, the frustrated ANC members who had tried to steer the ANC towards the 1949 Programme of Action broke away to form the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) under Sobukweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership. On that day in 1960, the PAC programme was to make the system unmanageable by offering themselves for arrest. In addition, the idea was to show, in practical form, that there was to be no co-operation in the machinery under which they were oppressed. Sobukwe marched to Orlando Police Station, and was duly arrested. But it was in Vereeniging, more precisely Sharpeville, that police action changed the course of the struggle for justice in this country. Peaceful crowds, some on deck-chairs, were fired on by South African Police (SAP) members, killing at least 69 people, and wounding thousands more.Many of those killed were

shot in the back. The scale of the inhumanity of the system of apartheid was shown when police placed stones and other weapons on the bodies of the slain, to frame them as having been violent. World outrage at the massacre was swift, with sanctions imposed on the country, and international solidarity movements really began to focus squarely on South Africa, with resources and support being seen as never before. Sharpeville, the PAC and Robert Sobukwe are reduced to the fringes of history by a ruling party that claims the struggle against apartheid as its own. This year, on the 60th commemoration of the Sharpeville massacre, honest people must ask why this is so. Sobukwe and Sharpeville irk those who would want us to forget that freedom cannot be negotiated. It must be won. Sharpeville cannot remain forgotten. Too much is at stake.

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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Muslim Views . March 2020

Global economy may lose US$2,7 trillion due to coronavirus pandemic MAHMOOD SANGLAY

WORLD travel has sustained an unprecedented impact due to a global pandemic. According to an estimate by Bloomberg, the economic loss may be measured in trillions of dollars. ‘The economic fallout could include recessions in the US, euroarea and Japan, the slowest growth on record in China, and a total of $2,7 trillion in lost output – equivalent to the entire GDP of the UK,’ says Bloomberg in its online publication of March 6. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) says up to 50 million jobs could be lost as a direct and indirect result of COVID19. The WTTC says the outbreak ‘presents a significant threat to the industry’ and the impact is evident in related industries, like travel insurance, hospitality and events in a range of sectors, including leisure, sport, trade expos and religious gatherings, including Hajj and Umrah. Thousands of international flights were cancelled and the WTTC estimates a loss of up to 25 per cent in 2020. The world economy will sustain a loss beyond the epidemiological impact of the virus. COVID-19 will affect global supply chains, demand, financial markets, investments, household consumption and international trade.

Tours cancelled and postponed Salsabeel Travel, the sister company of Muslim Views cancelled its tour to Iran in February when it became clear that Iran was an

The Gardens at the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, in Cordoba. The garden was used as a palace by the caliphate of Cordoba in 8th century Andalusia. The city flourished as a key political and cultural centre, and the alcazar was expanded and used as public baths, gardens and the largest library in the West. This is one of the spectacular sites that will be visited Photo 123RF by Salsabeel tourists in September this year.

unsafe destination due to the spread of the virus. And Salsabeel’s tour to Morocco and Spain, due for departure on March 18 was also in the balance until just a week before its departure. In February already there was a dramatic series of developments internationally with respect to COVID-19 that both directly and

indirectly had an impact on international travel, including the Morocco and Spain tour of Salsabeel scheduled to depart on March 18. In light of these developments, and the concerns raised by some clients, the company decided on a number of interventions. The first was to prioritise the health, safety and security of each client, and then to ensure the satisfactory de-

livery and fulfilment of the promised and envisaged travel package as per its itinerary. In addition, Salsabeel strives to ensure that clients are exposed to minimum risk of financial loss or additional costs for cancellations or postponements. After meeting with clients, discussions with the key service providers, namely the airline and

the tour operator, Salsabeel finally announced, on March 13, that the tour to Morocco and Spain would be postponed. This followed immediately after Turkish Airlines announced its cancellation of flights to nine European countries, including Spain. Turkish Airlines is the flight partner for Salsabeel. The decision by the airline follows the rapid increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 in Spain since March 3, when 165 cases were reported. Ten days later, on March 13, the number had soared to 5 232. In the same period, the number of deaths had increased from 1 to 133. Well before March, the number of new cases already outnumbered the number of new recoveries. On March 13, there were four new recoveries versus 2 086 new cases. On March 4, the recovery rate versus the death rate in Spain were equal, that is 50 per cent each. At the time of going to print, the number of people dying daily in Spain from COVID-19 peaked at 98, the total number of deaths was 342 and the total number of cases 9 942. Discovery Islamic Tours, the destination management partner of Salsabeel said that some key tourist sites have been closed and that the lockdown of Spain may be imminent. The group of tourists scheduled originally to depart for Morocco and Spain on March 18 will now depart on September 16 on essentially the same itinerary. Anyone interested in joining this group may call 021 696 7692.

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Muslim Views . March 2020

ITP calls for paying imams a living wage MAHMOOD SANGLAY

‘OUR masjid still looks like an old shop. Funding is very difficult. Our collection on Fridays is R130 to R150 per week,’ says Moulana Mogamat Rafique Bharoochi, the imam of the mosque. At month-end, the congregants sometimes have something extra and then a windfall of R250 is possible. Netreg is a poor, overcrowded settlement on the Cape Flats and the mosque is part of a building that was once a shop. The mosque runs an irregular feeding scheme, and Moulana Bharoochi says that they do not distinguish between Muslims and other faith groups when distributing the food. Thus, very poor Muslims, at times, go without any share of the food. There are about 300 Muslim families, constituting 35 per cent of the Netreg population, and Moulana Bharoochi has served the community as imam since 2014. He irregularly earned R5 000 per month for several years, without bonus or benefits, until he joined the Imamat Ta’awun Programme (ITP), jointly run by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and the South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf). Since November 2018, he earns R10 000 per month from the ITP but this is due to come to an end in November 2020. Thereafter, Moulana Bharoochi may well be looking for another job as it ap-

pears the trust of the mosque is unable to pay him. Bharoochi is married, supports a family of five and has completed a course to become a qualified tourist guide should he no longer be able to provide for his family by working as an imam. His future is uncertain and the ITP is a new initiative to support imams who do not earn a living wage and to capacitate mosque committees to function optimally. However, the mosque in Netreg is part of a broader social organisation that has inherited a legacy since the dawn of apartheid. Part of this legacy is the relegation of Netreg on the urban periphery. A study by Erin Torkelson, in 2009, published by the Development Action Group, found that post-apartheid ANC policy was to condone the expansion of Black townships beyond their boundaries to boost voter support. However, such condonation was not extended to ‘coloured’ communities in the erstwhile apartheid group areas. Hence, overcrowding in ‘coloured’ townships was ignored. It is against this background that Muslims in Netreg are part of a social landscape of poverty and unemployment. The colloquial name Kreefgat, says Moulana Bharoochi, is a colourful means of expressing the image of Netreg as a settlement so abject that a comparison with the posterior of a scavenger seems appropriate. ‘There is only one way in and

one way out,’ says Moulana Bharoochi. The design of the settlement harks back to apartheid spatial urban planning of 1960. Residents were then crammed into 300 tworoomed council flats in the corner of Bonteheuwel. The suburb is enclosed and isolated by a main road and a railway line. As unemployment soared, Netreg soon exploded with backyard shacks, Wendy houses and a thriving unregulated rental economy. The physically imposed urban exclusion nurtured drug dealing, shebeen ownership, alcoholism and gangsterism. Moulana Bharoochi says that the mosque needs basic facilities like a computer, a Wi-Fi account, a router and a printer in order to perform basic administrative functions. He makes an appeal, especially to Muslims in more affluent areas to support mosques and communities in poorer areas throughout the year, and not just in Ramadaan. The ITP envisages that more imams and mosque committees will benefit from the programme through direct community support. The programme will be extended to include not only a reasonable monthly salary but also basic benefits, like a hospital plan and unemployment insurance. The programme was launched in November 2018, and has been supported by a few benefactors. There are currently over 15

Moulana Mogamat Rafique Bharoochi makes a special appeal to Muslims in more affluent areas to support mosques and communities in poorer areas throughout Photo SUPPLIED the year, and not just in Ramadaan.

mosques enrolled for the capacitybuilding programme, and three imams from impoverished communities are currently on the payroll. However, this is but a fraction of what is required to support imams and mosques in poor communities. The target is to assist at least six imams by the end of 2020 and to double this figure on an annual basis. In order to achieve this ob-

jective, the MJC and Sanzaf appeal to the Muslim community to support the ITP. Further information about the programme may be obtained from Moulana Hassiem Cassiem at 082 499 3637 or Imam Maghdie Sadien at 082 448 8302. The banking details for the Imamat Ta’awun Programme is: SA National Zakah Fund, Albaraka Bank Account Number: 78600086308, Branch, Code:

Muslim Views . March 2020

Denialism on apartheid war crimes reflects a schizophrenic, selective morality MPHUTLANE WA BOFELO

THE debates around former president, Frederick Willem De Klerk’s amnesia about the declaration of apartheid as a crime against humanity indicates a schizophrenic selective morality on the part of the African National Congress and all those who endorsed the so-called peaceful negotiated settlement in South Africa. The Congress Movement (ANC, SACP, Cosatu, Sanco), all political parties, civil society organisations and institutions that either participated in or endorsed the Conference for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa), The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and endorsed the Constitution of South Africa are guilty of denying apartheid as a crime against humanity. One of the reasons cited by the Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo) for its refusal to participate in the talks with the National Party (NP) was that the declaration of apartheid as a crime against humanity implies that all NP leaders and leaders of political parties that participated in the apartheid government and its structures are war criminals who should face a Nuremberg-type trial, like that of the leaders of Nazi Germany, instead of being made part of the negotiation for a new society. Azapo called for the National Party government to be dissolved and the South African Defence Force (SADF) and South African Police (SAP) to be quarantined to

the barracks for a peaceful transitionary process to take place in a safe and unprejudiced environment, policed and overseen by a neutral administrator agreed to by the international community. Azapo called for the Patriotic Front, constituted by all segments of the liberation movement – broadly defined to develop consensus on the generic principles of the kind of new society they envisage and the generic principles that should be entailed in the social and economic policies of a new society. It called for a democratic constituent assembly that would allow for a constitution that expresses the will of the people of South Africa (Azania). These sensible demands stood in the way of those who could not wait to be the new rulers and eaters and all the liberals, conservatives and quasi-revolutionaries who preferred a surface modification of the old society to a revolutionary transformation of society. The rest is history. Azapo’s concerns were vindicated. De Klerk and the National Party through the SAP, SADF, the soldiers and police of different bantustans and so-called independent states, vigilante groups and paramilitary outfits, like Witdoeke and Witwolwe, unleashed wanton violence that resulted in the lynching of multitudes of Black people in the transition period. The Bisho Massacre, Boipatong Massacre and other incidents of mass killings of Black people took

place in this period under the watchful eye and commanding voice of Frederick Willem De Klerk. The tortures and executions at Vlakplaas and other torture houses continued and escalated during this period rather than subsided. We know that Project Coast, the biological and chemical warfare programme mastered by Wouter Basson and Pieter Willem Botha continued under the De Klerk administration because, in April 1989, the Civil Corporation Bureau (CCB) attempted to poison Reverend Frank Chikane while he was in Namibia. A subsequent attempt by the same CCB to poison Reverend Chikane when he was in the US failed and a doctor diagnosed his malady as organophosphate poisoning. According to the testimony of Petrus Jacobus Botes, a CCB operative, a South African army doctor provided him with the cholera and yellow fever organisms to contaminate the water supply at Dobra, a refugee camp located in Namibia, in May 1989. In August 1989, another attempt was made to contaminate the water supply, led by the same Botes. It failed because of the high chlorine content in the treated water camp. It is common knowledge that De Klerk became president of South Africa on February 2, 1989, and effectively became Commander-in-Chief of SADF and therefore should have known of these operations.

