Apartheid in SA –
PICTURES: Sanaa Petersen
Heaven compared
to Palestine today
FIRDOWS BADROODIEN forced off their lands by illegal is the most potent
Israeli settlers. The apartheid govern- weapon that the
President Kgalema Motlanthe deliv- ment segregated education, medical Palestinian people
ered the key note address at the open- care and other public services and can have and that
ing of the Fourth International provided black people with services South Africa is
Humanitarian Conference on greatly inferior to those of whites. uniquely placed to
Saturday, 7 February 2009 at the Israel's "security fence" or Apartheid assist them to realise
Parow Civic Centre. The conference Wall carves Palestinian lands into everlasting peace
organised by the Muslim Judicial inaccessible areas, leaving and self determina-
Council was in aid of strengthening Palestinians who live on the wrong tion. He urged South
the efforts to "stop the humanitarian side of the wall isolated from water Africans to engage
crisis in Gaza". and crucial resources. Additionally, with the people of
this wall isolates the Palestinian pop- Palestine and help
Representatives from 16 countries ulation from each other and their way them attain unity
were present at the conference, name- of life. The Group Areas Act Of 1950 and emerge as a
ly Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, designed to separate racial groups united force.
France, Holland, Morocco, Malaysia, geographically, became the heart of
Libya, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, the apartheid system. This Act which The system of
Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Sudan, was passed on 27 April 1950 parti- Apartheid ignited
Turkey and S.A. President Motlanthe tioned the country into different the flame of internal
said that he decided against writing a quarters - areas allocated to different resistance by politi-
formal speech because he believed racial groups. This law was the foun- cal organisations HANDSHAKE: President of the MJC, Moulana Igsaan
that he was able to speak from the dation on which political and social such as the ANC, Hendricks welcoming President Kgalema Motlanthe at the
heart on the plight of the Palestinian separation was built. the Black opening of the 4th International Humanitarian conference on
people. He stated that a "deep sense C o n s c i o u s n e s s 7 February 2009 at Parow Civic Centre
of shared pain" existed between President Motlanthe spoke of his Movement, the PAC such as the Palestinian Liberation
South Africans and Palestinians visit to Palestine in May 2008, he and the UDF. In turn, the South Organisation (PLO) and international
because the Palestinians are living in said that "Israel continued to change African government responded with anti- apartheid movements.
their very own apartheid state. the physical facts of Palestine and police brutality, resorted to deten- This however, seems impossible due
Apartheid, an Afrikaans word mean- that they are constantly constructing tions without trial, torture and cen- to the fact that the United States, the
ing separateness was a system of new settlements and building roads sorship. But despite suffering European Union, Israel, Canada and
legal racial segregation enforced by for the exclusive use of Israeli citi- extreme cruelty, and having to endure Japan have labelled Hamas as a
the National Party Government of zens. He said, "Palestinians who exile, these organisations retained Terrorist organisation, in fear of what
apartheid South Africa. This was a usually took two minutes to walk support for the anti-apartheid strug- Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister of
chapter in South Africa's history across the road from their homes to gle in South Africa and continued to Israel stated in November 2007: "If
where black South Africans were their places of work, now have to use rally support from international anti- the day comes when the two-state
stripped of their citizenship and a different route, stopping at dozens apartheid movements. President solution collapses, and we face a
legally became citizens of self-gov- of Israeli checkpoints." President Motlanthe stated that similarly, South African-style struggle for
erning Bantustans (tribal homelands). Motlanthe significantly went on to Hamas, an organisation of social equal rights (also for the Palestinians
These Bantustans occupied small and say "Not even in the darkest days of workers and a democratically elected in the territories), then, as soon as
economically infertile areas of the apartheid did we ever experience government of Palestine, should join that happens, the State of Israel is
country. So too has Palestinians been anything like that". He believes unity forces with other Palestinian groups finished."
