1) What is the percentage of Muslims in South Africa? Is this number growing or decreasing?
2) Is there any form of threat to Muslims of South Africa and do they have difficulty to distinguish themselves from the non-muslims?
3) What is the predominant Madzhab adopted by the Muslims of South Africa?
Answer
1. Muslims number about 2-4% of the population from 40 million. The number is
increasing gradually.
2. There is no direct threat. In fact, Muslims in South Africa are blessed
with freedoms that are the envy of people living in other countries.
They are able to distinguish themselves from the non-Muslims, but herein is
the challenge. They need to assimilate and mix in all spheres of life, but
at the same time maintain their identity, without going to any
extreme,whether that be embracing Western ideals totally, or cocooning
themselves Islamically.
3. The predominant madhhabs are Hanafi and Shafiee.
Name
Zahrah
- South Africa
Profession
Question
You've been teaching Arabic for over thirteen years. Are many South African Muslims interested in learning Arabic?
Answer
There has been an improved awareness about learning Arabic since South Africa has opened up to international markets, in terms of trade, international relations and tourism. People are looking at the study of Arabic not only for religious purposes - understanding the Quran and Islam, but also for career and professional reasons. Thus, there is a growth of numbers even from non-Muslims working or wanting to work in the Arab world.
The trend in Muslim private schools, however, is different. On the one hand, more schools are opening up, but established schools are grappling to find competent teachers who can teach all four skills of the language in a communicative way. Hence, the number of candidates sitting for Arabic has been declining by the end of grade 12.
Name
Zaki Fathurohman
- Indonesia
Profession
Undergraduate Student
Question
Assalaamu'alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuhu.
Ba'da tahmid wa shalawat.
The Muslim world today, as far as I know, is surrounded by many problem; from lack of education until poverty. So, what about Muslims in South Africa?
I read, on IOL, about the Open Source Center organized by Tarikat in South Africa. How about its progress now?
Last but not least, what about undergraduate students' role and actions on the development of tarbiyah Islamiyah in South Africa?
In terms of education, Muslims are blessed with the opening up of all tertiary institutions to all people. They can study whatever they please, either locally or abroad.
The poverty amongst Muslims is a problem for some who cannot afford the high cost of tertiary studies. Some bursaries are available, but it is never enough.
I am unaware about the Open Source Centre itself, but I can say that Linux open source is taking root in many quarters, and IT users are realising the need to move away from expensive copyrighted software to free/open source ones. Even the education department is seriously considering going for open source because of the high costs involved in connecting rural schools to the internet and e-learning highways.
The undergraduates at universities do have an opportunity to participate in the Muslim Students Associations (MSAs) established at all universities, but not all participate. The freedom at campuses makes some youth go astray.
Name
Shamima
-
Profession
Question
Do you think that it's better for Muslims to have their own schools? Or does it help isolate them from the rest of society?
Answer
About fifteen years ago, I was a staunch proponent of independent Muslim schools, but since then, I have observed how these institutions have not been creating the dynamic Muslim character which is both religiously solid and embraces secularism.
The Muslims schools do not have the rich history of private Jewish and Christian schools who were supported by the previous government.
Muslim schools have come up in the main along racial and ethnic lines, preserving the old style apartheid under the guise of Islam, even though these schools have admitted a small number of learners from other racial groups.
The schools struggle financially (have to do many fundraising events), charge high fees, battle to get good experienced teachers especially in mathematics and science, and are led by boards or individuals who sometimes look at personal self-interest or are parochial in their outlook.
Name
TakeItEasy
-
Profession
Question
We have read that apartheid is still present in SA, even within the Muslim community.
What do you as a South African Muslim do to try to change this?
Thanks for your time.
Answer
Apartheid is something that will die over time, needing successive generations.
Children brought up today don't have the experience of the ruthlessness of the system. The next generation will be even better, as apartheid breaks down.
The younger generations of Muslims are living in new mixed neighbourhoods, attending de-segregated schools and universities, going for treatment in mixed hospitals, communities, ...etc.
The challenge for Muslims is to learn African indigenous languages, have intermarriage, and interact within various bodies and organisations in a manner in which the Muslim voice can be heard and noticed.
Name
Umur
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaykum
I am a Muslim living in Cape Town. I want to ask about the good points of our Muslims and where we can improve. I do believe that we have more freedom but many of us, unfortunately, are off the straight path. This applies mostly to the youth.