Eugene De Kock, who masterminded C10, a counter-intelligence unit of the SAP that was responsible for the kidnapping, torture and murder of countless activists, testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that De Klerk and other members of the apartheid regime permitted the activities of C10. Daan Goosen , the managing director of Roodeplaat Research Laboratories (1983-1986) told BBC reporter, Tom Mangold, that Project Coast supported a project to develop a contraceptive that would be secretly applied to Blacks and was able to develop a vaccine for Black males and females to make them sterile and were looking at ways to administer this to Blacks without them knowing. We all heard at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that plans were hatched to put contraceptives in the water supply. All these took place when FW De Klerk was the leader of a verkrampte (ultra-conservative) section of the National Party that resisted PW Botha’s reform efforts. As late as 1983, De Klerk declared: ‘Race is the lock and key of NP policy and shall remain lock and key.’ De Klerk indicated that his position of race as the lock and key of national policy did not change with the reformist project to the South African government – a non-racial face without tinkering with racial capitalism. This is vindicated by the fact that he explicitly pronounced that the NP enters the negotiations

with three non-negotiables that should govern the transition government and future governments, and be embedded in the SA constitution: guarantee of minority rights; guarantee of private property; power-sharing. With all this knowledge, former president Nelson Mandela declared De Klerk ‘a man of integrity’ and went on to accept sharing a Nobel prize with him. Knowing all this, the ANC and the PAC worked with liberal and conservative parties to kick Azapo out of the Patriotic Front after Strini Moodley had written a letter to the Democratic Party (today’s DA) and all the Bantustan parties telling them that they couldn’t be part of the Patriotic Front. We can go on. We can speak about the current ANC government; the murder of Andries Tatane, the Marikana Massacre and the Life Esidimeni Massacre. We can go on and on about the selective morality of the radicals who are – correctly so – finding it uncomfortable to be in the same room with FW De Klerk. Sources Hellen E, Purkitt , Stephen F. Burgess: The rollback of South Africa’s Biological and Chemical Warfare Programme, Air University, Counterproliferation centre, Maxwell Airforce base. Alabama. 2001 Eugene De Kock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_de_Kock Mphutlane wa Bofelo is a South African poet and essayist; cultural worker and social critic

Muslim Views . March 2020

Extreme sportsman eyes Halaal adventure travel

MJC celebrates 75 years and announces Life Achievement Award recipients

Dr Ahmed Zaid Mahomed on his Shimshal Valley hike in Pakistan in 2018.

MAHMOOD SANGLAY

DR Ahmed Zaid Mahomed usually cares for the dental health of his patients. But his unusual interest in extreme sport and adventure tourism takes him far from his practice to remote locations around the world in pursuit of extraordinary challenges. The Atlas mountains and Mount Toubkal, in Morocco, Mt Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, Everest Base Camp, Cotopaxi, in Ecuador, and Mount Elbrus, in Russia, are just some of the great mountains he’s ascended. In the photograph above, he is pictured on the Shimshal Valley hike in Pakistan, in 2018. His sporting conquests include the Bike Transalp, a mountain bike race across four countries in Europe, the Comrades Ultra-marathon,

the Brazil Ride, the Great Wall Marathon in China, and marathons in Mauritius and Mont Blanc, France. Mahomed has also completed the Cape Epic five times. This is without doubt the toughest mountain bike race in the world. Mahomed has joined Salsabeel Travel in encouraging adventurers, both novices and the more experienced ones, to accompany him on similar expeditions. Salsabeel offers innovative travel experiences. And Halaal adventure tourism is one such offering. The tour prioritises both leisure and adventure, and should appeal to both experienced and early initiates of adventure tourism. The first Halaal adventure tour experience with Mahomed as group leader is Northern Pakistan, in August, this year.

Among those present at the MJC’s 75th anniversary event held at the 75th anniversary in the St George’s Cathedral Community Hall, in Queen Victoria Road, Cape Town were, standing left to right from back, are Hanan Qarout, Palestinian ambassador to South Africa; Reverend Edwin Arrison, chairperson of the National Coalition for Palestine; Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, first deputy president of the MJC; Muallima Khadija Patel Allie, executive member of the MJC; Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, general secretary of the South African Council of Churches; Shaikh Ihsaan Taliep, president of the United Ulama Council of SA; Judge Siraj Desai, of the Western Cape High Court; Shaikh Riad Fataar, second deputy president of the MJC; and Shaikh Shahid Esau, executive member of the MJC. Seated, from left, are Muhammad Dangor, former South African ambassador to Libya; Paul Mashatile, ANC treasurer general; Shaikh Abdul Hameed Gabier, life president of the MJC; Shaikh Irafaan Abrahams, president of the MJC; Shaikh Muhammad Amien Fakier, qadi of the MJC; and Dr Moulana Ali Adam, founder of Islamia College, Cape Town. Photo ZAID DANTE

MAHMOOD SANGLAY

ON February 12, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) celebrated its 75th anniversary in the St George’s Cathedral Community Hall, in Queen Victoria Road, Cape Town. The venue was significant in that it is the location where the

organisation was constituted on February 10, 1945. The theme of the event was ‘Giving thanks to the Almighty: towards harmonious coexistence’ and the attendees reflected a diversity of nations and faith communities consistent with this theme. Coinciding with the celebrations, the MJC also announced its

Life Achievement Award to four recipients, namely, Judge Siraj Desai, Shaikh Abdul Hameed Gabier, Shaikh Amien Fakier and Dr Moulana Ali Adam. The awards are in recognition of the outstanding contribution by the recipients in their respective fields. Many luminaries in the community attended the event.

New book launched in time for Ramadaan - see Page 10

COVID-19: Big Walk called off SHANAAZ EBRAHIM-GIRE

FOLLOWING the unfolding COVID-19 crisis in South Africa, the Cape Town Big Walk (CTBW), scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 22, has been called off following an emergency meeting with sponsors, media partners and key stakeholders. ‘The health and wellbeing of our participants is always front of mind for us and we knew protecting the health and wellbeing of our participants were of paramount importance,’ chairman Dawood Esack explained. ‘We called a meeting where a unanimous decision was taken to postpone. ‘After consultations with medical professionals, the unanimous

‘The health and wellbeing of our participants is always front of mind for us and we knew protecting the health and wellbeing of our participants were of paramount importance...’ decision is in line with our values and ethos – one of protecting human life and dignity. ‘Our decision was a humanitarian one. We have taken the guidelines by the World Health Organisation and other institutions seriously. One example of this is that people need to practise ‘social distancing’ and need to stand at least one metre apart from each other. With our walk, this simply is not possible given space restrictions along the route,’ Esack explained.

The CTBW is a fundraising initiative that benefits organisations in the health, education and social development sectors. This year’s beneficiaries include Red Cross Children’s War Memorial Hospital, Academia Library, PinkDrive and the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Abused Women and Children. Event marketing and sponsorship director, Dr Elias Parker, said the team remains committed to honouring this undertaking. ‘We are acutely aware our beneficiaries rely on funding to imple-

ment their life-changing programmes that impact vulnerable families. Our team is currently working towards confirming a new event date but this is all dependent on how the COVID-19 crisis evolves.’ The CTBW executive committee extended their apologies to participants and urged them to hold on to their entries for the event, which will take place later in the year – once a new date and venue has been confirmed with the City of Cape Town.

‘We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. ‘Steps are being put in place to respond to all queries relating to refunds, collection of goody bags and other concerns. ‘Please watch our social media pages for announcements,’ Parker urged. The executive committee of CTBW will be meeting with strategic partner – the City of Cape Town (CoCT) – to look at potential future dates. All queries may be directed to the CTBW office, situated at 3 Mavis Road, Rylands Estate, Athlone. Alternatively call Saaid Waggie on 082 401 7442 or send an email to info@capetownbigwalk.com.

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Muslim Views . March 2020

The charity that serves needy communities ASHRAF ADAMS

CONNECT a Heart Foundation (CAHF) promotes the right of all disadvantaged communities to have their basic human rights met. We establish and have established hubs in needy areas, assisting them to grow into sustainable sites, helping to alleviate poverty, thus aiding local community empowerment. Our programme starts with basic feeding of the hungry and the destitute, followed by initiatives to develop the communities’ minds, bodies and souls. Feeding is fundamental, as further development is not possible on empty stomachs. We are appealing to and recruiting interested individuals, families, businesses and corporates to support and sponsor, joining hands with our needy communities at local identified hubs. Assistance can be through monetary contributions and sponsoring specific programmes as well as all physical contributions and assistance at our various feeding and other programmes. Our current hubs are located in Delft (Hague), Bridgetown, Ocean View, Valhalla Park, Khayelitsha and Heideveld. Contacts: secretary Nabeela 076 399 0778, e-mail (admin@connectaheartfoundation.org.za), Web (www.connectaheartfoundation.org.za), Facebook (Connect A Heart Foundation - CAHF), Instagram (connectaheartfoundation) and Youtube (Connect a Heart Foundation). Our charity is fully registered [Reg. No. - 17/26766 (Est. 2017); NPO: 198-817 NPO], allowing for corporates and individuals to maximise their SARS and social responsibility credits while benefitting our needy communities. Ashraf Adams is the Marketing designate to Connect A Heart Foundation (CAHF)

Timely book in preparation for Ramadaan FASTING is a special act of worship which is only between humans and Allah since no one else knows for sure if a person is fasting. Thus, Allah, in a hadith qudsi, states: ‘Fasting is for My sake and I only will reward it.’ In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said: ‘If one does not give up falsehoods in words and actions, Allah has no need of him giving up food and drink.’ Jasmine Khan in her latest book, The moon is sighted, guides the reader on a spiritual cleansing journey of body, mind and soul through fasting. Fasting provides the perfect condition for the body to heal itself. Fasting gives the brain and the nervous system a break; it also clears and strengthens the mind. This book, The moon is sighted, also encourages the reader to ask the following question: How can I be the best version of myself – spiritually, physically and socially during this blessed month? The author answers these questions very eloquently in her latest book, starting with the month of Rajab. It marks the beginning of the spiritual season of every believer, ending with the end of the fasting month of Ramadaan, with Eid-ul-Fitr. These three spiritually infused months (Rajab, Shabaan and Ramadaan) are unmatched in their importance compared to the rest of the year. Praise be to the Almighty and thanks to Him for granting us yet another opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights. Our intention is crucial when it comes to the acceptance of our deeds. When doing all of these prayers and reciting these invocations, we must be mindful of why we are doing it: not necessarily for the rewards promised to us but for attaining nearness to our Lord. He has given us Rajab as a most beautiful gift. The author prepares the reader in a very unique spiritual tapestry filled with Quranic guidance and Prophetic examples. She awakens the faculties of the self through deep introspection, through various degrees of spiritual and psychological counsel, preparing the reader to enter the flow of the holy month of Ramadaan. The mainstay chapter in Jasmine Khan’s latest book I will, without a doubt, attribute to chapter six.

