Solidarity Day

-    In Solidarity and Remembrance of  those who are conflicted and oppressed around the World.

Palestine

•  More recently the Israeli Knesset has passed a controversial bill which is called the Pawner Plan Law which is planned to displace tens of thousands Bedouin citizens in Negev. When implemented it will result to the second largest ethnic cleansing of the Arab Bedouins since 1948.
•  11^th of July 2013, a 5 year old Palestinian Boy was detained by Israeli forces for throwing a stone. The Rules of Israel’s Military Occupation in the West bank state that the age of responsibility starts at 12 and apparently applies to both Israeli and Palestinian Children. The injustice continues even for the children of Palestine
•  Peace talks are due to resume for the first time in nearly three years after intense US mediation through US Secretary of State John Kerry , with Israel and Palestinian Official As Israel has agreed to release prisoners
• In July 2013 the European Union Collectively agreed to Stop EU funding to the illegal occupied territories of Israel due to Israel continuous expansion of settlements
• spokesman for Lady Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy chief: “Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and with the non-recognition by the EU of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied territories”

-          Like South Africa , The EU has adopted the  legislation relevant for the correct labelling of settlement products  from the illegal occupied territories.

Rohingya

•  The Rohingya people are an ethnic minority in Myanmar was have been persecuted by the Buddhist Majority government
•  They are labelled illegal immigrants from Bangladesh,
•  Since 1978 Military operations have been conducted against them- forcing them to flee to Bangladesh with no hopes on return as well as rape, mass killing
• The United Nations has described the Rohingyans as the Most Persecuted Minority in the world
• They are denied citizenship, access to education, healthcare, require permission to marry, have their reproductive rights restricted and are subject to numerous abuses such as forced labour.
• In June 2012 a Buddhist women was alleged to be raped and Murdered by Rohingyans which led to the subsequent violence and clashes between Buddhist Rakhines and Rohingyans
•  Myanmar's President Thein Sein says refugee camps or deportation is the "solution"
• In July 2012 , protect the Rohingya group started to create awareness and begin a dialogue on the plight of the Rohingyans
• This [Rohingya persecution] is truly systemic. It's part of Myanmar's legal and social system to discriminate against the Rohingya on the basis of their ethnicity … all the facets of life are affected by a system that codifies and makes lawful their persecution and discrimination." Benjamin Zawacki, a Myanmar researcher for Amnesty International

Syria

•    In July 2012 the international Red Cross dubbed the violence in Syria as civil war, Between the Free Syrian Army and the Bashar Al Assad Government forces
•   In March 2013 the United Nations reported that there are over one Million Syrian refugees , half of them being children
•  According to the United nations after 27 months of conflict, at the end of April reported the death toll to be around 93 000
•  The United Nations estimates that the conflict claims as many as 5,000 lives per month, nearly 1 in 3 Syrians are refugees or displaced inside the country, and there are 6.8 million Syrians in need of urgent assistance.
•  According to the Observatory which monitors violence through the network of security and medical sources report  over 100 000 deaths, 10 000 have been detained by pro-Assad’s forces and 2500 Assad military men have been captured by the Free Syrian Army (“ rebels)
•  The conflict in Syria has led to insecurities and sectarian tension in other states such as Lebanon and Iraq

Syria is part of that mubarak land (Shaam) for which Nabi SallAllahu 'Alayhi Wasallam made the Du'aa: Allahumma Baariklana fi Yamanina wa fi Shaamina (Oh Allah bless our Yemen and our Shaam). Someone asked: "and our Najd Ya Rasoolullah SallAllahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. To which Nabi Sallalahu 'Alayhi Wasallam repeated the Du'aa for Yemen and Shaam and the person asked again for Du'aa to be made for Najd but the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alayhi Wasallam repeated the Du'aa for Yemen and Shaam only and on around the third time the person asked for Du'aa for Najd the Prophet SallAllahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said that Najd is a place of fitna from where the horn/era of shaytan will emerge. (Bukhari Sharif)

Historically many false claimants to prophethood came from Najd such as musaylama bin kadhab, etc. Ibn Abdul Wahab Najdi (founder of Wahabism) and the Saudi dynasty are also from the Najd province which is East of Madinah. Madinah and Makkah are in al-Hijaz province. The point being that Syria which constitutes a large part of Shaam is blessed.