What's New:
The Community News (CNEWS) has transformed into a Women, girls and youth engendered read. The CNEWS has dedicated pages written by young Muslims for young
Muslims. The 'junior reporters' have been selected through the Youth Engineering the Future 'Hubb 4 Life' Business Plan Competition held during 2008. Each junior reporter
will be attending a Media and Communications course capacitating them with skills in the print, radio, television and digital media. Watch them grow! The Youth Media
branches are Al-AAzhar High/Colorada Park masjid; Alshams/Park Road masjid; AlShabaab/Kalksteenfontein masjid; Darul Islam High; Darun Naim, Helping Hands,
Connecting Hearts/Masjidus Sunni; Husami GoGetters/Husami Masjid, STEPS/Iqra High school and Owwal masjid.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR YOUTH MEDIA INITIATIVE!!! EMAIL:info@islamicmedia.co.za
2 March 2009 - Rabi-ul-Awwal 1430
MUSCLE/Darun Naim Boys SANA EBRAHIM PICTURES: Sanaa Petersen certificate course, such
divine law and is
Castletown Road, Wynberg applicable to all as developing it into a
Abdul Kadir Davids From a modest intake of just Muslims for all postgraduate diploma,
Altaaf Harnekar 14 students in 2004, to a stag- times, wherever and later on an LLM
gering 85 in 2008; the they may be situ- (Masters in Islamic
Helping Hands, Connecting University of KwaZulu-Natal ated." In the con- Family Law/ Criminal
Hearts (UKZN) Certificate in text of the Justice/ Islamic
Islamic Law course has Certificate in Banking/ Medical
Masjidus Sunni , 11 Ayshire proved its weight in gold. The Islamic Law Jurisprudence).
Road, Kromboom course has had wide appeal course, students
Ghafeetha Abdul Razak, across cultural, religious and are equipped with Mr Shabir Chohan,
Miekaeel Adams, racial lines. It gives non- knowledge on a CEO of Albaraka Bank
Yaseen Ebrahim Muslim students a better wide spectrum of (corporate sponsors of
understanding of Islamic Law Islamic legal the certificate course)
in particular; and Islam in issues in order to highlighted that in the
S.T.E.P.S/Iqra
general. For Muslim students, create a better AWARDS: (l-r)Adeeb Abrahams-manager Albaraka, wake of the current
Academy/Owwal masjid a definite draw card has been understanding of Prof Mohseen Ebrahim, Dr Muhammad Vahed, Judge global economic crisis,
Jasmyn Street, Belhar the comparison of Islamic the practicality of Bashier Waglay, Shabir Chohan- CEO-Albaraka, flaws in the way busi-
Fathima Naidoo Law to South African law in Sheikh A. Alexander, ness was done in the
Islam in a secular
Nurah Simon issues that affect them in their state. Every mod- centres located in Ladysmith, past have surfaced.
daily lives, like marriage, ule commences with an Gauteng and Cape Town. The "Governments bailing out
Publishers: divorce, succession, Islamic overview of western law fol- immediate result was a signif- banks show them to be really
ISLAMIC MEDIA AGENCY CC
banking, and medical science. lowed by a detailed discus- icant increase in enrolment - just treating the symptom and
The course boasts a diverse sion of Islamic law. 40 more students joined the not the cause. Islam has the
Ck2002/001313/23 student profile. 'Ulama Contemporary issues such as course outside the Greater solution; based on risk-shar-
Address :466 Lansdowne (Muslim theologians), aca- the Amina Lawal Zina (adul- Durban area. ing, interest-free investment.
Road, Lansdowne, 7780 demics, businessmen, lectur- tery) case, the 'Khatif girl' This is evident from Islamic
Tel: 021 6972294 ers, home executives and stu- rape case in Saudi Arabia, the The 2009 Certificate in banking in several countries
Fax: 021 6972304
dents have all found rele- cartoon cases involving the Islamic Law graduation took remaining largely unaffect-
vance for it in their lives. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), place on 7 February with ed." The reason for this is that
Email: This indicates that perhaps including the local Jacob Sheikh Mohammed Colbie Islam prohibits any form of
info@islamicmedia.co.za people might want to study Zuma cartoons in the context achieving the highest aggre- speculation, whereas western
www.islamicmedia.co.za Islamic Law not so much of freedom of speech, the gate and Sheikh banking and finance trade in
Designer: from the point of view of Muslim Personal Law Bill, Abduragmaan Alexander, debt and paper, which have no
Nazleah Hartley
wanting to practise law, but to and the global financial tur- imam of Masjid Ighwa Tul intrinsic value.
get an insight into Islam. moil are examined. Islam in second position and Students interested in
Printers: Mymoena Arnold in third enrolling for the 2009
Paarl Coldset So exactly what is Shari'ah UKZN is the only tertiary position. Certificate in Islamic Law
(or Islamic Law) and how institution in South Africa course should contact
Banking Details: does it differ from western that offers this course, which Mrs Munirah Osman (lecturer
Mawlana Mulla on 079 796
Islamic Media Agency cc
law? Course-coordinator Adv has created a huge demand in the School of Law at 73070 or
FNB, Sandton City, Branch Code:
Muhammad Vahed explains: for it nationally. But UKZN UKZN) stated: "In a time islamiclaw.ukzn@gmail.com.
