Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2016-02-08
The reversion of former President Nelson Mandela’s grandson to Islam and his subsequent nikah serves as a significant dawah light, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels told Radio Islam this morning.
Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela whose heritage is isiXhosa married Rabia Clarke on Saturday in a traditional Muslim nikah at the Kensington Masjid in Cape Town attended by his mother, nephew and a few members of the Mandela family.
Sheikh Gabriels says it was an honour for him to preside over the nikah.
“Sometimes its difficult for us to give the message of Islam in South Africa as people have different cultures. So its much more better for a person like the calibre and the status on Mandla to deliver the message of Islam.”
In a statement, Mandela said: “I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rabia’s parents, her extended family and the Muslim community, for welcoming me into their hearts.”
He says although he and Clarke hail from different cultural and religious traditions, their nikah reflects their common interests of both being South Africans.
Sheikh Gabriels says Mandela gave no indication as to what inspired him to revert to Islam.
He says people should embrace the reversion of Mandela and his nikah despite his past actions.
“Alhamdulillah Allah has now granted him the nur of Islam. I will appeal to all Muslims to make a lot of dua for him that Allah must grant him a great understanding of the deen of Islam. I think that will be crucial.”
According to recent reports, Mandela is still married to his first wife Tando Mabunu-Mandela with whom he has been embroiled in a long-standing bitter divorce battle.
Mandela wed his second wife Anais Grimaud in a traditional ceremony in 2010 and in 2014 his marriage to third wife Mbali Makhanithi whom he married in 2011 also in a traditional ceremony was also declared null and void in court.
Gabriels says Muslim leaders should guide Mandela and serve as mentors for him.
“Nobody does a favour to Islam but at the same time Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made dua: “Oh Allah guide to us Omar to strengthen Islam. So may Allah grant that he plays that part Insha’Allah here in South Africa and Southern Africa as a whole.”
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