This chapter represents the author’s premise that we should experience the flow of Ramadaan. It represents the author’s ambition to illustrate a very productive and deeply spiritual approach to the holy month of Ramadaan. The approach to every day is spiritually enriched and will keep the reader in a constant flow of personal transformation and spiritual purification. This is indeed a book that will transcend you to another level from the time you start to read it. The book is professionally researched, laid out to perfection and psychologically well adjusted. It is a must have in every home and I must add that it will make the perfect textbook if it is presented as part of a course. I believe once you start with this book it will remain a source of introspection and will be a guiding light to keep us ‘in the flow until the next Ramadaan’, Insha Allah. Review by Omar Suleman, social ecology researcher

Muslim Views . March 2020

CTIEC Cape Kramat Tour – Circle of Saints SAYED RIDHWAAN MOHAMED

THE Cape Town Islamic Educational Centre (CTIEC) host its Annual Mazaar/ Kramat Tour on April 19, 2020. The tour is free and open to males and females. The event is an educational and spiritually focused family experience. The tour buses and convoy leaves from Masjidul Kareem, in Eagle Park, and Madressa Tayyibah, in Pelican Park, at 7:30am. The tour will include Constantia, Deer Park, Islam Hill and Signal Hill kramats. Talks will be delivered by various ulama at the different kramats. The mazaars (fondly known as kramats) of the Cape are graves of influential Muslims who, under the yoke of oppression and torture, spread the religion of Islam. Many of the holy men were political prisoners of the Dutch. During the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company invaded places like Ceylon, India and Java. Anyone resisting their occupation got sent to the Cape. Combined with Malay, Indian, Javanese, Bengalese and Arabian slaves, these people formed the beginnings of the Muslim community in Cape Town. Basically, a kramat or mazaar is a place where the chosen servants of Allah are honoured by Allah in their gardens (graves) with lofty stations, and they are visited by the believers and remembered for

Last year’s Kramat Tour saw hundreds of believers paying respect to the many ouliya who lie buried around the Cape.

their great sacrifices in the path of Allah. There are many reasons why we visit the kramat of a wali: Nabi (SAW) visited places which were attached to the pious Servants of Allah, hence, to visit places of such nature is a sunnah of Nabi (SAW). The wisdom behind visiting the graves, in general, and the ouliya,

specifically, is to take a lesson and to remind us of the aakhirah. We will be motivated to purify ourselves, to get closer to Allah, to leave all evil habits because we also want to be honoured in the sight of Allah on the Day of Qiyaamah. Sins are forgiven near the pious servants of Allah, as we’ve already

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Muslim Views . March 2020

Intersections can be deadly, approach carefully ASHREF ISMAIL

FIELDS Hill, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, September 2013, was the scene of one of the most disastrous crashes in the country, when 22 people died in a horrific incident at an intersection, involving a runaway truck and five other vehicles, four of which were minibus taxis. Any reputable advanced driver training institution will tell you that the law regarding intersections is very clear. Simply put, it says that you should enter an intersection at a safe, legal speed, when the light is in your favour, meaning in the green phase or amber phase if you’ve already entered the intersection and, most importantly, when it is safe to do so! Globally, intersections are deadly; traffic light intersections, more so. With South Africa’s atrocious road traffic safety record, intersections call for extreme care. Here are a few tips to help you avoid a disaster: l Approach any intersection with care, making a quick glance in the interior rear-view mirror to determine the distance and speed of the car following you. l Do not rush for a green light. Will you be able to stop safely

Globally, intersections are deadly; traffic light intersections, more so. With South Africa’s atrocious road traffic safety record, intersections call for extreme care. Photo 123RF.COM

if it suddenly changed to amber? l Beware of a ‘stale green’ light, be prepared to slow down because it is due to change shortly. l Be even more careful at a ‘fresh green light’. A light that has just turned green for you means it has just

turned red for side traffic. Every day, drivers jump red lights with impunity because ‘red’ is the new ‘amber’ in South Africa. l When the light turns green, and if you’re occupying the ‘frontline’, make a quick look to the right, then left, before proceed-

ing. l Beware of cyclists and pedestrians at intersections and, when giving them right-of-way, ensure that the driver behind you doesn’t overtake you, thereby endangering their lives. l Always stop in such a way that you are able to see the rear

wheels of the car in front of you. In this way, you will have an escape route, to the left or right, if the car in front gets into any trouble. Ashref Ismail is a winner of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists’ Lifetime Award for Road Safety.

Muslim Views . March 2020

The five most lethal road traffic offences in South Africa ASHREF ISMAIL

SOUTH Africa loses an average of 18 000 people to road crashes annually. That brings to about 45 people who are killed needlessly and senselessly on our roads daily, due to recklessness, negligence and corruption. These are the five most lethal causes of road deaths in South Africa: l Speeds too high for prevailing conditions are the number one killer on the roads. The faster you go, the more time and space you need to bring the car to a halt, and if you cannot, the harder the impact and the resultant damage and casualties. By travelling not just within the speed limit but also suitable to the conditions, you are giving yourself sufficient time to identify the hazard and react accordingly. l Driving and walking while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs: more than 60 per cent of crashes over weekends are as a result of abuse of alcohol, either by the driver or a passenger. Clearly then, drinking and driving or walking is extremely unsafe. l South Africa has amongst the highest fatality rates amongst pedestrians. More than 40 per cent of our annual fatality rates comprise pedestrians. This is ei-

More than 40 per cent of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fatality rates comprise pedestrians. Part of this is because of jaywalking, wearing clothes that are not visible at night or Photo 123RF.COM distracted walking.

ther because of drunken walking, jaywalking, walking on freeways, wearing clothes that are not visible at night or distracted walking. l Reckless and negligent driving is another major contributor to the high crash rate. Daily, we witness bad behaviour by,

mainly, taxi drivers who drive through red lights, in the yellow lanes, sometimes facing oncoming traffic, overtake on barrier lines and/or in the face of oncoming vehicles, and travel at excessive speeds in overloaded and unroadworthy vehicles. l Distracted driving, which in-

cludes more than just using your mobile phone while driving, refers to any act that takes your eyes and mind away from the business of driving: eating, fiddling with the radio/ air-con, turning to give the baby the milk bottle and the like are all dangerous as your concentra-

tion is compromised. Let us change our mindsets and be prepared, be polite and be patient in order to get there with no regrets. Ashref Ismail is a winner of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lifetime Award for Road Safety.

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Muslim Views . March 2020

Falling in love with the poor: Sanzaf patron Abdusamad Akoojee honoured for 30 years of service SHAFIQ MORTON

EVERY day, for thirty years, during Ramadaan, the now 81-year-old Hajji Abdusamad Akoojee left his home to travel to Masjidul Quds, in Gatesville. On the surface of things, this may not seem out of the ordinary – many people travel to mosque during the fast. What sets Akoojee’s daily journey apart from all the others, is that from 10 am until after the nightly Taraweeh prayers, he will be present at the mosque collecting money for the South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf). From modest beginnings in 1989, when he took in R15 000, Akoojee collected an astounding R1,2 million last year – a lesson in patience, endurance, passion and persistence. Recently, the unassuming Kensington resident was honoured by Sanzaf for his dedicated and unstinting service to the poor when a plaque was unveiled in his name at Sanzaf’s Athlone office. The humble Akoojee, believing that he was going to a mosque meeting, was surprised by Sanzaf staff, family, officials and community members. Sanzaf trustee, Moulana Hashiem Cassiem, paid a warm

Pictured from left to right are Shafiek Barendse, Regional Manager Sanzaf Western Cape, Abdusamad Akoojee, Sanzaf patron, and Yasmina Francke, Sanzaf CEO, seen at the unveiling of the plaque in honour of Abdusamad Akoojee for his Photo SANZAF COMMUNICATIONS selfless service to the poor and needy.

tribute to Akoojee, saying that he had always acted for the sake of the poor, and that it was important to recognise people while they were still alive. ‘Those who can’t be grateful to others can’t be grateful to Allah. In this sense, he [Akoojee] has impacted so many people. Allah has given him so much love for others, we have to love him too. Mabruk [congratulations], Allah has given you a good life through your love of the poor,’ he said to Akoojee,

asking Allah to reward his family for giving him to the community. Sataar Parker, chairperson of Masjidul Quds, said that Akoojee was the ‘embodiment of we and ourselves’ and a great source of inspiration to all those around him. Others paying tribute to Akoojee said that his other love was the Quran, and in his spare time, one would always find him reciting from the Holy Book. In response to a question, Akoojee said his long-standing in-

terest in giving to the poor had seen him making an announcement at St Athan’s Road Mosque during the height of the antiapartheid struggle, in the 1980s. ‘I asked for assistance to help those less privileged than us in the struggle but only one person showed up. His name was Shouket Mukkadam and he said he came from an organisation called Sanzaf, so I joined. ‘I remember the first year we did an Eid distribution on the 27th of Ramadaan, at Bridgetown Mosque, in Athlone. Looking at those poor people, tears ran down my cheeks. I fell in love with the poor, their sabr, the smiles of joy on their faces. I remember the late Imam Simons making such a beautiful duah that day,’ he said. Akoojee recalls that shortly after that he started collecting during Ramadaan at Masjidul Quds, putting in long hours from morning till night, every day. ‘The first year I only brought in about R15 000. I reasoned it was money that we didn’t have but I started setting targets. Last year, Alhamdulillah, we managed to bring in R1,2 million.’ Zariena Darries, Akoojee’s daughter, said that her father had always looked after the poor. ‘Even before his Sanzaf years, he

would collect money and buy bread. ‘He would take us with him so we could see how fortunate we were. It was very educational for us,’ she said. Akoojee mentioned that he had also supported the Palestinian struggle by printing t-shirts and selling them, making a profit of R100 000, which was donated to the cause. He added that after his 81st birthday, he asked himself: ‘How can I give back on my birthday? So, I asked family members to donate R100 monthly, in what I call a small ‘shafaqah’ (act of compassion). I would put R300 into envelopes and hand them to the needy. ‘The more you help people, the better you feel inside; you feel like a millionaire. ‘The ultimate success in life is if Allah is pleased with you. It is not about the money. Make your prayers for the love of your Creator and nothing else,’ he said. And finally, what did he think of being honoured? It had shocked and surprised him but if we could just pull our weight with the poor, we could all make a difference. If we have anything left over, we must give it to the poor, he said.

Muslim Views . March 2020

Focus on Finance

2020 Budget speech highlights HASSEN KAJIE, CA (SA), a director of Nexia SAB&T, based in the Cape Town office, and AYSHA OSMAN, CA (SA), National Technical Manager for Nexia SAB&T, in the Centurion office, sheds some light on the latest budget.

