How many wives?

 

You know when you sit in a social gathering and there is one guy that knows everything. Nobody seems to disagree with him even though he has no facts. He states his opinion as if it is fact. You all know that guy. Sometimes you have to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are that guy. Without overstepping religious rulings and law, you can have a discussion on certain matters. A fair example will be polygamy. Most will agree that it is permissible, but many will argue about attaching conditions.

Now, I need to ask the women to bear with me. You often hear almost everyone saying that Islam is the solution and has all the answers. I will make point for argument and debate because we must not be shy to talk openly, but, of course, decently and within the ambit of Shari’ah. If Muslims provided the shield for women such that her honour and dignity is protected and preserved, we will have to do a few things differently. Marriage is one such institution that is the cornerstone of society. However, the standard of living of Muslims are more inclined to this world than the hereafter which means that marriages take place later and later in life. Secondly, the societal-induced demands make marriage and parenting expensive. Immediately, I hear you blame it on the economy. There is some justification in that. But it was not always this drastic. Rather, the local societal norm has not been Islam-centric, except for some of the rituals. I dare say, with the “pace” of life and the focus, that the younger generation may be struggling to know right from wrong. Society, today, is more accepting of new norms which should at least be frowned upon than, as example, accepting polygamy, or more specifically, polygyny. Before anybody gets carried away and marries more wives, there is much to clean up in our society. The cleaning up of society and the promotion of polygyny go hand-in-hand. Of course, the few that are capable, in the full sense of the word, to care for more than one wife properly and correctly, should carry on. For the majority, cleaning up means to improve the education on the subject of gender, marriage, parenting, etc. This must be the start of building our society and improving our overall condition.

I raise the issue of polygyny because it is frowned upon by Muslims of the Cape, in general, while new norms regarding marriage and related subjects are more acceptable to them. Perhaps through healthy discussion everyone can benefit, especially if it is in line with the view that Islam has the solutions.

 

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Authentic us (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

 

Picture courtesy - https://muslimvillage.com

Authentic us

Captivity is a lonely place. The lonely place is worse if there is no willingness to turn back unless you believe that you deserve to be captured or you are unaware that you are captured. Bear with me and I will explain.

History tells us that there were two colonisers in the cape since the seventeenth century. Both these colonisers brought slaves and labourers to the shores of Africa and subjugated the indigenous people. The early “Cape Malays” rejected their oppression and refused to speak the language of the oppressor, viz Dutch.  Afrikaans was a language that was in defiance of the colonisers. As much as our Afrikaans, which some now call afrikaaps, is still spoken, there was a readiness and eagerness to adopt the language of the second coloniser, specifically in the twentieth century. The ruling class during the apartheid years also successfully took Afrikaans as their language. Language forms a big part of culture and identity. Without our own language, our people readily became captives of the oppressor. With their language, they also introduced us to their schools and their system of education. You will ask “what is wrong with that?” and the answer is simple. We think and talk like them. The solutions we seek is from what they have taught us. Nothing comes from us, from our background and there is a straying from our roots and even faith. Our faith is the cornerstone of our culture, yet our thinking is eroding that too. Were it to be said that the Muslims from Cape Town can make a difference en masse, then clearly it will be hard to draw them in one single direction. Now people will think differently, but the core will be the same. We have bathed in the system of the oppressor and since when is benevolence used to describe an oppressor. But it seems that you are grateful. We cannot turn the clock back but, most importantly, we must come to the realisation that we have been captured and seek to regain something of our identity.

The little we have we must cling onto it. Our faith must be strengthened by giving greater attention to the study and implementation of religion. The smaller things must not easily fall by the wayside, things like the cuisine that is synonymous with us culturally, and the little bit of our Afrikaans. Those who speak other languages, other than the oppressor’s language, must reclaim that and make it common amongst the people. When there is a common cause, purpose, goal then progress is easier. The right culture is strong and protects every member of that group.