Please post the following under Syria on the blog:

Gift of the Givers has a hospital in Syria and they are sending food to Syrians in Syria and Syrian refugees in Yemen. People can deposit into their International Projects account and put the deposit reference as "Syria Lillah" or "Syria Zakaah". Then email them the proof of payment specifying where the money should go to: hospital, feeding in Syria or feeding Syrian refugees in Yemen. Their International Projects account is:

 ACCOUNT NAME:Gift of the Givers Foundation

ACCOUNT NUMBER:052278611

BANK:Standard Bank

BRANCH:Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

BRANCH CODE:057525

SWIFT CODE:SBZAZAJJ

They also make provision for Online Transfers: http://www.giftofthegivers.org/contact-us/

Kashmir 

Main contributors to the Economy: agriculture, saffron , horticulture, manufacturing sector, and tourism

•         Population  : estimated 10 Million people 
•         Estimated Killing 91 865
•         Women raped 9708
•         10 000 civilians are missing

-        Jammu and Kashmir

-        Valley located in the Himalayas – Known as the Paradise of Earth

•  Since 1947( August) after the Indian Subcontinent gain independence from British Rule , both India and Pakistan have engaged in an ongoing and unresolved conflict over Kashmir ( over 6 decades
• It is under Indian control but Muslim majority population , with about 4% of Hindus which reside in Kashmir
•  Over 40 000 civilians have been killed since 1989
•  Average one Indian Solider to 10 Kashmirie
•   India administrates Jammu and Kashmi
•  Pakistan administrates territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit- Batistan

-        Since 1947 over 3 wars have been fought between India and Pakistan of Kashmir

-        Above all Kashmir is now demanding for their independence, sovereignty and self-termination. Apart from both India and Pakistan 

-       Kashmir is a Muslim Majority dominated by Indian control over Police and Parliament

-        Pakistan disputes India’s control over Kashmir

-        Pakistani forces which media dubs them as rebels have been fighting Indian Forces since 1989 in Kashmir

o   Either for independence of Kashmir or for Kashmir to be merged to Pakistan

What has happened in Kashmir Recently?

•  A Parliamentary raid took place on an Islamic school (Madressa) in search for militants.This lead to widespread protest especially by residents of the Good district in Kashmir, resulting in police killing four protestors.They gathered outside base of the border security forces in Gool which is 230KM south of Srinagar( Summer capital of Kashmir- Indian control primarily dominated here)
• Pakistanis gathered to about 400 protestors who took the streets if Muzaffarabad (Capital of Pakistan). They marched to the United Nations office to hand them an memorandum/letter seeking for international intervention to protect the human rights in Kashmir

 History of Kashmir

-        In 1947 after independence from British rule

-        The Maharaja  Singh of Kashmir signed an interim standstill agreement to maintain transport and other services with Pakistan

-        By October 1947, conflict heightened and the Maharaja Singh has appealed to India for military assistance

-        Thus the Indian Governor General: Lord Mountbatten suggested that the best way to instil peace is if Kashmir falls under India’s Dominion for a temporary basis. This was known as the Instrument of Accession and resulted in India taking 2/3 of the territory, Pakistan taking the Northern reminder and China occupying the eastern parts of Kashmir and Jammu

-        What is the instrument of accession ?

o   Granting of Indian jurisdiction on external affairs and defence

o   This lead to Indian claiming ownership of the entire state of Kashmir-

o    only 1/3 of terrotority was administrated by Pakistan

-        According to India the Instrument of Accession of Kashmir to India was finalised then and thus Kashmir is theirs, contrary to that Pakistan believe Kashmir is a disputed territory and are demanding for self-determination of Kashmir

