Qiyaam for Gaza, 11 July 2014, at your Masjid!

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Two days ago, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has, once again, embarked on a campaign of brutalisation and murder of the innocent Palestinian population of Gaza under the banner of its “operation protective edge” In the past 48 hours the IDF has demolished numerous homes and city structures, murdered 76 Palestinians, including 7 children, with numbers increasing every minute and this operation has injured scores more. The pretext put forth by the IDF is to stem the acts of resistance in the form of rockets from the besieged coastal sliver. A similar pretext was used to launch Operation Cast Lead in which 1400 Palestinians were massacred. Yet the primary reason for these brutal acts of violence against innocent Palestinian civilians is solely due to the Israeli Apartheid regime which fails to acknowledge the true origins of the resistance, i.e. the occupation of ALL of Palestine. 

During this month of Ramadhaan, our brothers and sisters in Palestine are continuously and currently being brutally attacked and are being subjected to both human and physical losses. This may leave many people with a feeling of frustration and helplessness at what could be done to assist in any way possible.We are reminded of the wise words of our Nabi Muhammad (SAW): “Du‘a is a weapon of a Muslim, a Pillar of Deen and the light of the skies and earth.” [Narrated by Hakim from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah and Abu Ya’la from Sayyiduna ‘Ali al-Murtudah, Hadith 6163] and the Words of Allah (SWT) in the Holy Qur’aan: And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will answer you." [Surah Mu’min, Verse 60]

We are, therefore, calling for

1)     The mobilisation of our communities to collectively supplicate and plead to Allah to ease the suffering of ours fellow Ummatis by embarking on a Qiyaam for Gaza (#QiyaamforGaza) this Friday, 11 July 2014, after Taraweeh Salaah, at which ever Masjid you are praying.

What is a qiyam? Qiyam is an extra prayer offered after ‘Esha Salaah at night. During the Salaah after Ruku of the last Raka'at ’, one is able to ask Allah to assist and liberate the people of Palestine. If prayed in congregation, everyone is able to share the same call, begging Allah to shower His Mercy and Aid upon the Palestinian people.

2)     To dedicate and recite a special Surah Yaseen before Maghrib Salaah at your organization/MSA Chapter’s Mass Iftaar with a mass Dua asking Allah to ease the plight of Palestinians and all those who are oppressed.

The Prophet S.A.W explained the nature of his Ummah by describing us as one body. Considering the sacredness and centrality of this month, we would like to push for a global Qiyaam for Gaza just as there was for Syria and Burma.

We trust that you will join hands with us in prayer as we pray to Allah to help ease the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters. Join us in utilizing what Nabi (SAW) has said to be one of the most powerful weapons of a believer!

Twitter : @MSA_Union

Facebook: MSA Union

Email: info@msa.org.za

Hashtag: #QiyaamforGaza

Please approach your local masjid to have a Qiyaam & email us the confirmed venue (info@msa.org.za) so it can be advertised. Shukran.

MSA Union wishes you Ramadaan Mubarak

On behalf of MSA Union, we would like to wish all of you Ramadaan Mubarak!

 

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those who have believed before you, so that you may be ever God-fearing." (Al Qur'aan, 2:183)

 

"The verse establishes that fasting had been made obligatory for earlier believers, and that the aim behind it is to open their hearts to God and make them more conscious and fearful of him. This then is the principal objective of fasting: Taqwa. Fasting, when observed in obedience to God and in pursuit of His pleasure, instils and revives this quality in the human heart and acts as a safeguard against evil and wrongdoing.  True believers know and appreciate the value of Taqwa and constantly seek it." Extract from Sayyid Qutb,  'In the Shade of the Qur'an'

The Muslim Students Association Union (MSA Union) of South Africa calls for the release of the 276 Nigerian girls held hostage in Nigeria by militant group Boko Haram.

On 14th April, 300 schoolgirls were rounded up at a boarding school in Northern Nigeria. Armed men from a group Boko Haram abducted the girls. Three weeks later, 276 remain missing. Boko Haram, the militant group responsible for the abduction, said the girls will only be freed after the Nigerian government releases jailed militants. The kidnapping is just the latest in a series of assaults on schoolchildren by militant groups.

Goodluck Jonathan, the president of Nigeria refused international aid in the search for the girls until last week. The girls' plight and the Nigerian government's failure to rescue them has aroused international outrage and the MSA Union is in full support of the campaign.

This outrage is not just about the abducted Nigerian girls. This incident has highlighted an issue which the leaders of the countries the world over have conveniently passed over - the treatment of women and girls around the world. The crisis in Nigeria is part of a larger untold story about human trafficking, terrorism and unequal education.