254-605
"Western law is man-made is not a correspondence uni- when social injustices and Sana Ebrahim is a freelance
law; it's changing all the time, versity and therefore the challenges are facing many journalist. Read her 'Indians
Account Number: 62033040007 depending on circumstances. course was offered in 2008 as countries, this course is espe- in Africa' blog at http://indi-
Whereas Islamic Law is block lectures at three new cially relevant." Future plans african.blogspot.com.
were also unveiled for the
March 2009 - Rabi-ul-Awwal 1430 3
competition
Palestinians that helped them
The Palestinian Solidarity (South Africans) fight for free-
Group (PSG) with its partners dom from Apartheid.
held a Mass Rally at the 'Christians should stand up
Violets Rugby Sports ground against Israel in the same man-
The Helping Hands, About our team: untouched spaces. I am in February to end the ner that they stood up against
Connecting Hearts team, Gaafitha Abdul Razak passionate about life and 'Humanitarian Crises in the apartheid government of
representing Masjidus I am studying Hifdh and its many different, beauti- Palestine'. Mercia Andrews of South Africa,' said Boesak
Sunni in Kromboom was love laughing and spending ful and scary trials. In PSG said, 'the struggle in Cosatu, Zwellenzima Vavi
awarded third place in the time with my friends (my essence, I would describe Palestine is even longer than called for:
YEF 'Hubb 4 Life'/'Love favorite people in the myself as a complex pas- South Africa's (liberation) All companies should refuse to
for Life' Business Plan world). I am a very socia- sionate being that never struggle.' She called for carry shipment to Israel.
competition, convened by ble individual. I am always gives up and never loses Israel's soccer team to be The SA government should
the Youth Engineering the up for trying new things hope. banned from the 2010 World stand up against the Apartheid
Future (YEF) Project and having a good time. I Cup. And, former Minister of State of Israel
Trust on 30 November enjoy travelling to differ- Miekaeel Adams Intelligence, Ronnie Kastrils, The media should express the
2008 at SANZAF H/O and ent countries and meeting I am currently completing said that South Africans can truth
Centre for Educational new people. I am a very my Hifdh programme and never celebrate their freedom Israel should be banned from
and Skills Development in determined person. Fast hope to qualify as a until Palestine is free. the 2010 World Cup.
Salt River. Participants cars and food are two Chartered Accountant. I Allan Boesak reminded the
had to develop a business things that excites me have an effervescent per-
plan inorder to create a greatly…lol. My weakness sonality and love people, PICTURES: Ghafithaa Abdul Razak
Young participative space is public speaking. I do drama and sport. I am driv-
within the masjid. They
also had to identify and PICTURES: Moosa Brown
develop sustainable frame-
works to revitalise the
masjid as an integral,
functional and vibrant
fundamental in the devel-
opment Muslim Youth.
The YEF would like to thank the About our team TEAM: Abdul-Kader Davids, Altaaf Harnaker and PAMPERED: The principal and staff of
Touhir Mohamed the Al-Azhar primary school hosted its
Adjudicators of the YEF 'Hubb 4 Altaaf Harnaker annual Muharram lunch for their elderly
Life' Business Plans competition I am currently in my neighbours. The neighbours were treated
namely, Rudewaan Arendse, Amina second year of Arabic and Islamic Touhir Mohamed, 17years to a 3 course sumptuous lunch prepared
Bhayat, Dr Anwa Nagiah, Mickaeel Studies at Darun Na'im - Institute I am currently in the second year of and served by the teaching staff.
Collier, Sheikh Shahied Esau and for Higher Islamic Learning. Prior my Islamic studies course at Darun-
M. Amien Jacobs for their selfless to that I attended Habibia Primary Naim. I attended Madrassa-tu-
support. School and I matriculated from Tarbiyyah Primary School. The Muslim Judicial Council
Islamia College in 2007. I enjoy Thereafter I completed my hifdh of
About MUSCLE - Darun Naim camping, fishing, hiking, martial the Quran under Sheikh Ismail
(MJC) Proud Supporter of the
Boys arts, swimming and being with Londt. I spend my free time playing YEF 'Hubb 4 Life' project
Muscle Association or Muslims friends. games, and I enjoy all types of
United for Social, Cultural and sport.