-        December 20 1948- the United Nations Commission proposed that Kashmir’s future is to be decided by the will of the people of Kashmir- THIS NEVER HAPPENED

-        After 1989:  end of soviet occupation in Afghanistan> lead to the apparent militarization of Kashmir and allegedly Kashmir became a training ground.

o   Indian gave the army increased authority to end the insurgency under the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Acts

-        Since 1989 on going  conflict have been going on which deaths, casualties , kidnappings etc. have been escalating

-        In 2001 , Pakistani General Musharraff and Indian Prime Minister had met over a 3 day peace summit and failed to produce a joint statement on Kashmir

-        In 2003 the Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari , offers ‘ Hand of Friendship’ to Pakistan which by November 26 they implemented a Pakistani proposed ceasefire- No change in the situation

-        Pakistan cities many UN resolution that favours a UN-run referendum but Indian argues the Simla  agreement of 1972 binds both Pakistan and India to solve the problem of Kashmir on a state to state basis

o   The Simla agreement formalises the Line of Control – yet it didn’t prevent any further clashes i.e. 1999 on the Siachen Glacier

-        After the recent incident in Kashmir, both Indian and Pakistani officials meet again to try and resolve the situation in Kashmir

                 Another struggle for Land, Another fight for justice!!

• Stand for All Muslims
• Educate people around you on the situation, whether its in Palestine,Burma or Kashmir

Some Ideas on What Can You Do?

•         Encourage your local MSA to have Seminars, debates and more events to educate students on local affairs
•        Create posters, pamphlets etc. on war torn countries and circulate it in order to raise awareness and educate others
•       Volunteer at organisations in assisting them in making a difference
•       For Palestine : Boycott Divestment and Sanction  – Muhammed Desai :  084 211988
•        For Rohingya : Protect the Rohingya - David Kamer: 0734922304
•     Get  creative !! write poems, articles and essays and be featured on MSA UNION's blog

-          Move beyond principally acknowledging a crisis and become actively involved in creating awareness !! INFOGRAPHIC DONE BY : Saffiyah Patel - MSA UNION Head of Media and Marketing 

     ARTICLE BY: Sumayya Omar - MSA UNION Head of Politics and

Introducing The Humanitarian Project

The Union of Muslim Students' Association (MSA Union of South Africa) takes great pleasure in announcing the National Flagship Project for 2013 - The Humanitarian Project. This initiative follows the Ramadan Humanitarian project & Project IQra. MSA takes the view that we should make a sustainable contribution towards underprivileged communities in South Africa. We should strive as a society to empower people and overcome poverty. We also aim to create mass student involvement on our campuses. 

About The Humanitarian Project:

The Humanitarian Project is MSA’s flagship project. A flagship project aims to fulfil the following objectives:

- Student involvement on a mass scale

- To fulfil a social need

- To encourage social development and eradicate social apathy

- To be and replicable across campuses for years

- To be edgy and address current needs and hypes

The South African National ZAKAH Fund (SANZAF) is an affiliate of this project.

In this year’s flagship project MSAs will conduct a second hand clothing collection across South African campuses and communities which will be given to identified underprivileged people to enable and empower them to start their own businesses. Collection boxes will be placed strategically around the country so as many people as possible may contribute to the project. The recipients of the second hand clothing will be people identified by SANZAF, who will also liaise with the recognised recipients. The recipients will receive training and support by SANZAF, which will ensure continuity and success of the project.

Additionally, a second phase will be incorporated. The sustainability phase consists of a fruit tree planting in areas identified by SANZAF.

After the clothes are collected, it will be washed, sorted and packed by students on campus as part of the core idea of mass student involvement. This phase requires sponsorship in terms of washing materials and utensils that will need to be distributed to campuses countrywide.

