Esteemed Islamic scholar Mufti Ismail Menk says while South African Muslim scholars have differed on the matter of temporary masaajid closures during the lockdown, some people who are against the restrictions have incited their followers through their constant abuse and use of derogatory descriptions to threaten those who oppose them to the extent of violence and killing.

Mufti Menk was indirectly referring to The Majlis in Port Elizabeth who threatened to approach the courts in a bid to challenge the national lockdown regulations prohibiting large groups from attending daily prayers at Masaajid.

President Cyril Ramaphosa consulted a number of leaders from religious communities before measures were taken to limit social distancing, especially at place of worship like Masaajid.

Secretary General of the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa Ml Ebrahim Bham also expressed support for the measures that government chose to take including the need to ensure congregations were either suspended or minimized to ensure social distancing.

However, The Custodians of the Haq who have disagreed with the closure of the masaajid and is supporting The Majlis have issued a list of a number masaajid who want the places of worship opened despite the lockdown.

A number of Masaajid in South Africa have vehemently refuted claims that they are part of a group supporting the Majlis’ call for the lockdown regulations imposed by president Cyril Ramaphosa to be relaxed.

The Presidency has denied The Majlis’ request to open Masaajid during the lockdown.

Mufti Menk says a heavy price is paid when Islamic scholars insult one another.

“Unfortunately, one group is saying that the other group is asking the public to forsake the Almighty and the teachings of Islam. That is absurd. It is totally absurd. We all care for the deen, but some of us actually care for the lives of the people out there as well. Whereas there are others, we differ with them and I differ with them very respectfully.”

Mufti Menk however says he doesn’t appreciate their abuse.

“The way that they have taken people out of the fold of Islam simply for holding a different opinion also based on evidence.”

Mufti Menk says those that have been disrespectful and hurled abuse at others, have actually erred and paid a disservice to the Ummah, insulted the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and strayed from the path of Islam.

Faizel Patel – 13/04/2020

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Listen to the comment by Mufti Ismail Menk