Leadership through Education is an Abdul-Kader Davids, 20 years Our Event
organisation with the sole purpose I completed grade 7 at Morgenson Darun Naim Ijtimaa- Separate
of attracting youth to the mosque in Primary School, thereafter I attend- Boys and Girls religious camps
order to uplift the community on a ed Darul Uloom Arabia wal Islamia taking place in Junetion. Many
mainly spiritual level through aca- in Strand, where I concluded my others are studying either in the
demic and extramural activities. hifdh after four years. My hobbies Health Sciences, Engineering or
Our mission is to inspire and gener- are reading, swimming, playing Commerce fields. Some have gone 20 Cashel Avenue, Athlone
ate enthusiasm among the youth to cricket and rugby, taking walks and on to study Islamic Law and Tel: 021 696 5150/1/2
get involved in and around the learning new things. Religion. www.mjc.org.za
8 March 2009 - Rabi-ul-Awwal 1430
Al-S
Shams applies ing time with my friends and
having fun I know when to be A junior reporter’s
first experience
intergrated Islamic
serious. I've lived by the
moto: "live life to the fullest",
always hold your head up high UMAYMAH DAVIDS
approach
Allah won't make you carry a
burden you cant bare. Being my first time going out into
the world and having to take notes
Gafeedha Davids and interview people was nerve-
I am a 2nd year occupational racking. I had no idea what to expect
The Al-Shams youth team PICTURES: Sanaa Petersen
therapist student at UWC. I and how to react. While sitting and
from Park Road masjid par-
am the eldest of 3 girls. Being listening to the speakers I was taken
ticipated in the YEF 'Hubb 4
the oldest is not an easy job. It in by what they said and the way
Life'/'Love for Life' Business
can be very stressful at times, they said it. As the night progressed I
Plan competition, convened
but all I can do is be grateful became more relaxed but when I
by the Youth Engineering the
and thank our Almighty Allah. spoke to some of the guests my
Future (YEF) Project Trust
The reason I chose occupa- stomach was in a knots all over
on 30 November 2008 at SAN-
tional therapy as a career is again. I got up the courage interview
ZAF H/O and Centre for
because I have the passion to the guests and had a blast. I’d love to
Educational and Skills
work with people and to do it again soon.
Development in Salt River.
Participants had to develop a enable them to live a satisfac-
tory life with or without a dis- Shukran for the opportunity.
business plan inorder to cre-
ate a Young participative ability and to help them fulfil
space within the masjid. They their daily occupations suc-
TEAM: From left to right: Shuaib Van der Schyff-12years, Team cessfully.
also had to identify and devel- leader – Gafeedha Davids-19years UWC student, Nabeelah I'm an honest, trustworthy,
op sustainable frameworks to Davids-14 years, Umaymah Davids – 17years and Uzair Ramjam patient and understanding
revitalise the masjid as an – 16years
integral, functional and individual going through life
vibrant fundamental in the which we undertake all the ourselves as an educational looking for opportunities to
development Muslim Youth. while being mindful of the resource for individuals wish- grow and to become a
environment in which we live. ing to learn about Islam and its stronger, independent individ-
The YEF would like to thank Our philosophy is to provide a culture. ual within society. I am a
the Adjudicators of the YEF unique atmosphere for youth Our team responsible person with the
'Hubb 4 Life' Business Plans to interact and develop in an Nabeelah Davids, 14 courage to pursue my vision
competition namely, environment that would My education is very impor- and my dreams. A positive
Rudewaan Arendse, Amina encourage sharing and the gal- tant to me although I don't like attitude brought me to where I
Bhayat, Dr Anwa Nagiah, vanizing of different ideas, sport that much. Being an am today and a positive atti-
Mickaeel Collier, Sheikh feelings and opinions in order executive member is an honor tude will take me through life
Shahied Esau and M. Amien for them to contribute mean- for me because I see this as an Insh-Allah.
