By Arshad Gamiet
“Our daughters have a right to education. They also have a right to work, to own businesses and to develop their God-given talents so that all humankind benefits. They have a right to be loved and respected no less than our sons. ..”
By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia
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I remember speaking to two young deaf brothers whom I met recently for Jummah Salaat. They told me how deaf Muslims praying in congregation end up just standing and following the motions, unable to hear any of the vocalized invocations and recitation of the Holy Qur’an that are meant to transform our hearts. They asked if it would be religiously permissible to use sign language when leading a prayer, so that those who could not hear would be able to be more actively present. It was honestly something I had never thought about, which was alarming to me. It opened my eyes to the many ways in which the leaders of Masaajid and Islamic Centres fail to be inclusive and accessible to our Muslim brothers and sisters living with hearing disabilities…”
By Arshad Gamiet
” Don’t be surprised if one day the descendants of Islam-haters and Muslim-baiters stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our Salaat. That’s entirely within Allah’s power. Allah has the power to do as He pleases…”
By Ebrahim Rasool
“South African Muslims enjoy respect and affection of the Black majority because we played a key role in the struggle against Apartheid. The lesson for Muslim minorities elsewhere is simply this: Be inclusive, be generous, be visibly engaged in helping others establish social and economic justice. That’s how you ensure a safe future for Islam in your country….”
By Omar Galal
“Beware of egotistical Sheikhs who are quick to issue fatwas. The really wise Sheikhs are modest, careful and quick to say “I don’t know the answer, but let’s find out…”
By Arshad Gamiet
” Let’s become visibly useful Muslims. Make Islam visible. Show that Islam is the best solution. Islam is not a problem, but lazy Muslims are. Protest marches by themselves are not enough. Anyone can make a noise and impress the world in front of a TV camera. That’s the easy bit. The hard bit takes longer, but it’s more effective. The hard bit is working day by day, to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people around you. When we do this, we earn love and respect for Muslims and for Islam…”
By Osman Latif (Uthman Lateef)
“We should always humbly attribute our success and our wealth to Allah. Sura Al Kahf shows us the example of a man so puffed up with self-importance that he humiliated his poorer neighbour and forgot to thank Allah. His wealth was destroyed overnight, and his neighbour gently reminded him to acknowledge the Will of Allah; not to massage his own ego…
By Dr Husni Hammuda
“The people of Syria are like you and me: They had homes, jobs, schools, and suddenly their whole world is turned upside down. No one is there to help them. They deserve our help. Give whatever you can: money, food, clothing: anything that can help restore their dignity, their lives, their safetly…”