We want to extend our sympathy to the families affected by this blasphemous incident. We call on all our members to educate themselves about this incident, engage in the social media and educate society about the fact of the matter - saying that 234 Nigerian school girls were abducted by "Islamist" insurgents is false. There is nothing Islamic about it. 

Statement issued by MSA Union of South Africa

For more information, contact:

Yusuf Talia, President - MSA Union of South Africa, yusuf.talia@gmail.com / 071-677-2391 

Insaaf Isaacs, Head of Public Relations and Human Resources - MSA Union of South Africa, iscins002@myuct.ac.za / 072-741-3078

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds on our Doorsteps

We the undersigned, representatives of the Muslim Lawyers Association (MLA), Palestine Solidarity Alliance,  Muslim Students Association, Islamic Medical Association of South Africa  and the Media Review Network, are deeply concerned, shocked and angered at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the platinum belt of the North West Province. The tentacles of the crisis have reached far beyond Marikana and will have far reaching implications for all South Africans.

A joint decision has been taken by the above organisations to alert the South African public in general and the Muslim population in particular to spare no effort in urgently mobilizing all resources at our disposal to alleviate the plight of the families of the striking miners. The industrial action on the mines has affected the lives of over 500 000 South Africans across the length and breadth of our country.

We acknowledge with gratitude the readiness of the Al Imdaad Foundation and their swift response to facilitate the collection and distribution of the aid.

Our banking details are: First National Bank
Name: Al Imdaad Foundation
No: 62102373206
Br.Code: 220325
Ref: Platinum Feed

Contact person:  Mohammed Saloojee:  073 9847860  msaloojee@gmail.com

Let us not forget the fast approaching winter months and remember the devastating effects  the severe weather conditions will have on the destitute members of our community.

Thank you.
1. Muslim Lawyers Association. (Yousha Tayob- 082 9265408 yousha@telkomsa.net )
2. Muslim Students Association. (Yusuf Talia- 071 6772391 yusuf.talia@msa.org.za )
3. Palestine Solidarity Alliance. (Ismail Moola– 0837548900 i.moola@absamail.co.za )
4. The Media Review Network SA. (Zaakir Mayet- 084 786 4003 zaakirahmed@gmail.com ) )
5 Islamic Medical Association of South Africa. (Dr. Yakub Essack- yessack@@global.co.za )

Media Spokesperson: Ibrahim Vawda. 072 295 0088 011 837 3220 (o)

And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful. (Ch4:V.37)

South Africa's National and Provincial Elections 2014

South Africa's National and Provincial Elections 2014

 

South Africa has become one of the world’s most revered democracies since it began. As Muslim citizens, we should feel both proud and grateful that our South African constitution and legislation affords us opportunities to practice our religion freely without discrimination, and promotes justice and equality for all - these are rights enshrined within our Constitution. Despite the numerous issues our country faces, we as the youth should always remember that we have the power, knowledge and ability to not just make a difference, but create a truly better South Africa. But with the multiple election campaigns and noise over the past few weeks, voting for a suitable party has become extremely confusing and intimidating for some.

These 6 simple steps could help you to make an informed and clear decision for tomorrow:

1. The core of every political party is their manifesto, which serves as a “published verbal declaration of the intentions, motives, or views” of the party. This document will be the most critical source of information when making a decision. Using the websites provided on our twitter page, read through each parties manifesto, objectively and critically.

2. As you read through the policies, question the relevance of the policy for the present and future of our country and people. Focus on important factors such as economic policy/trade, education and higher learning, job creation policies and healthcare. Are the policies relevant, concrete and achievable?

3. As you examine the policies, think about the principles and morals you stand for and promote, as a Muslim and human being. Analyse the policies' philosophy, reasonability, fairness to all, morality, justice, and ethical issues based on your own universal principles. Are they similar?

4. A well-known fact in politics is that policies are easier spoken about then actually practiced. We therefore need to ensure that through analysis of party manifestos, we are able to see how successful the methods to achieve objectives are. We should examine these methods in terms of political, financial, military, and educational objectives.

5. As citizens we need to always remember that the entire purpose of government and thus political parties is to benefit mankind, sustain our environment, provide equal and adequate services to all and ensure we are prepared for the future. We thus need to question the universal benefit of each party’s philosophies in terms of: environment, biology/human beings, resources, sustainability, and economic development.

6. Lastly we need to examine their past record in terms of policy, success, and errors. The most accurate illustration of a party’s success or failure can be seen in the party leaders. Do the leaders successfully live out the party philosophies and values? Have the leaders proved themselves to the South African public in terms of policy execution and their own personal lifestyle? Are the party leaders free of corruption, nepotism, and immoral behaviour?

