Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 23-07-2017
Muslim comedian Yusuf (Joey) Rasdien has issued an apology for his comments at the Ilm Arts Festival at the Sandton Convention Centre yesterday.
Below is the full apology by Joey Rasdien.
I apologize unreservedly to my brothers and sisters in Islam for comments I made during a set at a recent gig in Sandton.
As a Muslim comedian I hold myself to the same set of standards expected of a Muslim in any other walk of life. It is our character and behaviour that must be unimpeachable. And while humour is a necessary part of our humanity, I understand as well, that the best way for us to humour is to encourage better behaviour from all of us. I failed to do this.
The companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) are extraordinary people. In the Quran, the Most Merciful says:
‘And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.’
I have been duly reminded of the status of the companions of the Prophet, and reminded as well our responsibility to emulate their character. I undertake to learn more about the Prophet (PBUH), all his companions, including the mothers of the believers, his wives.
I once again, express deep regret, and shame for the comments I made in Sandton. And I regret that my own comments have caused controversy for the organisers, and other speakers affiliated to the event. Listening to the set myself after the show I myself would have been as upset if I had heard those comments from another comedian.
I am deeply disappointed in myself and endeavour to do better.
I humbly ask that you join me in beseeching the Most Merciful, to accept my repentance. May faith in Him is rooted in the understanding of His clemency and forgiveness. May He forgive me, and guide me to be a better person always.
I seek to learn more about the life our Master Muhammed Peace be upon him and the lives of his noble companions, in order to better educate myself about them, and their significance to our understanding of Islam.
And indeed I will endeavour to do better in all my performances going forward.
I ask you, once more, to forgive me.
Yusuf Rasdien (Joey)
23 July 2017
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