Jacobs for their selfless sup- ingfully towards their own opportunity to develop in all
port. personal growth and the aspects of life insh-allah. Uzair Ramjam, 17years
advancement of our communi- Growing up in a western soci- I am extremely imaginative
About Al-Shams ty. ety can be a difficult task, but and really expressive. I am
Our mission is to encourage a I hope this program will equip outspoken, and an excellent
lifelong participation within Our vision is to provide youth me with the necessary skills. mediator, yet I can still remain
Al-Shams in order to create a with a unique space to grow critical an empathetic. I am
thriving community. As well physically, intellectually and Umaymah Davids, 18 years independent and hardworking.
as forming a relationship and spiritually enabling them to I am a first year student at the I am interested in literature,
network with other youth lead a positive lifestyle University of the Western comparative religion, current
groups and organizations. Our strengthened by Islam and to Cape, studying computer sci- affairs and politics, especially
youth group will ensure that remain mindful of our respon- ence. I'm a fun outgoing per- Middle Eastern politics.
an integrated Islamic approach sibilities as youth. At Al- son who is game for almost
is fostered in all activities, Shams, we hope to position anything. While I love spend-
Networking
SMS LETTERS
Muharram at Park Road, What happens at
Masjid
Our Muharrum program was held
Al-A
Azhar high school builds the voting station
on the 18th January 2009, where the
imam Moegamat Noor invited under
5 additional classrooms on 22 April 2009?
privileged children and families to PICTURES: Sanaa Petersen Kindly share this information below with all
celebrate the Islamic new year with voters, in particular the aspect of the Voter
the Wynberg community. The event that needs to be taught/reminded that they
started off with a Thikr and snacks have two ballots - one a National Ballot and
for the guests. A guest speaker the other being a Provincial Ballot
spoke about the difficulties that the
people in Gaza and the significance Voting procedure
of Muharrum. After Thur lunch was When you arrive at the voting station in the
served at the Vigilance wall we as voting district where you have registered, the
al-shams helped were necessary. electoral staff will:
We are planning to take the youth of
our community to visit Greenpoint 1) Check your ID and hands to ensure
stadium so that they see the devel- there
opments and improvements, indeed is no ink on your fingers;
it is a historical moment for all of us 2) Verify if the photo in your green bar-
because it is history in the making. coded ID looks like you and verify that
We see this as an opportunity for the you are registered;
youth to be exposed to what is hap- 3) Cross your name from the segment of
pening within the country and for the voters' roll;
them to realize that tomorrow 4) Mark your left thumb with indelible
belongs to them. ink;
G.Davids, Al-Shams 5) Issue two ballot papers i.e. national and
WORK IN PROGRESS: Worker on site at Al-Azhar High school.
Thank you, SANZAF provincial ballot papers;
Thnx sanaa u the bst i reali enjoyd 6) Direct you to a voting booth to cast your
myslf 2day n snd my thnx 2 SAN- The Al-Azhar Institute of Cape ends. The host country must pro-
votes.
ZAF as we on bhalf of al da STEP Town is a fully registered inde- vide all the infra-structures, as
membas we wud lyk 2 tel u thn u pendent school that is wholly agreed upon in 1993.
Once you have marked the ballot papers you
dng a great job n we wil try our bst dependent on the school fees, Because of the rapid growth of
must place your ballots in the ballot box.
2 mke da dream of da yef 2 wrk! fund raisers and a small subsidy the High School, we have been
Thn u a star! Imraan Jappie from the WCED. All our expens- forced to find funds for the con-
Shukran and Was salaam
es, (telephone, rates, electricity, struction of the three laboratories
YEF January Meeting water, office equipment, station- and 5 additional classrooms. Two
Aslam Salie
Salaam i realy njoyd ystrday i learnt W Cape Director of Communications
ary, duplicating paper, toners, classrooms are near completion.
alot . . .my fav part was da nails ha ALJAMA Political Party
stencils, daily running expenses, We are therefore in need of the
ha ha embarrassing. Hey but im Registered Political Party in terms
resource books, etc) have to be necessary furniture and equip-
realy excited 4all the evnts an otha of Electoral Commissions Act,
paid from these major sources of ment to continue with our pro-
thngs that are gona happen.thanx 4 1996 (Act No 51 of 1996)
income. We do not receive any gramme of providing quality edu-
giving us all the opportunity 2make http://www.aljama.co.za/
funding from the Al - Azhar cation to our students.
sumthng of our lives. Yaaseen University, Cairo or the Egyptian We are making a very serious and
Ebrahim Government (as is commonly earnest appeal to you, to please
YEF Teambuilding believed by our community out- assist us in continuing on this Developing partnerships with
Slm. Shukran sanaa me had a
wondaful tym saturday!:-) ws
side of the school) We carry the
name because of an agreement
path of excellence in education.