Here are some examples of questions you could use to interrogate and engage with parties and their policies:

• What is the projected number of students that are to be in a higher learning institute during your term and how will they be financed?
• What sectors will you focus on to encourage job creation and provide figures on the number of people to be employed by 2020?
• How will labour unrest be handled and what are the party policies to tackle strikes and violence?
• What programs will be put in place to decrease teenage pregnancy?
• What laws and reforms will be introduced to ensure accountability and transparency of government officials and the president?
• How will allegations of corruption within government and the presidency be addressed and what will the consequences be should one be found guilty?
• Will the remuneration of government officials be available to the public and can those be disputed should the public find them unfair?
• How will you ensure fair and easy distribution of anti-retrovirals?
• What actions are in place to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS infections?
• How will the SAPS be improved in order to combat extremely high levels of crime?
• Will more prisons be built to tackle the increasing number of criminals?
• Will easier processes be put in place for trial of criminal cases, especially women/children abuse?
• What support systems will be provided for victims of rape and abuse?
• How will you ensure learners and schools are provided with necessary material before the school year?
• Will the pass rate of matric be increased to improve level of education?
• What are the projected figures for higher learning financial aid?
• How can you make South Africa more food secure and decrease our level of poverty?
• How can we ensure that the rights of vulnerable groups are recognized?
• How will access to health care be improved?

All the best for making your mark on the ballot paper tomorrow. May Allah guide you to making the best decision. Let us also remember that our role as active citizens extends and continues beyond and after voting as well. Bismillah

 

 

STATEMENT: MUSLIM STUDENTS’ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS ISRAELI APARTHEID WEEK

The Muslim Students’ Association of South Africa (MSA) - in its commitment to justice, freedom and equality – reaffirms it unqualified and unapologetic support and solidarity for the10^th international Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) campaign. IAW is a global series of events and campaigns that takes place in cities, campuses and communities across the world and aims to raise awareness of Israel’s apartheid policies towards the Palestinian people and serves to promote Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. IAW will take place from the 10th – 16th March in South Africa.

In addition, the 10^th Annual IAW, marks the one year anniversary of the Wits SRC’s pro-Palestinian protest against the Israeli Jazz Pianist performing at Wits where subsequently the protesting students were subjected to disciplinary action by the University .The students’ actions were viewed to be both moral and just as the performance of the pianist at Wits was in clear violation of Wits SRC’s resolution on the cultural boycott against Apartheid Israel.

As the Muslim Students’ Association we have endeavoured this year to intensify our actions for Israeli Apartheid Week and the Palestinian Struggle.  In this light, we are proud to announce that there will be 16 Universities across the country involved in IAW. MSAs’ across the country have taken the responsibility to advocate for justice in Palestine, here are some of the statements from the various universities:

MSA: University of the Witwatersrand

 “As South Africans we have the obligation to renounce Apartheid wherever it is prevalent. MSA Wits recognises that Israel is an occupying state which imposes an Apartheid regime on the people of Palestine. Therefore, it is our duty to stand up for justice for the people of Palestine. We will boycott, we will divest and we will impose sanctions on the illegal state of Israel.”

MSA: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

"MSA NMMU stands point and fully supports International Israeli Apartheid Week that aims to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards Palestinians. We take it upon ourselves to be a part of the Palestinian liberation struggle and call upon all other supportive organizations to do the same."

MSA: North West University

“This year will be the first year that IAW will be brought to our campus. We are starting off on a relatively small scale but our main aim is to create awareness around campus and hopefully increase its magnitude in the upcoming years.”

MSA: North West University Vaal Triangle

“MSA NWU Vaal Triangle Campus is in support of IAW...NWU MSA is hosting IAW to spread awareness that we have walked a path long and difficult to get where we are and that apartheid and discrimination will never ever be accepted.”

MSA: University of Johannesburg

"The Muslim Students Association at the University of Johannesburg is proud to say that we are in full support of IAW 2014 and all previous and currently existing efforts that support and bring awareness to the atrocities done to the people of Palestine. The Zionist rule of Israel has led many wronged, wounded and murdered. This effort to bring about justice is fully supported by the PYA structures (Progressive Youth Alliance) on campuses around the country."

MSA: University of Cape Town

"We, the Muslim Students' Association of the University of Cape Town, hereby pledge our full support to IAW. We are against the Zionist state of Israel and the oppression against our fellow brothers and sisters of Palestine. We will do everything in ability to display our support and raise awareness to our peers at UCT. We, as human beings, cannot ignore the situation and will not tolerate anything less than total liberation for the people of Palestine..."