This project is envisioned upon an eradication of social apathy, replacing it with social development. It goes far beyond the realms of charity work, in that we aim to empower underprivileged people with the opportunity to start businesses of their own. This project is centered by revolutionary ideals and social progression and is a step in the right direction. Your sponsorship and donations will be much appreciated.

The project will be rolled out by 13 MSA chapters across South Africa in campuses in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and the western cape by a team of dedicated individuals. MSA Union has appointed Nasira Bhamjee to head this groundbreaking initiative. 

For more information please visit www.humanitarianproject.msa.org.za , like our Facebook page 'The Humanitarian Project' or follow @MSA_Union on twitter.

Contact details : Nasira Bhamjee (Project Manager) on 0766861687 or email : humanitarianproject@msa.org.za. 

Statement issued by Yusuf Talia, President of the MSA Union of South Africa

Yusuf Talia: yusuf.talia@gmail.com / 071-677-2391

MSA UNION STATEMENT ON THE 1432ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE of BADR

The Prophet S.A.W prayed: “O Allah! I invoke You for Your promise (of victory). O Allah! If You decide (that we be defeated), You will not be worshipped!” And His Lord answered:

 "…Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, rank after rank.” Surah Anfal, Ayah 9

Today marks the one thousand four hundred and thirty second anniversary of the battle of Badr. This battle fought on the 17^th of Ramadhaan in the second year after the Hijrah to Medinah, being the first military engaged in Islam, is a testament to the superiority of Truth over falsehood. The superiority of the Light of Islam over all other systems.

The Union of Muslim student associations commemorates, in humble gratitude and deepest admiration, the spirit and actions of bravery, selflessness, great personal sacrifice displayed by the Holy Prophet S.A.W and his noble companions on this day and indeed many other such days.

This is a day of victory and is a source of great pride in our history as the Ummah of Muhammed S.A.W.  It is a day in whose memory we should draw strength from despite the great challenges that surround us.  It is a reminder that just as the help of Allah S.W.T descended on the Ummah in one of its most difficult moments, the help of Allah is always near for us too and we should not despair no matter how insurmountable the obstacles that we face may seem.

We commemorate the martyrs: Harithah ibn Suraqa,Dhu'sh-shimilayn ibn 'Abd 'Amr ,Rafi' ibn al-Mu'alli ,Sa'd ibn Khaythama ,Safwan ibn Wahb ,Aqil ibn al-Bukayr ,Ubaydah ibn al-Harith ,Umayr ibn al-Humam ,Umayr ibn Abi Waqqas, Awf ibn al-Harith ,Mubash-shir ibn 'Abdu'l Mundhir ,Mu'awwidh ibn al-Harith , Mihja' ibn Salih  and Yazid ibn al-Harith ibn Fushum Radiyallahu Anhum who made the ultimate sacrifice on this day in defence of Islam so that the Deen of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’alaah would reach us and the entire human family, Insha-Allah. Indeed, we have no doubt as to the position that they enjoy as promised by their Lord:

 “Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord.” Surah Al Imran, Ayah 169

We pray that Muslims the world over will remember this day as a day of great victory and bring forth their faith and trust in Allah just as the Sahabah did this day to work towards the higher goals of Islam for the benefit of humanity, Insha-Allah.

On behalf of a very grateful Ummah

The Muslim Students Association

Why Israel? – A combat kit to defeat Zionist propaganda on campus!

The impressive list of people praising this book at its beginning is most certainly not just a flattering array with no substance. It bears testament to the brilliance, as well as impeccable timing, of the publication of a book such as Why Israel? Reading through the comments made by the likes such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Ahmed Kathrada it feels as if anything I will have to say about Why Israel? will appear inadequate or redundant.

However, I can give a review of this book from a different perspective; from the view of not only a young adult but a student. Trying to balance your studies as well as staying informed about the various global conflicts is not an easy task. It is easy to fall into the abyss of ignorance and I have personally witnessed this with so many of my colleagues. And this is why this book is imperative for every single student interested in basic human rights and the Israeli-Palestinian issue at large to have.