FINANCE Minister Tito Mboweni has been described in the media as colourful and overly relaxed. He started his budget speech with his usual aloe reference: ‘The Aloe Ferox survives and thrives when times

are tough. It actually prefers less water. It wins even when it seems the odds are against it.’ Let us dive into the details of the 2020 Budget speech in order to understand just how much of our hard-earned money we have to

Hassen Kajie

Aysha Osman

cough up this coming year, and whether it is being used for what we hope it will be. The drowning state-owned entities were at the top of the list, with Eskom set to receive R112bn in the next three years, and a min-

imum R23bn for the seven years following thereafter. The 2019 budget forecasted a 1,5 per cent economic growth rate but the actual growth rate was a shocking 0,3 per cent. The budget deficit for the past fiscal year soared from an expected 4,5 per cent to 6,3 per cent of GDP. This year’s deficit is the second highest on record, topped only by 7,1 per cent in the predemocracy-inflated year of 1993. The 2019 budget deficit was 4,2 per cent. In the past, the traditional approach to reduce the budget deficit would be to increase taxes and try to cut spending in order to prevent South Africa from losing its investment grade debt rating. But the 2020 budget did not follow that approach. Instead, there was no VAT increase and no wealth tax increase. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said that increasing tax would be counter-productive. Taxpayers received a vague promise that Treasury will cut R160bn from the public sector wage bill by freezing inter-band salary increases. Personal income tax remains the state’s biggest source of income, contributing 38 per cent of total tax. A total of 308 000 taxpayers earn over a million rands a year, while a total of 6,8 million

registered taxpayers earn less than R83 100 a year, the new tax threshold. There was fractional relief on personal income tax with lower than inflation-adjusted tax rates. There will be a renewed focus on illicit and criminal activity, including non-compliance by some religious public benefit organisations. Religious bodies must operate within the strict boundaries of the law if they are to enjoy tax exempt status. The annual contribution to taxfree savings accounts has increased to R36 000 from March 1. More than 18 million people now receive social security payments. Their grants will increase by between R20 and R80 per month in the year ahead. A change in the way social security is administered has saved R1bn a year. There was a slight increase in the fuel levy (25c a litre), cigarettes will cost you 74c extra and the minister also said that electronic cigarettes (vapes) will be taxed from 2021 so maybe this will be the best time to think about quitting and saving yourself some money. Please note that the above is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. As each individual’s personal circumstances vary, we recommend they seek advice on the matter. Please note that while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Nexia SAB&T does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors contained herein. If you are in doubt about any information in this article or require any advice on the topical matter, please do not hesitate to contact any Nexia SAB&T office nationally.

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Muslim Views . March 2020

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Muslim Views . March 2020

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SA government honours Islamic Relief with Ubuntu Award

Dr Hany El-Banna, co-founder of Islamic Relief Worldwide. Photo DIRCO

RAEESA DALWAI

LOCAL aid and development agency, Islamic Relief South Africa was recognised by the South African government at its annual Ubuntu Awards this year. The founding father of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Dr Hany ElBanna, accepted the acknowledgment for outstanding social responsibility on behalf of the organisation’s staff and beneficiaries at a glittering awards ceremony held in Cape Town, last month. Since opening its doors in 2004, the organisation is reputed to have

Ms Nompilo Morafo, group executive for Corporate Services & Sustainability at MTN, awards Dr Hany El-Banna with the Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility. Photo DIRCO

saved and changed the lives of more than 170 million lives globally, and spent over R200 million on aid and development programmes on the African continent. The Ubuntu Awards were launched by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) in 2015 to

celebrate South African citizens and organisations who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally, and serve as global ambassadors for the rainbow nation. This prestigious event was attended by the eminent leaders of our country, including President

President Cyril Ramaphosa thanks Dr Hany El-Banna for promoting ‘Brand SA’. Photo DIRCO

Cyril Ramaphosa, various government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and business leaders. The charity, which has offices nationwide, is known for its work in championing the rights of orphans, widows and the destitute. It famously sponsored the oncology ward at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, in Johannesburg, to the amount of R110 mil-

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Muslim Views . March 2020

From Consciousness to Contentment

Anticipation for Ramadaan JASMINE KHAN

AS the year rapidly moves towards the sacred month preceding Ramadaan, we feel a heightened sense of anticipation. We beseech Allah in the words of Nabi Muhammad (SAW): ‘Allahumma baarik lana fee Rajab wa Shabaan wa baalighnaa Ramadaan’ (O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Shabaan and let us reach Ramadaan). ‘O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Shabaan blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadaan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadaan so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings). However, we need more than just anticipation and excitement, although this is good. For some of us, life has been not just busy for the last year but, often, also very challenging. This is the time to try to switch off and do some reflection. It probably feels as if it is not possi-

ble but we must try to make time for some quiet reflection in preparation for the glorious month to come. Remember, if our intentions are good, Allah will open the way. Even a few minutes of sitting in solitary will help to discipline ourselves; and as the days pass, try to increase the length of time for just being. Make the intention to dedicate this time to Allah alone; after all, we have Allah’s concentration on us all the time. Let us reciprocate. For those with young children, get them to join you; it is good training for them to learn to be still for short periods. It is amazing how very spiritual one can feel by just sitting quietly. After all, in the Holy Quran, Allah addresses us as ‘for those who reflect’. Imagine being in a state where we are fully conscious that Allah is speaking to us through the Quran. It is good at this time, or indeed at any time, to question where we

are in our faith. Soul searching is one of the highest forms of worship, and just sitting quietly and reflecting on the wonders of Allah’s creation is more valuable than years of nafl ibadah. If not done already, this is the time to work on developing and refining our characters. We must now display increased self-discipline to perform our prayers regularly and on time. We have to fight the urge to sleep a little longer when we have to get up for suhoor. When we stay without food, we are no longer prone to cravings. Fasting is an excellent method for ridding our spirit from being polluted with wrong-doing. We do not fast for the people to see and comment; fasting is for Allah alone. We are even more conscious during this month that Allah is aware of what we do and say. This serves to spur us on to be more careful in our actions as well as the way we treat others. It is our Creator’s infinite mercy and love for us that affords us an

entire month to do our best to live up to His expectations. We have this wondrous opportunity to concentrate less on ourselves, and more on helping others and pleasing Allah. Giving way to anger is forbidden during this month, as it is at any other time. However, we are even more conscious of keeping our tempers during Ramadaan than at any other time. Our eyes and ears, our tongues and limbs were entrusted to us by our Creator in perfect purity and righteousness. When we use them to do wrong, they become polluted and we will have to answer to whether we protected that trust. We have the opportunity every day of our lives to live to our highest potential; we are human and prone to failings. Allah has given us this month to plant the seeds of virtue, to use our tears of repentance to water those seeds. When we stay without food, we tap into our higher selves; this is when we can root out the weeds of bad behaviour, unkindness and judgment of others.

Ramadan is our golden opportunity to draw from the unlimited treasures of Almighty Allah. The true spirit of Ramadaan offers the opportunity to fulfil every optional act with the conviction that it will open the door to the love and mercy of Allah. Ramadaan is an exercise in sabr at the time of temptation, in fulfilling Allah’s commands and in meeting the inevitable challenges of life. Sabr will lead us to acquire yaqeen, to which we all aspire. Sabr is the quality that shows humility, which was the benchmark of the character of our beloved Nabi Muhammad (SAW). To ensure that everything in Ramadaan will be to the T, pay particular attention to all the Ts: tilawat, tahajjud, Taraweeh, tasbeehat, tadharru (fervent duah), tatawwu’ (nafl ibadah), tasahhur (partaking of suhoor/ sehri), toubah (repentance), tawadhu (humility) and tafakkur (contemplation). May Almighty Allah SWT make this Ramadaan a turning point in all our lives, ameen!

Muslim Views . March 2020

The core principles for waqf management DIAN MASYITA

THIS article provides the core principles for waqf management as part of the standards used in assessing the waqf regulatory and supervisory regimes. The Waqf Core Principles (WCP) largely reflect the order of the Basel Core Principles (BCP) on Effective Banking Supervision. The WCP complements the international architecture for financial stability while providing incentives for improving the prudential framework for waqf management across jurisdictions. The proposed principles for waqf supervision consist of 29 core principles that are generally categorised into two main groups: powers, responsibilities and functions of waqf management are explained in the first group (Principles 1 to 12), while prudential regulations and requirements for waqf institutions are given in the second group (Principles 13 to 29). The WCP was launched at the IMF-World Bank annual meeting in Bali, in 2018. An international working group for the WCP endorsed the Waqf Core Principles (WCP) which were developed by waqf practitioners and academicians worldwide. These Waqf Core Principles are formulated to address some spe-

cific objectives relating to waqf management programmes as follows: l providing a brief description about the position and roles of waqf management and supervisory system in the economic development programme; l providing a methodology to set the core principles in waqf management and supervisory system. It is realised that there are different schools of thought in jurisprudence related to the law and the implementation of waqf, such as assets waqf and cash waqf, permanent and temporary. Therefore, the WCP is structured to promote the principle of mutual benefit, placing operational standards and supervision of the waqf sector in the same prudential level as other financial sectors. It dissects the elements of supervision related to the operationalisation of the waqf system into a systematic arrangement structure – legal foundation; waqf supervision; good waqf governance; risk management; shariah governance. The WCP becomes the main reference document in generating the various technical notes covering the more technical aspects of waqf arrangement, being the main reference in measuring the per-

formance level of waqf management but still accommodating the technical operational differences in each jurisdiction that may differ in its implementation. This document can explain the technical differences as well as the concept of its existence with endowment fund or other philanthropy fund sources; Divine motivation; portfolio restriction only to halaal business; underlying physical assets. This document provides a systematic development of the concept of waqf arrangement in anticipating risk and optimising the benefits of opportunities offered by fintech (financial technology).

Academic consideration Altruism is a fact of life; not only donating money but also sharing non-material goods, such as effort, time, ideas and knowledge, is part of human life. Altruism is a willingness to do things which bring benefits to other people. From the Islamic perspective, short-term charitable initiatives are infaq, zakaah and sadaqah; temporary and long term (perpetuity) initiatives are waqf. In shariah terminology, waqf refers to making a property invulnerable to disposition that leads

into transfer of ownership, and donating the usufruct of that property or the fruit of the assets to beneficiaries. Waqf is permissible in shariah, as has been emphasised by the Sunnah (Prophetic traditions) and ijma (consensus of fuqaha). Waqf is also a binding commitment and, therefore, declaring a property as waqf would spontaneously deprive its donating owner the right of ownership. In carrying out fiduciary duties, the nazir will be faced with potential conflicts of interest among waqif, beneficiaries and other external parties. Therefore, the nazir must prioritise the interests of beneficiaries based on the principle of benefit. This WCP as part of Islamic finance embraces the principle of altruism which promotes or maximises its effort to benefit others inclusively for humankind. Through a well-organised waqf system, supported by information technology and compatibility with other programmes, the waqf system can be expected to serve as an additional vehicle of fund mobilisation to support/ complement significantly the government’s economic development programme, particularly those that relate to poverty reduction programmes and improving human development.

The basis for considering waqf as a permissible and recommendable practice are the Quranic verses that instruct people to do good and spend on charitable causes, and also the hadith of the Prophet (SAW): ‘When a person dies his rightful deeds will stop except in three respects: an ongoing charity sadaqah jaariyah...’ Waqf is considered to be the ongoing charity referred to in the hadith because the beneficiary does not own the waqf asset and, accordingly, cannot dispose of it. The permissibility of temporary waqf such as time or ages is based on the viewpoints of the Maliki and the Imami schools of Fiqh. A temporary waqf can also fulfil its charitable objectives and result in two benefits: one is the benefit generated from waqf throughout its specified period, and the other is the benefit to the waqif since he may need his property in the future. Money can be donated as a waqf because this is the original form of waqf as emphasised by Muhammad Ibn Abdullah AlAnsari, the companion of Imam Zafar, and supported by Ibn Taymiyyah. Dian Masyita is professor of Islamic Finance and Banking, University of Padjadjaran, Indonesia.

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Muslim Views . March 2020

Health File

Making sense of the critic within NURAIN TISAKER

WE all experience that voice inside that keeps convincing us that we are not ‘good enough, attractive enough, smart enough, creative enough or enough for someone’, to get what we want or truly deserve. These statements reflect comments by our critical inner voice that has a tendency to judge and condemn the way we think, feel or behave. Everyone has an inner critic, which at times tends to be louder, depending on how we feel about ourselves and our circumstances. The critic may blame, compare, and set impossible or high standards for perfection that are unattainable from the start, allowing you to be stuck in a cycle of selfreproach. The inner critic, which some of us may identify as ‘he/ she, It, eating disorder/ addiction/ bipolar voice’ may call you names – ‘stupid, weak, crazy, useless, fatty or worthless’ and leads you to believe that it’s true. Failures tend to be magnified or exaggerated while successes and strengths are undermined. Criticisms over time tend to break down and weaken positive self-esteem or strengths that exist in all of us. Essentially, the inner critic can be identified as a specific part of your psyche.

understand how it works and why it does what it does, we will essentially believe everything it says and stay a victim of it.