Answer
Pros:
Have been able to maintain identity, enjoy a great awareness about halal issues, have active Muslim organisations, enjoy many opportunities.
Areas of Improvement:
Race relations, doing more for the under-privileged, assisting in educating and creating Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) - i.e. lessening poverty and unemployment, and playing an active role in crime prevention.
Name
Sherif
-
Profession
Marketing
Question
Is there any Western influence on South Africa's public media with respect to the protrayal of Islam?
Answer
There is freedom of expression and it is safeguarded by the Freedom of Expression Institute.
The international media giants definitely play a role in shaping thoughts and ideas.
The Muslim challenge is to develop Muslim journalists and their own media organizations to give alternative views.
Name
Sara
-
Profession
Question
I've heard about the Zionist lobby and its influence in South Africa. How much do Muslims influence South African foreign policy?
Answer
We have Muslims like Aziz Pahad as the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and Essop Pahad in the Presidency's office.Ronnie Kasrils, a Jew, is the Minister of Intelligence, and all three have been playing a significant role in conscientising the world about Zionist atrocities.
The ulama bodies and progressive organisations have been also playing a watchdog role, and writing in the media at regular intervals about the wars in Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Name
Jamal
-
Profession
Question
I often hear that Zionist media is quite strong in SA, but also South African Muslims have firm support and identification with the Palestinian cause. To what extent do you feel South Africans are handling this situation? and to what extent are they able to promote their strong support for Palestinians?
Answer
South African Muslims have been voiceferous in their support of the Palestinians.
Many protest demonstrations and meetings have been held. Even meetings with the government have been held, but the SA government prefers having open dialogue with the zionist entity and finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The boycott of Israeli goods as well as European multinationals who support Israel has not been effective, due to the small numbers of supporters to this initiative.
Financial support is given through humanitarian organisations working in the field.
Name
Jason
-
Profession
Question
In your opinion, what are the challenges that South African Muslims face today?
Answer
First, maintaining an identity that is both Muslim and South African.
Second, being proud of having Islam as a comprehensive way of life and being patriotic to a great country where true democracy is a privilege to have.
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
Do you think that the South African Muslim community is well-integrated into the South African society?
Answer
There is room for much more integration.
Apartheid officially demised twelve years ago, and people still live in segregated townships based on racial lines. As youth grow up and get married or find careers in big cities, they move into mixed neighbourhoods, and with time this has now become the norm.
More can be done as we embrace diversity and pluralism in our workplaces, suburbs and through recreation and sports.
Name
zeinab
-
Profession
Question
What is the percentage of Muslims in South Africa?And how do they affect social, cultural and political life in the South African society?
Answer
The 2-4% of Muslims have played formidable role in all the areas in the past.
There are many great names that we can be proud of.
The future holds more promise, and Muslims can play an even more significant role within the government and civil society.
Name
Ejaz
-
Profession
Question
Do you think that South African Muslims face an identity dilemma? Does their sense of belonging to Islam affect how they see themselves as South Africans?
Answer
It does for those who are ultra-conservative or too liberal. The conservatives behave as if islam demands ritualism that isolates, while the liberals go the other extreme by rejecting even the basic tenets of Islam through their un-Islamic actions.
Moderation is the key to living a wholesome and balanced life.
Name
Anfaal
- Singapore
Profession
Educationist
Question
I've come to understand that students can pick up as a minimum 4 different languages; English, Arabic, Urdu, French in South Africa. Is this true?
If yes, where are these institutions mainly located?
May I also ask abot the Islamic Educational system there and whether we have examples to learn from?
Answer
At schools, most learners opt for two official languages. Some take a third optional foreign language (like Arabic or French). Four languages are rare, but possible.
Candidates write an official matric exam, and can sit for any exam offered by a provincial department of education. They can even sit for one offered within the UK system of A or O levels.
All schools can allow candidates to sit for the final matric exam, but they will have to secure their own tuition at their own cost.
The Islamic education is of a few types:
The madaaris system is an afternoon system for those attending state schools (grade 1 to 8). The Islamic independent schools offer the madaaris system alongside with the state schools' offerings within the same day.
The Darul Ulooms offer aalim and mufti courses on full or part time basis.
The universities offer Religious Studies programmes.