MSA: MSA UKZN Medical School

“As the Muslim Students' Association of the University of KwaZulu Natal, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, we recognise the injustice that is being inflicted upon our brothers and sisters in Palestine. In the upcoming Israeli Apartheid week, we have full intention to participate wholeheartedly in activities to show our sturdy support against the inhumane conditions that Palestinians are being subjected to. The UKZN Medical School MSA is in full support of the Israeli Apartheid week and anti-Zionism, and we pledge to open as many people’s eyes to the truth, to boycott Israel and emancipate Palestine”

MSA has joined numerous other organisations, including: African National Congress, the South African Student Congress, South African Union of Students, Jamiat-Ul-Ulema, Congress of South African Trade Unions, Muslim Judicial Council, ANC Youth League and South African Council of Churches in its support of IAW.

In the spirit of IAW, MSA Union of South Africa reaffirms its support to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. We believe that the global BDS Movement is making tremendous gains in the struggle to isolate Israel due to its apartheid policies of systematic oppression and repression of Palestinians

In this tone, we call upon and demand upon all peace loving South Africans and the global peace loving activist to assist us in efforts and activism to respond to the 1) call of Palestinians 2) to isolate Israel until the Apartheid State of Israel is deconstructed3) ensure that Israel complies with International Law and finally responds to the call of the Palestinians.

The call, which was issued in Ramallah (2005), makes three demands, in which the progressive forces of South African for Palestine affirms and enforces;

1.    Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands occupied in June 1967 and dismantling the Wall;

2.    Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and

3.    Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN Resolution 194.

MSA understands the injustice of the past and the lessons learnt from the anti-apartheid struggle and we realise the value of international solidarity.  In the international solidarity movement, our attitude and actions towards the Palestinian struggle for liberation plays an important role in determining the success that we will have in assisting to change the realities of Palestine and other countries that are plagued by the wretches of colonialism, occupation and apartheid.

No longer can we remain indifferent to the glaring reality of the unjust and racialist Apartheid Israel and its policies on innocent Palestinians!

For the full IAW South Africa schedule, see the link here: 
http://www.bdssouthafrica.com/2011/02/israeli-apartheid-week-2014-full.html

Keep up to date with activities and join the social media revolution for #IsraeliApartheidWeek:

Follow on Twitter: @MSA_Union

Facebook: MSA UNION

Statement issued by Yusuf Talia, President and Sumayya Omar, Political Officer, of the MSA Union of South Africa

Yusuf Talia : Yusuf.Talia@msa.org.za 071-677-2391

Sumayya Omar: sumz01@hotmail.co.za  071-456-5104

Union's Israeli Apartheid Week 2014 - #IAW2014

IAW - Israeli Apartheid Week 2014

The IAW 2014 campaign is an international campaign, administered and brought to various countries by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Movement. This is a special year for the IAW campaign as it marks the 10th successive year and it has truly been a progressive journey through the last 10 years. MSA Union is an active alliance of BDS and coordinates, supports and actively hosts programs across South Africa. This year there are 15 MSA Chapters, Spread nationally at their various respective campuses and cities that will be actively participating in the IAW 2014 campaign, hosting events, screenings, speakers and much more , and in collaboration with various co-hosts such as PSA , PSF, PSC and PYA Structures among others, IAW 2014 is running from the 10th March - 16 March 2014. For MSA Union IAW 2014 content such as the IAW Launch Videos, Posters and the official IAW 2014 Manual which are all available for download at the current interim site www.msa.org.za.

#IAW2014

Below is an article which was published in the WITS Newspaper authored by Nabeel Seedat, Heading the politics portfolio for MSA Wits, term of 2014:

Why it matters

When bulldozers arrived to demolish her home, in the Israeli controlled West Bank, 14-year-old Palestinian girl, Salha Hamadin begged her imaginary friend to take her somewhere safe and far away. This was the basis of a fairytale which would capture the world’s imagination and Salha would win the “Hans Christian Andersen – Fairytale Bay” prize for it.

The Israeli-Palestinian issue is one that should matter. Whether you have any political opinions or not. Whether you feel that the people of Palestine suffer under an oppressive Apartheid or not.  Whether you just want good in the world – the Israeli-Palestinian issue should matter to you.

We don’t need to take sides – or reduce it to a place filled with problems and crises – in order for it to matter.

The Israeli- Palestinian issue should matter to ALL Witsies because real people are suffering. People with their dignity, their culture, their frailties, their smiles, their dreams and their laughs. People just like you and I.

No matter what your opinion is, let’s think about it, care just a little and hopefully you’ll realise that Palestine matters, because Salha Hamadin matters.

From the 10^th-16^th of March, the PSC supported by the MSA are hosting Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) on the Library Lawns. Pass by and show that you care and that it matters to you.