Where does it come from?

Nurain Tisaker.

Photo SUPPLIED

Sometimes, people are aware of being self-critical, either at times or under specific conditions or all the time. Others have internalised the inner critic and struggle to distinguish its harsh denigration from a healthier, rational voice. This inner critic is a character with whom you can have a conscious dialogue in order to dispute its claims with evidence from the healthier, more supportive inner self but many people hear it as an authoritative inner voice that may hold critical truths about themselves. Until we learn to detach from the inner critic’s hold on us and

Throughout childhood, parents and other caregivers teach behaviours that are acceptable according to society, your religion or culture and attempts are made to instil values that are morally acceptable. Some messages are directly communicated, for example being told that you need to leave the house in clean clothes, while others are communicated indirectly when you are punished or rejected for being naughty or bad. The original purpose of the inner critic was to keep you safe and was developed to enable you to survive in your family and culture in which you were socialised. It may have developed as a way to avoid feelings of pain, shame or guilt and to prevent overall disapproval from others. For example, if you developed a considerate and self-sacrificing nature towards others when you were a child, and your family expected this behaviour from you all the time, then every time you acted inconsiderately or selfishly, your inner critic reminds you that this is not the ‘correct’ way to behave and would condemn you for behaving in that way. The inner critic, undoubtedly,

remembers a loved one reprimanding you for behaving selfishly and recognised that for you to be protected from their disapproval (which may be painful to hear and experience), it would have to inform you first about the most ‘appropriate’ way to behave in order to feel approval from others. This may, as a result, lead to feelings of discomfort about doing things for yourself, even taking care of emotional and physical needs. As adults, our inner critic may create self-fulfilling prophecies, where thoughts or expectations influence our behaviour. For example, thinking and believing that you do not deserved to be loved because this is a message that was received from others, may unintentionally result in behaviour making difficult for others to love you and, as a result, reinforces the message that ‘I am not loveable’. Dreadfully, the inner critic is often believed because of its strong potential associations to adult figures (i.e. parents, siblings, teachers and religious or cultural notions) from early childhood who were trusted and respected. Messages from the inner critic are often reinforced over a period of time, making the critic seem more normal. The first step in moderating the

power that the inner critic has, is learning to identify its self-depreciating beliefs and thought patterns, and learning to separate from them. Once you are able to separate from the inner critic, there is room for more awareness and access to the healthier, rational voice. The intention is to learn to step back and observe the inner critic in order to separate from it and move towards greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. Becoming aware and learning to acknowledge all attributes of yourself, including characteristics you are not too comfortable with, enables your inner critic’s voice to become softer and empowers your self-accepting, healthier voice. Over time, and once you get to know your inner critic and understand why it criticises you, the intention is to gain empathy for it and for its anxieties, understanding that it is actually concerned that you will be okay and do everything right, in order to use it to your benefit. Nurain Tisaker [MA Clin Psych (UCT)] is a clinical psychologist in Lansdowne, Cape Town. Email her on nurain.tisaker@gmail.com

Muslim Views . March 2020

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia, vitamin A acid (ATRA) and arsenic (ATO) DR SHAHROCH NAHRWAR

ACUTE leukaemias are the most aggressive (fast dividing cancer cells) forms of human cancer, which makes them life-threatening with high mortality rate but, on the other hand, very susceptible to cytotoxic chemotherapy with curative intent. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) was once considered the most malignant human leukaemia as well as the one associated with the worst prognosis but has, in the past few decades, been transformed into the most curable leukaemia with the best prognosis. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has always been the standard-of-care for acute leukaemia and for most subtypes it still is. It is very effective but causes a lot of collateral damage because it also kills normal cells in the body and has some unique organ toxicities, like hair loss, mucositis (sore mouth and gut), hand-foot syndrome, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, bone marrow suppression, lung, heart and nerve toxicity, to name a few. However, this millennium has brought us many types of targeted therapy (mainly small molecules and antibodies), which are not cytotoxic (non-chemo) and have much fewer of the side-effects mentioned above. The paradigm of targeted (small molecule) therapy is imatinib for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) with more than 90 per cent overall survival if molecular remission has been achieved, compared to only half (50 per cent) of all patients surviving previously. In the early 1970s, APL was successfully treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy but with considerable toxicity. In the mid 1980s, a series of unrelated circumstances led to the first experiences with vitamin A (retinoic) acid in China that revolutionised APL and cancer treatment: in vitro (‘in the test tube’) studies on leukaemic cell differentiation (‘maturation’); the need

Bottled arsenic.

Dr Shahroch Nahrwar.

Photo SUPPLIED

for anticancer drugs less expensive than chemotherapy due to the economic constraints experienced at that time in China; a philosophical lesson derived from Confucius, who believed in the rehabilitation of criminals. The unusual combined results of experimental evidence, philosophical tradition and politico-economic circumstances led to the first attempts in medicinal treatment to convert criminals (leukaemic blasts) into good citizens (mature white blood cells) through the differentiating (‘maturing’) agent ATRA or All-Trans-Retinoic Acid and, subsequently, ATO or Arsenic Trioxide. APL is characterised by the following (see the accompanying illustration): l severe bleeding in the skin due to overconsumption of clotting factors; l bone marrow and blood smear with characteristic abnormal promyelocytes (leukaemia cells); l demonstration of translocation chromosome 15 and 17 with fluorescent dye;

Characteristics of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Images SUPPLIED

l formation of chromosome 15 and 17 translocation and subsequent fusion transcript PML-RAR which blocks the promyelocytic maturation to normal, mature, functioning white cells.

‘Taming an evil with a toxic agent’ or ‘one man’s poison is another’s man meat’ Although arsenic was only identified in 1250 it had already been used medicinally for over 2 000 years. Arsenic was therapeutically used as medicine in 1786 to treat psoriasis and later for syphilis and even chronic myeloid leukaemia (vide supra) in the 19th century with unacceptable side-effects. In the early 1970s, a group from Harbin Medical University, in north-eastern China, identified arsenic trioxide (ATO) as an active anti-cancer ingredient. ATO in conjunction with ATRA both directly kill leukaemic cells at high concentra-

Photo SUPPLIED

tion and encourage normal cells to develop properly at low concentration and longer treatment course. Both arsenic and ATRA are examples of targeted therapy, which is the first nonchemo combination ever used for a subtype of acute leukaemia, and has become the standard-of-care with acceptable side-effects because it lacks the usual side-effects of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy mentioned above, and offers great overall survival exceeding 90 per cent, which is the best survival known for any type of acute leukaemia. ‘If you use laws to direct the people, and punishments to control them, they will merely try to evade the laws and will have no sense of shame. But if by virtue you guide them, and by the rites you control them, there will be a sense of shame and of right.’ (Confucian Analects. Republished by Zhong-Hua-Shu-Ju, Beijing, 2005.) The translation of the essence of Confucius’s philosophy into cancer therapy could be: if cancer cells are considered elements with ‘bad’ social behaviour in our bodies, ‘educating’ rather than killing these elements might represent a much better solution. Dr Shahroch Nahrwar is a clinical haematologist at Melomed Tokai, Cape Town.

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 COVID 19

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019? Coronaviruses are large groups of viruses that are common amongst animals. These viruses can make people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold. ȇƺɯ ƬȒȸȒȇƏɮǣȸɖɀ ƬƏǼǼƺƳ ! àX(‫ ח׏ٮ‬ɯƏɀ ǣƳƺȇɎǣˡƺƳ ǣȇ China and is associated with an outbreak of pneumonia.

WHO IS AT GREATER RISK? Currently travellers to Wuhan, China and other affected areas.

HOW IT SPREADS

SYMPTOMS

The COVID-19 spreads mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The COVID-19 is spread through: • The air by coughing and sneezing • Close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Mild to severe respiratory illness with • fever • cough ‫ ى‬ƳǣǔˡƬɖǼɎɵ ƫȸƺƏɎǝǣȇǕ ‫ ى‬ɀȒȸƺ ɎǝȸȒƏɎ

TREATMENT Treatment is supportive (e.g. provide oxygen for patients with shortness of breath or treatment for fever) ‫ ى‬Áǝƺȸƺ ǣɀ ȇȒ ɀȵƺƬǣˡƬ ƏȇɎǣɮǣȸƏǼ ɎȸƺƏɎȅƺȇɎ ƏɮƏǣǼƏƫǼƺِ ‫ ى‬ȇɎǣƫǣȒɎǣƬɀ ƳȒ ȇȒɎ ɎȸƺƏɎ ɮǣȸƏǼ ǣȇǔƺƬɎǣȒȇɀِ

The complete clinical picture with regards to COVID-19 is still not clear. Patients with underlying illness and the elderly appear to be at increased risk of severe illness.

PREVENTION There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against COVID-19 infection. Transmission is reduced through:

However, antibiotics may be required if bacterial secondary infection develops.

MEASURES IN PLACE Fever screening is in place at international airports. Procedures are in place for case detection, isolation and management for quick diagnosis to be made. All health facilities will be able to manage ɀɖɀȵƺƬɎƺƳ Ȓȸ ƬȒȇˡȸȅƺƳ ƬƏɀƺɀ ƏȇƳ ȸƺǔƺȸ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ƏȵȵȸȒȵȸǣƏɎƺ ȸƺǔƺȸȸƏǼ or designated hospital. Protocols are in place for follow up of case contacts to ensure that the virus does not spread.

Washing hands often

Avoid close contact with infected people

Avoid touching with unwashed hands

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, once used throw away.

If you are mildly sick, keep yourself hydrated, stay at home, and rest.

CONTACT THE GENERAL PUBLIC HOTLINE

0800 029 999

It operates from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00. Reference: Information from the Western Cape Government, Department of Health.

www.melomed.co.za

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTHCARE.

Muslim Views . March 2020

Shanaaz Parker Feature Editor, Fusion Lifestyle

Narratives for Thought

Muslim Views . March 2020

After an abusive marriage, Leila defines her self-worth In light of the increasing gender-based violence against women, SABEEHAH MOHAMED drew on the real-life story of Leila* and her experience of narcissistic abuse. This is the final part of the series. Part one appeared in our October 2019 edition.

PANTING, Leila* counted, ‘671, 672, almost there, 673, 674! Yes!’ She had climbed the Eiffel Tower – all 674 steps! As she walked to the edge, the beautiful view of the city mesmerised her and the pain disappeared. Enjoying a French pretzel and coffee, Leila soaked in the view: the river Seine, Notre Dame de Paris, Sacre Coeur and Arc de Triomphe. A short while later, she sat down and began writing. ‘Looking at Notre Dame, I wondered; a damaged building can be abandoned, blaming what caused the damage or, if valued, can be rebuilt. If rebuilt, additional assistance may be needed. The first step is to clear the rubble and decide how to rebuild it. ‘This opens the opportunity to make improvements, perhaps add protective features in case of fu-

ture damage. The end result, after much work and effort, is an improved version of its former self. ‘It took me a while to realise that despite the pain of my marriage and divorce, what came after was so much more beautiful. What broke me did not have to define me. Instead, it forced me to redefine myself and rebuild the life I truly want.’ A little voice broke the silence, ‘Mummy! Come here! Let’s take a picture together!’ That evening, Leila spoke at the launch of her new book. Quoting Billie Mobayed and Barbara Bloom, she said: ‘When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has a beautiful history, it becomes more beautiful.’ ‘What does marriage mean to you?’ She asked the crowd of two hundred. ‘For many women, it is similar to the stories of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty; waiting for your ‘Prince Charming’ to find you so you can live happily ever after.

