Imam Haron 50th year commemorative events diary

TO mark 50 years after the death in detention of ash-Shaheed Imam Abdullah Haron, the Imam Haron Commemoration Committee (IHCC) has organised a number of events, until September 29, 2019 – the date on which Imam Haron was buried after his killing on September 27.

The events aim to raise awareness about the struggle of the Imam against apartheid, and to learn more about his personality and character as a community builder, activist and revolutionary so that current and future generations can draw lessons to continue to strive for justice.

Cassiem Khan, coordinator of the IHCC, is encouraging the public to remember Imam Haron at the their existing events on the calendar of schools, madrasahs, sports clubs, mosques, at dhikrs, khatams and during Ramadaan programmes, amongst other events.

The IHCC kicked off its programme of events with the media launch of the Imam Haron Foundation on February 8. This was followed on February 10 by a Quran khatam at Masjid ul Rawbie, in Mitchells Plain, organised by the Muslim Judicial Council to mark its 74th anniversary.

A number of other programmes were held where Imam Haron was honoured throughout March and April.

While many more programmes are in the pipeline, the major event is on May 28, marking the day when the Imam was arrested. It also launches the #Imam123Days campaign, 123 indicating the number of days Imam Haron was held in detention before his brutal killing at the hands of apartheid special branch interrogators.

This programme will be held at Al Jaamia Masjid, in Stegmann Road, Claremont, where Imam Haron officiated.

Other confirmed events are:

June 16, 2019: educational quiz at Alexander Sinton High School, Crawford.

Date tbc: sevens rugby tournament at City Park, Crawford.

July 18-19, 2019: tribute concert at ArtsCape Theatre, Cape Town.

August 2019: celebrating Aunty Galiema Haron, widow of Imam Haron, with a dhikr at Claremont Main Road Mosque on the occasion of her birthday.

September 2019: Lecture, play and Apex public event at City Park Stadium.

For further information on the activities planned or to add your organisation or jamaah’s name to the programme of events, contact the IHCC coordinator, Cassiem Khan, via WhatsApp at 076 640 7928 or email him at cassiemkhan9@gmail.com. Cassiem Khan can also be contacted for the banking details of the IHCC.