The way Why Israel? has been set up and presented makes it the number one tool for all students in combating the myths regarding the Middle-Eastern conflict. We are victims of many misconceptions fed to us via the mainstream media and if one did not look for another source of information it would be convenient to accept these lies as truths. With Why Israel?, each of these misrepresentations are broken down in a comprehensive, yet user-friendly, manner. The index at the beginning makes it beyond easy for you to find out about any subject you are interested in, starting with the origins of the conflict and progressing through the intricate history until present day. It offers you a truthful, yet at the same time unbiased approach to flames fuelling the conflict as well as what has kept the racist ideology of Zionism alive until today, in the 21st century.

Having only had the book for a very short period of time, it has already served me tremendously in my quest of combating the age old foundations used to justify the implementation of Zionism in Israel today. It has also clarified details regarding the various resistance movements established by the Palestinians over the years, and offered a clear plan for the way forward to peace in a very troubled region.

Excellent content aside, it is the presentation of this book that most impressed me. When reading books regarding the conflict one usually has to wade through thousands of pages of information in the smallest of fonts. Undoubtedly the information in invaluable, however, Why Israel? has managed to accomplish the compilation of all the vital details in a font and presentation that would appeal to the masses, particularly the youth. Its full colour 16 page photo insert is also a striking feature, and together with the hard cover and glossy pages I felt as if I had hit the jackpot getting a book such as this one for such a ridiculously reasonable price.

Whether it be needing to brush up on my knowledge regarding the conflict for a debate or workshop, or using it as a resource to write my next piece exposing the lies of Zionism, I know that I have found my essential first aid kit in combating the Hasbara.

From the moment I had my copy of Why Israel?, it was clearly evident the amount of work and countless hours put into its production, for which I commend the authors Dr Firoz Osamn and Suraya Dadoo. Why Israel? is not only for the established political commentators amongst us but well suited for people of all ages, particularly the youth.

Aayesha Soni is a fifth year medical student with a keen interest in Islam, politics and the global perception of international conflicts.

Why Israel? The Anatomy of Zionist Apartheid – A South African Perspective (Porcupine Press, 2013) is available at all bookstores countrywide. E-book and Kindle versions are also available.

Statement : Union of Muslim Students’ Associations’ of South Africa support the call to Action against the US Foreign Policy and Rejection of Obama Visit to South Africa

27 June 2013
 

We as the Union of Muslim Students’ Associations’ of South Africa would like to reaffirm our utmost rejection of the criminal visit of the United States of America (USA) President, Barack Obama to our country. We declare our support for stance taken by the Muslim Lawyers Association (MLA) and the efforts of our compatriots in the coalition, standing firm in rejecting Obama’s Visit to South Africa and against the decision taken by the University of Johannesburg to award an Honorary Degree to the President of the USA.

The award of an Honorary Degree is done by the resolution of the Council and of Senate of an institution of higher learning on the grounds of his or her distinguished contribution to learning or by resolution of the Council on any other grounds noting that the contribution of the person in question is not viewed in isolation but is assessed in a holistic context. We fail to understand how the USA's arrogant, selfish and oppressive foreign policies, continuous unfair treatment of workers, international trade relations deeply rooted in war mongering, colonial racism and the disregard and destruction of the environment and incapacity in making the realization of a just and peaceful world possible are sufficient basis to even ‘honour’ the President of the USA, Barack Obama.

In the words of the Freedom Charter of South Africa, “our people have been robbed of their birth right to land, liberty and peace by a form of government founded on injustice and inequality”. As South African youth, after 19 years of democracy, can attest that we have still not healed from the wounds of the oppressive apartheid regime.

We find it ludicrous that the main cheerleader of a regime led by the Israeli government, which unequivocally resembles the social, political and economic construct of the South African apartheid regime that has raped the inhabitants of this land from actualizing their true potential is being ‘honoured’ for his distinguished contribution to the progressive development of society.