Kindly consider how you can
Africa and the Gulf states
awsome gettng 2no evrybdy. totali signed in 1993 between the assist this school to make learning FIRDOWS BADROODIEN
enjyd myslf(",) it ws one of my best Muslim Judicial Council and the a pleasant experience for all con-
valentines day eva!! Lol once agn Al-Azhar University Cairo that cerned. The Gulf Research
shukran! Hehehe! Ighsaan Sedick they will send Egyptian Al-Azhar Center held its first
Hey m0wah!shukz 4 yesterday hada graduates to South Africa to teach Yours in the interest of quality annual forum at the
fab day..!fadwah Thorne our students the Arabic language. education CTICC on 24-25
Thanks sanaa n evry1 that atendd These Egyptian teachers are paid M.S. Christian February to develop
the yef team buildn, it brightnd up by the Egyptian government. That Principal - 021 6965475, strategic partnerships
my day. Ayesha Nakidien is where Egypt's responsibility Birdwood Ave, Athlone with Africa and the
Gulf states.
Chairman of the Gulf
Research Center, Abdulaziz Sager
In the SPOTLIGHT Abdulaziz Sager in his
address said that the development of a multi-level
The message 'Restore unity in Palestine' resonated at economic, social and political relationship is cru-
the fourth international humanitarian conference cial to creating a beneficial and sustainable part-
hosted by the Muslim judicial council (MJC) in nership with Africa. The Strategy Forum entitled
February. "Developing a New Strategic Partnership" is "a
- Umaymah Davids milestone not only for the Gulf Research Center
but also in the long history of Gulf-Africa rela-
tions. In addition, this partnership has become all
the more important in the current context of the
global financial crisis." Sager stated that the con-
ference would serve as the perfect platform for
Another guest, Yaseen says both regions to undertake the task of better under-
that what the president said standing each other as well as working on a strong
looks uplifting and insh-allah recovery from the global economic crisis.
the goal is to free Palestine, The Gulf-Africa Strategy Forum aimed to cement
Masjidul Aqsa and the peo-
the Gulf-Africa relationship by offering an in-
ple of Palestine.
depth assessment of the status of ties and a clear
"wa tasie moe bie gablilah outlook to where the relationship could be head-
A guest at the conference According to Nazley Solomon hijamie owala tafa rakoe" ing. The Gulf-Africa Strategy Forum will become
Zeenat Hassan says, "at the truth has prevailed this is Hold onto the rope of Allah, an annual GRC conference event which will bring
the rate things are it is the nature of life and we will because unity is strength, let together the key leaders and personalities from
going to be difficult but have unity. Do not loose hope us eases the fight in Palestine business, academia, government and media to out-
with dua and striving for because Allah promises unity Inshallah. line the main issues and challenges facing more
what you believe in unity to all. We should network and constructive relations between the key regions of
will prevail." acquire woman leadership. Africa and the Gulf.
March 2009 - Rabi-ul-Awwal 1430 11
Constitutional Court
Venue: UCT Tennis Club, Ring road,
Upper campus, Rondebosch
Cost: R100
SANAA PETERSEN themselves as married according to We then just had to argue the law
the tenets of their religion, the law pertaining to it," said Higgins Tel: 021 6972294, Cell: 084 774 4174,
Fatima Gabie Hassam, a Muslim Email: info@islamicmedia.co.za
treats them as strangers. There is
widow, is waiting to hear if the therefore no legal nexus between According to the MYM the 'non-
Constitutional Court will allow her them: there is no joint estate and recognition of women in polyga-
to inherit a portion of her late hus- any nuptial agreement is void; there mous Muslim marriages as spouses
band's estate despite the fact that are no financial obligations between severely prejudices such women
she was in a polygamous Muslim the spouses inter se and no claim for who are unable to access the system
marriage. Hassam was the first loss of support accrues to the depen- of benefits created by the State for
wife and her husband died intestate dant spouse on the death of her widows, who have been determined
(without a will). Hassam 'husband'; she has no claim for by the Constitutional Court to be a
approached the Cape High Court maintenance on divorce or against vulnerable group in society'.