‘What happens if he does not find you? What happens if he turns out to be ‘evil’? What happens if, after marriage, he leaves and you’re alone? ‘Women speak of themselves as reaching their expiry date and needing to get married. We believe we are incomplete without a partner. In certain communities, if a woman over 25 is still single, something has to be wrong with her. ‘I ask you with love, ‘Do we exist for no other purpose? ‘So many women, including myself, endured abuse in order to be a ‘good wife’. My marriage became more important than my own life. Yet, Islam teaches us not to approve or accept abuse, oppression or injustice. ‘Two out of the five maqasid alshariah are preservation of life and mind. Has anyone found an example of Prophet Muhammad, Jesus or Moses, peace be upon them, abusing a woman? No. ‘There are many reasons women feel trapped in abusive marriages. Divorce is taboo. The stigma, shame, blame, parents who turn away their divorced

daughter, financial dependence and, of course, the fear that one will never find another partner. ‘Sadly, some women are trapped for years on end because husbands abuse their power and refuse to agree to a divorce. Before we shout about rights, where are respect, love and communication in any of this? ‘We need to relook at relationships from a different perspective. ‘Over 1 400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said to Suraqah bin Malik (RA), ‘May I tell you about the greatest of charity? Supporting your daughter who (after being divorced or widowed) returns to you when she has no one to support her except you.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah). ‘This book is a dedication to all the brave women from around the world who shared their stories with me. We need to be cognisant of how we indoctrinate ourselves, each other, and our girls to define their self-worth and identity, and most importantly, how to love themselves first before anyone else.’ Leila’s book went on to be translated into 12 languages and helped women around the world find their voices. It allowed for dialogues to start happening on ‘taboo’ topics, stigmas to be questioned and for women and men calling on religious authorities, governments and society to implement changes

‘Sadly, some women are trapped for years on end because husbands abuse their power and refuse to agree to a divorce.’ that better support and empower women. It’s been years since the divorce – sometimes she even forgets it happened. And yes, Leila remarried after a few years to a wonderful man. Now that they have a daughter, Leila knows she may not always be there to protect her from getting hurt but she can raise her to be a woman of strength; in faith, in love, in kindness, in empathy and in life. She can teach her daughter to love herself first, and that her worth, self-respect and value does not depend on anyone else. She is not ‘incomplete’ unless she has a man. She is already whole and worthy just as she was created by God. And when the time comes, she can choose a man to complement her, not complete her. *Not her real name

Muslim Views . March 2020

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Muslim Hands hosts annual karaamat tour AISHA ADAM

MUSLIM Hands is hosting the fifth annual karaamat tour on Sunday, March 29. Join us on a spiritual journey as we pay our respects to the awliya of the Cape (those Muslims who have reached a high rank of piety through attaining abundant Islamic knowledge and taqwa – closeness to the Almighty). The Noble Quran states: ‘No doubt! Verily, on the ouliya of Allah [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much, abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come nor shall they grieve. ‘Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah), and fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds); for them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world (i.e. righteous dream seen by the person himself or shown to others) and in the hereafter. ‘No change can there be in the Words of Allah, this is indeed the supreme success.’ (10: 62-64) There are many revered ouliya who visited Cape Town and spread the word of Islam. As a result, their shrines have become part of the historical heritage of the Mother City. Back by public demand, Mus-

Muslims paying their respects at one of the shrines of the founders of Islam in Photo SUPPLIED the Cape.

lim Hands brings you our fifth karaamat tour on Sunday, March 29. Departure will be from Habibia Soofie Masjid, in Rylands, where parking arrangements have been made. The karaamats that will be visited include: Moulana Abdul Latief (Habibia Soofie Masjid), Shaikh Yusuf (Macassar), Sayed Abdul Haq (Deer Park), Shaikh Mohammed Hassen Ghaibie Sha (Signal Hill), Shaikh Noorul Mubeen (Oudekraal) and Sayed Mahmud (Constantia). Tickets are R300 per person and are inclusive of lunch. This year’s karaamat tour is in aid of raising funds for local water projects. Families across the Eastern and Western Cape regions are suffering from water scarcity and they need our help.

Due to the drought experienced, safe water sources supplied by the local municipality have become restricted and the water flow is minimised, leaving thousands of people with inadequate access to clean water. Waterborne diseases are one of the leading causes of death amongst infants in developing countries. The Eastern Cape has experienced the worst drought in a decade. Narissa, aged 5, from Tawene village, wakes up at 4am every morning to fetch water for herself and her family as the closest water source to them has dried up and the next one is miles away. This little girl carries her small bucket and walks the long distance every day, making several trips back and forth so that her family has enough water to drink

for the day. There are many children like Narissa who walk long distances every day to access a small amount of clean water in the Eastern Cape, and this is the sad reality of the drought crisis. Muslim Hands is working worldwide to provide clean water to communities that are in need of our assistance. We have dug water wells, boreholes and community wells that can provide clean water to over 1 000 people daily. Our water projects run globally, ensuring that we reach communities that are furthest from help, and most in need. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, ‘The best form of sadaqah is giving some- Narissa, aged 5, walks a long distance every day her family. one water to drink.’ with her bucket to fetch water forPhoto SUPPLIED (Ahmed) Purchase a ticket and help us implement effective Tickets may be purchased via our water projects that can change the website muslimhands.org.za or lives of many locals. Your partici- on Quicket: pation will help raise funds for the https://www.quicket.co.za/events/ installation of well points at 85496-muslim-hands-karamatschools, mosques and hospitals. tour-2020/#/ Take a breather and indulge Alternatively, you can contact your soul spiritually by visiting the our office on 021 633 6413 for Islamic heritage of Cape Town more information. while raising funds to provide Muslim Hands, united for the clean water to all those in need. needy.

Discussions with Dangor

Another attempt at resolving the Libyan imbroglio Libya has become a ‘playground’ for foreign forces in North Africa, writes EMERITUS PROFESSOR SULEMAN DANGOR.

THE Berlin Summit on Libya is the latest of many diplomatic attempts aimed at resolving the Libyan conflict. Libya has been in turmoil since the death of Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011, resulting in various factions and militias taking advantage of the resultant power vacuum to mark their territory and assume control of Libya’s oil reserves. The failure of the Tripoli-based Libyan Government of National Accord, recognised by the United Nations, to establish control over the country led to Isis setting up camp in Libya. Without central governmental control, criminal networks have profited from human trafficking and the slave trade. Unscrupulous traffickers have robbed migrants of money while promising to deliver them to Europe. Many are kept as slaves by Libyan farmers. Hundreds are imprisoned and subsequently released after their families agree to

pay a ransom. According to Libyan law, all illegal migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers who do not possess official documents, may be arrested and held in detention centres. When the Libyan civil war began after 2011, more than 500 000 people became displaced and militias and revolutionary brigades took over some detention centres, operating them without official control. International organisations, such as Human Rights Watch and the United Nations, raised concerns about the absence of oversight at detention facilities, the involvement of militias in detentions, the lack of any legal process providing for detention, corruption and anti-black racism. Another great tragedy is the loss of thousands of lives of would-be African migrants sailing aboard unseaworthy vessels (many of which capsize) from the Libyan coast to Europe. European nations have a vested interest in controlling the flow of migrants into Europe. Their ‘enthusiasm’ for a negotiated settlement leading to a stable government makes sense when viewed from this perspective. Libya has also become a ‘playground’ for foreign forces in North Africa. Several countries

have supported opposing sides in the Libyan conflict. In effect, the country has become a ‘complex proxy battle for economic and geopolitical influence’, according to Germany’s Angela Merkel. Foreign interference is understood to have largely contributed to the current impasse. The United Nations officially recognises Fayez al-Sarraj – based in Tripoli – as the leader of the Libyan Government of National Accord. However, he is challenged by the military commander, Khalifa Haftar, who held a senior position in the armed forces which overthrew Gaddafi in 2011. When the General National Congress (GNC) refused to give up power in accordance with its term of office, Haftar, who was commander of the Libyan army, launched a campaign against the GNC and its Islamic supporters, leading to a civil war. While al-Sarraj is backed by Turkey and Qatar, Haftar is backed by Russia, Egypt, the UAE and Jordan. Currently, Libyan National Army forces and militias loyal to Haftar control much of Libya’s oil-producing regions, which gives him leverage in negotiating with the Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation. However, his attempt to cap-

Muslim Views . March 2020

ture Tripoli marked an escalation of the conflict, and has seen thousands killed in heavy fighting, mainly in the suburbs of the capital city. Haftar’s shutdown of key oil fields and ports on the eve of the Berlin Summit, that resulted in crippling Libya’s oil production from 1,2 million to just 72 000 barrels per day, and lifting crude prices worldwide, has guaranteed his inclusion in negotiations on Libya’s future. The participation of so many major powers in the Berlin Summit, including parties to the conflict, reflects the sense of urgency to stop the on-going conflict and violence. The summit was attended by Turkey, Russia, the UAE and Egypt, as well as representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Congo, Algeria, United Nations, African Union and United Nations. Though Fayez al-Sarraj and his rival, Khalifa Haftar, attended and were briefed about the deliberations, they did not participate in the meeting. The Berlin Summit conclusions were sent to the UN Security Council for approval and adoption. It recommends, inter alia, the end to foreign interference in Libya’s affairs. If this is not approved, the UN council members could decide to impose sanctions on Libya. Though a UN arms embargo has been in place since 2011, enforcement has not been effective;

foreign powers have continued to supply arms to their Libyan allies. According to UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres, ‘Libya has been a centre, a cancer for arms export and fighters export ...’ The foreign backers of the rival camps have now promised to stop arms supplies immediately. However, not everyone is convinced that this undertaking will be honoured by the relevant signatories. Several permanent UN Security Council members, such as Russia and France, continue to favour Haftar during the deliberations. The UN peace plan identified three streams of discussions upon which to build a permanent ceasefire – political, military and economic – to address issues of peace, governance and the management of public finances. The pressure by world powers on the opposing factions to resolve their conflict is increasing. A truce has been agreed by the two parties, though there have been reports of sporadic fighting. The ceasefire which was brokered by Turkey and Russia on January 12, called ‘on all parties concerned to redouble their efforts for a sustained suspension of hostilities, de-escalation and a permanent ceasefire’. However, the future of the agreement depends on the signatories’ ability to exert sufficient pressure on their Libyan allies to abide by the agreement. Failing this, Libya could end up in an even worse situation than at present.

Muslim Views . March 2020

Heading out for some true Italian at Del Forno, Killarney DILSHAD PARKER

KILLARNEY Mall, in Johannesburg, has seen a spate of halaal transformation amongst its eateries in the last year. It is home to at least six fully halaal, sit-down venues. Del Forno was one of the first to see the value of catering to Muslim shoppers and surrounding residents, and have been halaal for some years now. The decor has a sophisticated, contemporary and yet relaxed feel to it. Wooden flooring, a fireplace and brick walls coupled with stone cladding make for a warm and intimate setting. Their target market comprise those looking for a more sophisticated dining experience, celebrations and date nights but they are also family friendly. They have baby chairs and also cater for those in niqaab, offering the use of pardah frames. The seating is a combination of comfortable wooden tables and chairs as well as sofa booths along one wall. There are also two largescreen televisions so you never have to miss a game! They offer everything from a full breakfast menu to authentic Italian pasta dishes, pizzas made in a traditional wood burning oven, burgers and sticky wings. There’s a variety of grills, Mediterranean dishes, platters, serving chicken, seafood and beef, beverages such as mocktails and monster shakes. There are even a few Portuguese dishes but the obvious focus is Italian.