We find the continued support by the Obama administration of the USA, to Israel and its apartheid policies, enough bases to disqualify Barack Obama from being acknowledged with an Honorary Degree by any South African public institution of higher learning.

As a representative of the youth intelligentsia of this country, we find the contradictions between what is universally understood as a fair basis to award an Honorary Degree to the track record of the USA President, Barack Obama an insult to our intelligence for the following reasons:
• The championing and maintenance, by the USA, in the militarisation of international relations and co-operation. It is a well-known fact that the USA approaches a lot of conflicts on the world through inciting, encouraging as well and championing war, primarily driven by its business interests often masqueraded in the language of defence of human rights.
• The continued greed in the guzzling of world resources by the USA epitomized by its encouragement and support of its multinational companies that have no regard for the environment, human rights like progressive labour laws.
• The USA’s active support and defence of colonial and oppressive regimes.
• The United States of America role in contributing to the destruction of the environment, as being the single largest contributor to global warming, which increasingly condemns the world into catastrophic environmental disasters.

Often accused of acting from an intellectually baseless standpoint, we would like to humbly request that the Chair of the University of Johannesburg Honorary Degree Committee and the Vice Chancellor to assist us in understanding the terms fair, holistic and precedent because using these terms, our conclusion of the decision by the University of Johannesburg to award the USA President, Barack Obama with an Honorary Degree:
• Has undermined the value of a South African Honorary Degree.
• Is setting a dangerous precedent which other public institutions of higher learning might pursue in future, further undermining the value of a South African Honorary Degree.
• Is an insult to all South Africans by ‘honouring’ the main cheerleader of a regime which has been described as a replication of apartheid South Africa?
Furthermore, as a representative of the youth intelligentsia of this country, we reaffirm the stance of South African Communist Party (SACP), the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCL), the South African Students Congress (SASCO),the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Friend of Cuba Society (FOCUS), Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel in South Africa (BDS South African), and the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU).

We Call Upon All Peace and Justice Loving citizens to take the streets in Action against The United States Foreign Policy, and Against University of Johannesburg Decision to award Obama an Honorary Doctorate at an” Appropriate Occasion”.

We reaffirm the demands issued the Coalition:
• The Immediate Release of Our Friends of Cuba
• The Immediate Closure of Guantanamo Bay and the Release of the Innocent
• The Immediate Withdrawal of Support to Morocco who continue to colonise Western Sahara
• The Withdraw of AFRICOM
• Cease US/NATO warmongering in Syria and elsewhere
• Close GITMO
• Respect Privacy of Networking. Stop Snooping!

Lastly, the Union of Muslim Students’ Association of South Africa urge our compatriots in the coalition and broader civil society to raise our issues and stress that our National Government are to hear and understand our demands, in order for them to pressure the United States to honour our demands. In the main, the peoples of South Africa through the efforts of solidarity and the struggle for self-determination and the right to live freely and justly, has championed the liberation movement.

We see it fit that South Africa as an Emerging Power, An Ambassador for Africa and a Key Role Player in the South, who undeniably has also been negatively affected and limited in its action by the foreign policies of imperial powers. Nonetheless as a leadership of developing world, our National Government must play more of active role in championing the representation of demands and further ensuring their demands for the people of the Africa, Middle East and Latin America. If South Africa can champion that, then South Africa will be recognised as the true leader of the South.

In the name of Justice, Freedom and Equality; we must stand for the entire world and her people against imperialism and oppression, amongst others. As long as the USA President, Barack Obama continues to rule in a manner and support a regime that undermines the Freedom Charter of South Africa, his presence on South African soil is unwelcomed and an insult to the very people still recovering from the wounds of apartheid South Africa.