after her husband's death because her husband's deceased estate; she The MYM further argues that the
the executor of his estate did not is effectively disinherited if her hus- 'non-recognition of these women as
believe the validity of her polyga- band dies intestate; she may be spouses fails to have regard to their
mous marriage and refused to give compelled to give evidence against lived reality and fails to accommo-
her part of her dead husband's her spouse in criminal proceedings; date the diversity within our hetero-
inheritance. Hassam's attorney, and the law attaches the stigma of gonous society by recognising that
Ighsaan Higgins said, 'There is a illegitimacy to her children.' people who live according to the
whole sector of women that's been Higgins said none of the legal teams tenets of Islam do enter into polyga-
prejudiced by not being able to objected to the key arguments. The mous marriages'.
inherit from the executor's estate as judges wanted to ascertain if
well as they are not able to benefit Hassam had been a spouse," said Hassam has filed a draft order
from the provisions of the Higgins. This arose out of a dispute which she wishes the Constitutional
Maintenance of the Surviving on whether or not a fasakh had been Court to make. "The draft order
Spouses Act." issued, which would have caused a declares section 1 of the Intestate
Four legal teams and Friends of the separation between the deceased Succession Act to be inconsistent
court, the Muslim Youth Movement and his first wife. with the Constitution and invalid to
(MYM) and Women's Legal Centre the extent that it does not include
argued the matter in the "There was some dispute on the surviving partner in a polyga-
Constitutional Court on Thursday, whether it had been revoked at mous Muslim marriage and propos-
19 February 2009. In supporting some point or not. But we managed es a new construction of the
Hassam the MYM quoted F. to overcome that difficulty, because Intestate Succession Act. It further Please support the Youth Media
Cachalia paper on ''Citizenship, the judges did not want to go into declares that the word "survivor" in
Muslim family law and a future the conflict between civil law and the Maintenance of Surviving and “It's About Me” projects
South African constitution: a pre- Islamic law. They did not want to Spouses Act should be read to
liminary enquiry', 'The conse- tamper in any way with Islamic include surviving partners of polyg- BANKING DETAILS
quences of non-recognition are seri- Law so they accepted that Hassam amous Muslim marriages. Islamic Media Agency cc
ous, particularly for the wife. had in fact being a spouse in the FNB, Sandton City, Branch Code: 254-605
Although a couple may regard Account Number: 62033040007
context of a polygamous marriage.
YEF 2009 Events Calendar
January
About YEF ‘Youth Engineering the Future’
YEF Strategy Meeting for 2009
The vision of the respects to the
‘Youth Engineering the debate of identity,
Future’ (YEF) project culture, tradition and
February aims to support the
young Muslim’s
religion. Develop and
enhance proactive and
Friendship Festival (Dating, sexuality, friendship and Islam) - growth in a develop- preventative initia-
Husami GoGetters ing and pluralistic tives with regards to
environment. peer pressure,
The objectives of the HIV/Aids, substance
YEF project are to abuse, sexuality and
March revitalise and/or all forms of violence
develop Islamic mod- and abuse. Enhance
Weekly Halqa on Citizenship and Democracy - Friday after Jumuah civic participation
Leaders of yesteryear and today - Alshams, Park Rd Masjid-2
27th March els or frameworks to
nurture the young with regards to com-
Media Communications Bootcamp - Islamic Media Agency/ munity, political and
Channel 4 Network Islamic identity in a
diverse and pluralistic economic develop-
ment inorder to eradi-
April
environment.
cate poverty and soci-
These Islamic models etal ills. Enhance civic
Darul islam - Health festival- nutrition, diets, exercise, beauty can hopefully; participation in
Public Youth Debate with top5 Political parties on Citizenship and Create a supportive responsible engage-
Democracy platform for SA ment with the media,
Muslim youth growing its technological tools
up in a pluralistic envi- and by-products.
May ronment with
Separate boys and girls camps - Islam in SA context - Darun naim - ijtimaa
YEF 1st Anniversary - 'Calling all Super Heroes'
Al-Shams
Park Road, Wynberg
Youth Khutbah at various masjids - MJC Youth Affairs
Project Management Course - Awqaf Foundation Darul Islam
Surrey Estate
July
Al-Shabaab
Kalksteenfontein Masjid
Learner management programme/Entrepreneurship -
STEPS/Iqra Academy MUSCLE/Darun-Naim BOYS
Wynberg
Supporting the
December
young Muslims’
development
in a non-Muslim
Youth Connection Leadership programme - Witrivier, Mpumalanga and pluralistic
environment