The light and delicious Beetroot Carpaccio starter. Photo DILSHAD PARKER

Board games are a nice change from crayons and colouring pages for the kids. Photo DILSHAD PARKER

You’ll get authentic classics, like Gnocci, Italian tomato soup, Schnitzel Primavera, Pollo Parmigiano, Canneloni and Dessert Calzones. The only thing I didn’t spot on the menu, sadly, was Risotto. We’ve been there a few times and on our most recent visit, we had the Beetroot Carpaccio – sliced beetroot with rocket and parmesan shavings drizzled with a honey mustard vinaigrette – a light and delicious alternative to the usual starters. Mains was the Beef Fillet Chimichurri – sliced beef fillet topped with tangy chimichurri sauce served with garlic parmesan green beans and mashed potato as

well as the crazy Deep Fried Chilli Cheese Burger, a house speciality. I did not expect to enjoy this, it was hubby’s order but I must admit it was quite good, especially the spicy cheese sauce that it came with. The fillet was perfectly done but I found that the tanginess of the chimichurri became too much as the dish went on. Taufeeq was very happy with his simple salami pizza from the kids menu and I liked the snakes and ladders game they offered to keep him busy. On a previous occasion, we had the Salmon Cremosa pasta, which is the best salmon pasta I have had yet. It was creamy and flavourful,

The Beef fillet with tangy chimichurri sauce is a good choice if you enjoy tangy rather than rich flavours over your steak. Photo DILSHAD PARKER

The service is pretty good, albeit sometimes a bit slow. The waiters are knowledgeable and good at making recommendations. It’s definitely a place that’s easy to go to again and again. The menu is big enough so you don’t have to try the same thing twice. My only complaint is that the lighting is a bit too low. Great for creating ambiance but an Instagrammer’s nightmare, lol… This review is independent and meals were paid for. Dilshad Parker is owner and author of www.hungryforhalaal.co.za

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with a nice chilli kick. The crumbed ravioli starter was a bit bland but Zulfi’s tomato soup was delicious. Even the bread stick that came with it was perfectly soft and crunchy at the same time. Their desserts are quite theatrical with the likes of an Eton Mess of meringue, cream and sweet sauce for kids plopping out of an upturned glass. The Chocolate Dome Surprise dessert with its hot salted toffee sauce pour-over that melts the chocolate dome in seconds to reveal waffles, strawberries and ice cream impressed all but Taufeeq, who could not understand why tea (same colour as the toffee sauce) was being poured over our dessert. The Apple Custard Calzone dessert was a miss for me. The menu does not mention it has raisins inside and raisins are a deal breaker in my books. I’m that person that will eat a hot cross bun but only after I’ve picked all the raisins out of it. Don’t judge me, I like the flavour not the texture.

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Light from the Quran

Muslim Views . March 2020

Enmity towards a believer is an act of injustice IBRAHIM OKSAS and NAZEEMA AHMED

IN his discussion on dispute and discord among the believers, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, in his contemporary Quranic tafsir, Risale-i Nur, cites the following ayahs: ‘Verily the believers are brothers so make peace between your brothers’ (Surah Al-Hujurat); ‘Repel evil with what is better than it; and if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will become like a bosom friend.’ (Surah Fussilat) He says that partisanship, obstinacy and envy, which lead to rancour and enmity among the believers, are repugnant and vile. Furthermore, they are harmful and sinful for personal, social and spiritual life. In fact, they are poison for the life of man. Bediuzzaman describes the one who nurtures rancour and enmity against a believer as unjust and sinful in the view of truth. In order to bring the matter closer to our understanding, he gives the following example: suppose that you were on a ship or in a house with nine innocent people and one criminal. If someone were to try to make the ship sink or to set the house on fire because of that criminal, you know how great a sinner he would be. You would cry out to the heavens against his sinfulness. Even if there were one innocent man and

nine criminals aboard the ship, it would be against all rules of justice to sink it. So, too, if there are in the person of a believer, who may be compared to a divine ship, not nine but as many as twenty innocent attributes such as imaan, Islam and neighbourliness; and if you then nurture rancour and enmity against him on account of one criminal attribute that harms or displeases you, attempting or desiring the sinking of his being or the burning of his house then you too will be a criminal guilty of a great atrocity. Dispute and discord are also sinful in the view of wisdom for it is obvious that enmity and love are opposites, just like light and darkness – while they maintain their respective essences, they cannot be combined. The believer loves and should love his brother, and is hurt by any evil he sees in him. He attempts to reform him not with harshness but gently. It is for this reason that the hadith of Nabi Muhammad (SAW) says, ‘No believer should be angered with another and stop speaking to him for more than three days.’ Bediuzzaman says that we can now see what a great sin it is to have rancour and enmity toward a fellow believer. If we were to say that ordinary small stones are more valuable than the Kaabah and greater than Mount Uhud, it

Dispute and discord are also sinful in the view of wisdom for it is obvious that enmity and love are opposites, just like light and darkness – while they maintain their respective essences, they cannot be combined. would be an ugly absurdity. So too, imaan, which has the value of the Kaabah, and Islam, which has the splendour of Mount Uhud, as well as other Islamic attributes, demand love and concord; but if we prefer to imaan and Islam certain shortcomings that arouse hostility but in reality are like the small stones, we too will be engaging in great injustice,

foolishness and sin. The unity of belief necessitates also the unity of hearts, and the oneness of our faith demands the oneness of our society. In citing a military example, Bediuzzaman says that we cannot deny that if we find ourselves in the same regiment as someone, we will form a friendly attachment to him; a brotherly relation will come into being as a result of both of them being submitted to the orders of a single commander. We will similarly experience a brotherly relation through living in the same town with someone. Thus, there are ties of unity, bonds of union and brotherly relations as numerous as the Divine Names that are shown and demonstrated to us by the light and consciousness of imaan. Our Creator, Owner, One Worthy of Worship, and Provider is one and the same for us; our Nabi (SAW) our religion and our qiblah are one and the same. All of these things that we have in common necessitates oneness and unity, union and concord, love and brotherhood, and indeed the cosmos and the planets are similarly interlinked. If, despite all this, one prefers worthless and transient things that give rise to dispute and discord, to rancour and enmity, and engage in true enmity towards a believer, then we will understand – unless our heart is dead and our intelli-

gence extinguished – what great disrespect is shown to that bond of unity, and what a transgression it is against that tie of brotherhood. Bediuzzaman says that in accordance with the meaning of the following ayah in Surah AlAn’am: ‘No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another’, which expresses pure justice, to nurture rancour and enmity towards a believer is like condemning all the innocent attributes found in him on account of one criminal attribute, and it is therefore an act of great injustice. If we go further and include in our enmity all the relatives of a believer on account of a single evil attribute of his, then, in accordance with the following ayah in Surah Ibrahim: ‘Man is indeed wrongdoing, ungrateful’, we will have committed a still greater sin and transgression, against which truth, the shariah and the wisdom of Islam combine to warn us. How then can you imagine yourself to be right, and say: ‘I am in the right’? Good qualities that arouse love are luminous like love; it is part of their function to be transmitted and to produce effects. It is for this reason that the proverb has come into being, ‘The friend of a friend is a friend’ and also that it is said, ‘Many eyes are beloved on account of one eye.’ In conclusion, this then is the view of truth.

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Muslim Views . March 2020

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The purity of Islam and spreading the message of deen HASSAN NOOR MAHOMED

THIS is one of the most intriguing and powerful aspects of Islam: over many months and through many facets of our continued work in the Southern African region, we have primarily focused on rural areas; we have introduced the concepts of Islam and deen to many who have not experienced the notion of structured religion. Life is ever evolving and one of the benefits of living in the modern age is the exposure we get to different ways of life. Last year, during the national ‘Spread the Light’ campaign, we noticed that for the duration of the event, a spark of passion and dedication flashed through the many youths who had volunteered. We are prone to putting down and dismissing the youth for their behaviour and the choices they make regarding their lifestyle and their impact on the social and economic worlds. However, a large percentage of the youth have experienced the transition from a rigid, oppressive era to a liberated, aware society. South Africa is a prime example of moving from one societal stage to the next, from apartheid to a new era of freedom and equality, where we are now socially inclusive of all people from all different walks of life and we are able to share thoughts, ideas and dreams.

IDM volunteers and staff distributing Qurans in Orange Farm, Gauteng. Photo LOGIC

In this new era, conversations now entail details of culture, tradition, religion and the meaning of life – how they extend beyond the norm and preconceived ideas. With this, the youth have now become a part of the solution, where they are bringing and introducing new concepts and ideologies to the table. Last year, we saw a great influx in this kind of community work that is needed to further unite us as South Africans and individuals in order that the message of the deen of Islam can spread. From as far afield as Cape Town, George through to Gauteng, IDM received immense support from the youth, who helped propel our ‘Spread the Light’ campaign and transform it into the success it was. Spread the Light was conceived so that we could deliver copies of

the Holy Quran that had been translated and printed in various Southern African languages. These Qurans allow people to read and understand the message of the Almighty, in their own languages. Often, this work was concentrated in rural areas but one of the newer approaches that was explored in depth was in urban South Africa – where there is a hunger for deen, for knowledge and for answers. These answers are found in the Holy Quran, answers that are guiding us Muslims, answers that define who we are, the lives that we live, the laws we obey, the culture we adopt, the characteristics that define us and the people that we inevitably become. There is a plethora of people suffering from depression and anger; there are issues of morale

IDM ready to distribute Qurans in Mitchells Plain, Western Cape. Photo FUSION

and their effects on hope. The constant need to socialise, to interact and to fit into societal subdivisions often leave individuals feeling lonely and ‘not belonging’. Introducing people to the light that is the Holy Quran allows these individuals to discover a community available to them. A core Islamic concept is neighbourly love, shared with community by our team, resulting in individuals confiding their wants and needs, to interact with each other. The ‘Spread the Light’ campaign has reached many new Muslims and traditional Muslims wanting to feel a part of a greater purpose that would strengthen their communities. During these campaigns, a safe space is created where people are

able to connect and communicate with each other about marital problems, domestic issues and financial struggles – all are creating support groups which help communities deal with such issues. Perspectives and opinions were changed on the basis of individuals interacting with others who were on different social levels than themselves. To us, at IDM, this is what dawah is about: making yourself available to share, to experience and to take the time to give back to the communities that surround us. It is incumbent upon us that we do not ignore the plights of the many people held captive by poverty and oppressive social structures. We make it our duty to help in any possible way, be it in the form of zakaah to build lives, sadaqah to help share in better lives and Lillah to build mosques and print Qurans so that we effectively help all people from all walks of life share and distribute the message of Islam – taking Islam into as many hearts and homes as possible. To become a part of the IDM family, feel free to contact us on 031 304 6883 and follow us on social media. Alternatively, you can speak to me, Hassan Noor Mahomed, or Dr Ebrahim Dada on dawah@idmsa.org

Art’s for All

Muslim Views . March 2020

Arab libraries: glory and ashes

The Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom /762 CE) with its Academy of Higher Scientific Studies and Translation was a pinnacle of universal Muslim studies, writes DR M C D’ARCY.