Statement issued by Yusuf Talia, President and Sumayya Omar, Political Officer of the Muslim Students’ Association Union (MSA Union)

Yusuf Talia: yusuf.talia@gmail.com / 071-677-2391
Sumayya Omar: sumz01@hotmail.co.za / 076-331-5299

Open Letter to the Muslim Students Association

16 June 2013

Dear MSA leader, 

Asalamu Alaikum

I write this open letter to you, respected MSA chairperson and MSA committee member in South Africa. It's befitting that I pen this on June 16. A significant day in our history as South Africans - a day when the youth stood in the forefront, risking their lives for the greater good. They fought bravely in the face of injustice…may their sacrifices never be forgotten.

MSA Union is a national umbrella body representing 23 MSAs around South Africa. It’s been a long road to get to this point. In late 2011 discussions began to revive the National body that lay dormant for a number of years. We saw the need to work together to achieve common objectives - to build unity by working together, by removing the isolation that existed between campuses. The task was a momentous one. But Alhamdulillah progress was made and now MSA Union is alive and well. The challenge now is ensuring that we work together to keep MSA growing, to continue doing what is right, to strengthen ourselves and become the standard of excellence.  

Allow me to share with you how I was introduced to the MSA... many years ago, while I was still in high school, a friend of mine, Muhammed Patel suggested I attend a meeting of sorts at Wits University hosted by the MSA. At that time, Union had a ‘high schools’ project. On the day we were introduced to the MSA representatives there... Abdur Rahman Laily was involved- Muhammad Manjra, Bilal Randree, Muhammed Ziyaad Hassen (Ned), Ayesha Jacub, Zakir Patel and many others. (We, as MSA, stand on the shoulders of Giants whom I will always look up to).  We interacted with them for an entire day and in all honesty I was completely astounded by the work a group of young brothers and sisters were putting in for Islamic work. This for me is the definition of a life changing experience. Now if the MSA could do that for me, the question that arises is, why can't we, collectively do that for every Muslim student out there. We, as the Muslim youth at tertiary institutions can make a difference...in fact, we must make an impactful impression on our broader society.

Allow me to share my wish list for the MSA going forward...

MSA will be an organisation that trains the youth on how to continue to build our connection with Allah, develop leaders who have a strong Islamic identity and who are completely competent and willing to serve Islam.

MSA will be an organisation that sets the standards for every other organisation to aspire to. 

MSA will be an organisation that is fully sustainable in every way...with the financial resources and reserves to fulfil its objectives for projects that will please Allah.

MSA will be an organisation that every single Muslim on campus will want to be a part of.

MSA will be an organisation that develops leaders of society in every sphere and instils in them that doing Islamic work is a duty.

MSA will be an organisation that has individuals willing to continue MSA work irrespective of title and position.

MSA will be an organisation that is completely representative of Muslim youth in South Africa.

MSA will be an organisation that develops individuals that continue to be active in Islamic work well after their time on campus has passed.

MSA will be an organisation that creates space for individuals to continue to work with us even after they have graduated.

MSA will be an organisation that has an active high schools feeder system so when first years arrive at campus they have the skills needed to be active on campus and beyond. 

MSA will be an organisation that creates the spaces for students to be creative, innovative, ground breaking, and bring their talents to the fore.

MSA will be an organisation that is completely accessible, accountable, transparent, sustainable, having a staff compliment, and having active chapters.

MSA will be an organisation that is more concerned with serving project Islam than itself.

MSA will be an organisation that is made up entirely of hardworking, dedicated, committed, Allah conscious members.

Yes...it’s a long wish list...but completely doable...So, how do we build the organisation, the one we know MSA Can be? We start today. MSA belongs to every single one of you. It is now our responsibility to take the organisation forward and advance Project Islam.  It is our collective responsibility to make the MSA the organisation we want it to be. It will take perseverance, commitment and dedication to do this. Our duty is to make the best effort, to strive for excellence in all that we do… And then Make Dua that Allah grants us success. Ameen.

“Success through Excellence”

Yusuf Talia

President

Union of Muslim Students’ Association (MSA Union of South Africa)