FOR me, libraries have always been more interesting than palaces; I’ve been addicted to them all my life. Knowledge is exciting. It’s the door to endless worlds near and far – physical, mystical or intangible. Within its confines I am happy; more so when I was in charge of a unique library. In the 1960s, I belonged to the Muslim Youth Movement of Cape Town, right in the pulsing heart of District Six, Cape Town. I was the executive member in charge of the art and culture activities, and the library. This lending library contained books of all genres and was open to all, regardless of any religious and racial affiliations. It was probably the first lending library started and run by the ‘non-white’ community in Cape Town. Even when I emigrated to Canada, my heart was in that library; I even sent books for its readers. And then it was destroyed by the rabid apartheid overlords, razed into the crying earth of District Six. My eyes bled. They flowed again when I read of the glory of the libraries of the Arab empires and their demise. The greatest threat and danger to humankind, is man. Arrogance, power, avarice and stupidity are the prime poisons. Scan the historic narratives of the rise and fall of empires across the globe. The sequence is always the same: evanescent glory followed by litanies of decimation, ruins and dust. Such destruction runs deep in the veins of conquerors, charlatans and intolerant religionists of all faiths, and even atheists of all ilk. The Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom /762 CE) with its Academy of Higher Scientific Studies and Translation, erected by the Abbasid caliph, Harun al-Rashid, was a pinnacle of universal Muslim studies.

The gigantic front facade of Amir Timur’s mausoleum, Samarkand, originally the Photo S & I MOOSAJEE work of his Baghdad captives.

The lavish, brilliantly tiled mausoleum of ‘The Sword of God’, Timur the Lame, in Photo S & I MOOSAJEE Samarkand.

His son, Caliph Ma’mun, established his own places of scholarship and translating practice. Libraries multiplied, one more well-endowed than the other, all bursting with ancient manuscripts and stacks of books covering all subjects. Education flourished. Rows of bookshops adorned Baghdad. Scientific knowledge rapidly expanded. It was the golden age of Islamic endeavour, and Baghdad was the great repository of human knowledge. The Nizamiyah (1065 CE): Nizam al-Mulk Tusi, prime minister of Seljuk Sultan Malikshah, established a chain of madrasahs across Baghdad, Mosul, Isfahan and other towns. The most renowned establishment was The Nizamiyah, in Baghdad. The famous mystic, alGhazali, lectured there from 1091 to 1095 CE. Nizam al-Mulk wrote Siyat Namah/ Siyat al-Mulk, which, for a long time, was a prescribed text for civil servants’ service examinations, in London. The Mustansiriyah was a teaching and research institution founded by the second-last Abbasid caliph, al-Mustansir Bil’llah, in 1228 CE. It took 160 camels to transfer the rare books from the great Imperial Library to this venue. The renowned world traveller and scholar, ibn Battutah, described its buildings and the func-

tioning of the seminary and the library filled with more than 40 000 books. It had an open-shelf system, stack rooms, reading rooms, and lecture rooms for astronomy, sciences and religion. The caliph, alManstansir, visited the library daily. It is claimed that the early European universities were patterned on this model. Deep in Mongolia trouble stirred. Temujin Genghis Khan got onto his horse and destroyed and decimated vast tracts of land from China to the gates of Europe. He had no mercy, no compassion. It is estimated that he controlled one of the biggest empires man had known. He killed more than 40 million men women and children, estimated at 20 per cent of the then known world population. Genghis Khan utterly destroyed all who resisted him, razing all they built, including palaces, academic treasures, irreplaceable manuscripts and millions of books. Genghis Khan passed his terror genes onto his progeny. In 1258, Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, appeared outside the walls of Baghdad. He demanded the surrender of Baghdad. Caliph Al-Mu’tasim mocked him, daring him to attack Baghdad. The walled city was stormed. Some say that sectarian religious groups betrayed the caliph.The

walls were scaled by the Mongol hordes. Ten days of unremitting violence and destruction ensued. More than thirty libraries in Baghdad were burnt, books were tossed into the canals and rivers, clogging them. The waters turned black from the ink and then red from human slaughter. Pyramids of heads were set on fire as a warning to others not to resist him on his warpath. Hulagu only spared the Christians, Jews and some craftsmen. His mother and his favourite wife were Nestorian Christians. Caliph Mu’tasim capitulated. Hulagu’s soothsayers had warned him not to spill royal blood on the earth, so Mu’tasim was rolled up in a carpet and Hulagu’s horsemen trampled him to death. The Muslim empire never really regained its glory. Baghdad was slowly rebuilt. The madrasahs and places of learning resurrected. Its population and wealth increased. In the region of Samarkand a Turkic-Mongol military genius, and an apparent Sunni Muslim, was growing restless. Timur the Lame was consolidating his marauding prowess. He was lame in one leg, and had some missing fingers on one hand. He was regarded by many as something of an intellectual, a master chess player and he was ruthless, in line with his hero, Genghis Khan. He savaged the lands from mid-Asia to Europe and swung deep into northern India, destroying everything with more venom and blood than his Mongol idol. He eyed the riches of India just as Alexander the Great had a thousand years before him. The Indian armies resisted him. They decked elephants with arrow-resistant plates. Timur was not perturbed.

He loaded some camels with bales of straw, set the straw alight and chased the flaming crazed camels charging towards the elephants. The terrified beasts trumpeted in fright, turned and fled. He thoroughly sacked Delhi. Timur usually spared the creative artists and artisans and took them back to Samarkand. The West regards him as one of the greatest military strategists that ever lived. He is reputed to have said, ‘When I rise from the dead, the world shall tremble.’ Baghdad was a sitting duck. Timur was intent on punishing the Shia section of Baghdad’s population for an apparent betrayal of the Sunni Muslims of Baghdad when Hulagu ransacked the area. This self-styled ‘Sword of Islam’ killed more than 20 000 Baghdadis. In fact, he killed more Muslims than any other religious group during that attack. He also destroyed many beautiful buildings but, as in Delhi, he spared artisans and artists and shipped them back to Samarkand where his mausoleum still stands tall in fantastic, tiled splendour. With such venomous destruction, priceless written documents and embossed books of great importance were torched and used as fuel. It is purported that this colossus died of a common cold. And like Timur, Baghdad, as a flourishing hub of knowledge and erudition, never recovered its glory. Civilisation wept. But it was not only the great savages from the outside that ravaged the Muslim written words and the sacred papers, the rot was also on the inside. Infighting flourished long before the ‘Golden Hordes’ knocked at the gates of the Muslim empire. Old columns of Art’s for All are available on line at: Artsforall.com

Muslim Views . March 2020

Young entrepreneurs can rescue South Africa SURAYA DADOO

WITH the country facing an unemployment crisis, a concerted effort to support young entrepreneurs is urgently needed in South Africa to defeat poverty and revitalise the economy. This was the message coming from South Africa’s business community at Roshgold Investment Holding’s Young Business Achiever Awards (YBAA) in Johannesburg, last month. Now in its third year, the awards celebrate and reward young entrepreneurs and creative small businesses. Roshgold received 125 entries from across the country. Durban entrepreneur, Moosa Bux, took top honours with his winning concept of Pedro’s Flame-Grilled Chicken. Johannesburg-based, Utyala Stem Institute, which equips children with problem-solving skills, came in second. Ammaarah Petersen, from Cape Town, grabbed third place with her Hot Chefs business. Rounding off the top five were Hassan Suleman’s Form Force Scaffolding and Lutfiya Ally’s Skinsation. Over R500 000 worth of prizes, along with exposure to cuttingedge technology, expertise, mentorship, coaching and platforms to promote their businesses were on offer to contestants.

The general consensus among contestants, however, was that they had won regardless of their placing, and were already reaping the benefits of participating in the competition. Sponsored and partnered by business and investment groups, NGOs and a network of seasoned business leaders, YBAA provided participants with valuable opportunities to network and establish relationships with business mentors, potential funders and partners. ‘Through the competition, we have had increased media exposure and this is definitely helping us to grow,’ said Saffiyya Dawood-Esakjee, of Utyala Stem Institute. Ammaarah Petersen reported a massive spike in Hot Chef’s social media following, and has received numerous queries about her services. This, said Petersen, was due to her participation in YBAA. Lutfiya Ally of Skinsation agreed. Participating in YBAA also forced contestants to up their game in several areas. Bux said that being stuck in the daily grind of the business, led to neglect of his vision, mission and management structures. ‘YBAA forced me to take a step back and pay more attention to these critical aspects of the business.’ Other contestants said the competition forced them to improve their online and social media pres-

ence – areas they had previously ignored. According to Roshgold spokesperson, Ebrahim Sujee, these are critical spaces within the context of the fourth industrial revolution. From virtual reality simulation to environmental consulting, YBAA attracted diverse entrepreneurs in terms of backgrounds and industries. Judges were impressed by the diversity, quality and depth of the entries received. ‘I found ambition in the entrants, and a real desire to grow,’ commented Shiraz Gani, of Awqaf SA. This can-do attitude, he said, is critical to the success of any business. ‘The main criterion in judging was original, sustainable business ideas that would add value to the individual, community and to the economy as a whole – and entrants delivered on this,’ said judge Nazir Osman. According to Shabir Chohan, head of financial services provider, Al-Baraka Bank, and one of YBAA’s long-standing partners, ‘The competition’s objective is to equip young South Africans to become creators of opportunity.’ Ebrahim Sujee agreed. ‘We were looking for job creators with an appetite for learning and adopting technology.’ The emphasis on job creators – rather than job-seekers – is crucial, said Tamiko Cuellar. ‘Entrepreneurs don’t only cre-

Pictured, from left, are YBAA representatives, Shaakira Rahiman-Saleh and Aadilah Sallie, with winner, Moosa Bux. Photo RIYAADH SATAR

ate businesses and wealth for themselves, they also help to create jobs for others, thus ending generational poverty,’ explains Cuellar, a US-based business strategist who has held entrepreneurship workshops in Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia and South Africa. In this way, people are less dependent on large corporations for employment. YBAA focuses specifically on young businesses that have limited support and resources, and find it difficult to grow. Funding is a key problem facing small and mediumsized enterprises in South Africa. Consequently, just seven per cent of South Africa’s adult population is involved with running their own businesses. This is shockingly low when compared to other sub-Saharan African countries, where the rate of entrepreneurial activity is nearly four times higher. Entrepreneurship can be boosted if the public and private sector join forces to build – what Cuellar calls – an ‘entrepreneurship ecosystem’ consisting of hubs, colleges, universities, government

entities and business owners that work together in helping to produce young entrepreneurs. Nurturing young entrepreneurs is vital to addressing unemployment. Almost a third of South Africans are unemployed, with most of those struggling to find jobs being young people. In 2019, the estimated youth unemployment rate in South Africa stood at a staggering 53,18 per cent, one of the highest in the world. Sujee believes that initiatives like the Young Business Achiever Awards are an important part of an environment that encourages young people to start their own businesses. In his inaugural State of the Nation Address, in 2018, President Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa’s economy will be sustained by small businesses. It is now time for Ramaphosa to put those words into action by ensuring that the South African government, together with private sector initiatives, like the YBAA, support young entrepreneurs.

Pictured at the Roshgold Investment Holding’s Young Business Achiever Awards are, from left, Runner-up Saffiyya Dawood-Esakjee, Lutfiya Ally, MC Farhan Esat and 3rd placed Ammaarah Petersen. Photo RIYAADH SATAR

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