 

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The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Does your tastebuds define your culture (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

 

Picture courtesy https://www.sahistory.org.za

Does your tastebuds define your culture

 

A friend of mine separates the different food groups on his plate. After consuming it, these different food groups will end up in the same stomach. I guess for taste, there may be a need but then he does mix it on his fork or hand when he actually eats it. So, it reminds me of a discussion we had in a group last week. No, not about food, but racism.

Racism does not have to be taught consciously but the idea of superiority is something that may be in the culture of a family or a community. Sometimes racism is a subconscious personal choice. Listening to the discussion, you cannot deny that there is racism within the Muslim community. The one that is undeniable, yet some will dispute, is the racism from the apartheid days as we differentiate according to that racial classification. Then there was the deep-rooted racism which has, to a large degree, been overcome but what remains are more than mere remnants. While the colour card is rife, racism is further entrenched in ethnic backgrounds of the Muslim community. The Indian-Malay issue, as example, has made positive progress, but sadly today, there are individuals who scorn the other party and still use derogatory terms.   

In terms of marriage, there may be argument that vastly different cultures can cause issues in marriage. However, there is no need to be prejudiced and act with a level of superiority. With that in mind, address the other party with respect and, in turn, build a culture of love and mutual understanding.  You can easily say that Muslims in Cape Town are not ready for “Bilal” to knock on your door and ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. If you thrive on racism, then certainly you are gripped by much “ignorance”. Racism cannot be wished away but we must educate and change the mindset. When, you generalise and address matters with a racial bias, then you will not realise the best solution to issues that may face you.

Do you think your tastebuds reveals your ethnicity or do you train your tastebuds to adopt other cultures? By the way, like my friend separating his food groups and it still ends up in the same place, so too will we all, irrespective of ethnic background, end up in a hole when we die. Perhaps even in the same cemetery.

 

Also click and read The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Easter eggs Mass Iftar (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

 

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Easter eggs Mass Iftar

Samoosa sales dropped dramatically as the month of fasting, Ramadan, has ended. A thirty-hour old moon was clearly seen to end the month a day short of thirty days. While some are happy that the month is now behind us, there is also the need to reflect and build on the positives of this month. A few questions were raised regarding Muslim actions, its relevance or its misguidance. It is necessary to highlight these and correct wrongs, discuss matters that need further understanding.

The first point is not directly related to Ramadan but because this occurred in Ramadan, we will raise it anyway. The aspect of halal food is often a misunderstood concept. Most merely look for the stamp of a halal authority. The ingredients of a product may be halal, but there is another aspect to it. If food is dedicated to a god other than Allah, then that food becomes haram. Easter is one such period that has attached to it specific foods of which easter eggs and hot cross buns are common. Easter is related to pagan beliefs. However, Christians have adopted this period as the time of the crucifixion of Jesus (Eesa peace be upon him). Whether you dismiss the pagan aspect, then the Christian view too is contrary to Quran and thus Islam. To partake in foods relating to events that are against what Allah has revealed, then that is to transgress the word of Allah. The same goes for engaging in any of their, the Christians, affairs regarding Easter, whether it is verbal or otherwise. We remain quiet and understand that to them their religion and to us ours. Jesus – peace be upon him – was not crucified and he did not die for our sins. Jesus – peace be upon him – is not god or the son of god, but he was raised to the heavens as per Quran. We leave them to worship as they please and we worship according to the dictates of Quran and sunnah.

Talking about food, the mass iftars are becoming a thing. There are instances where desperately poor people are fed and then there are any other excuse to get together, including the interfaith iftars. Fasting is sacred and everything attached to it is sacred. The time before Maghrib (the prayer at sunset) is sacred and doubly so for the fasting person. How do you spend our time then other than supplicating to Him, Allah. Where is the sunnah in hastening to break your fast and hastening to establish the Maghrib prayer? Is it not time that you return and be firm on the sunnah? Are there not eleven months of the year to invite people to share a meal? Or if you really believe in feeding the fasting person, why not just do it at the masjid while following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ?

As for tarawih. Those that are not able to recite the Quran in full in one month, were you attending tarawih to get the blessing of Quran?

Lastly, I hope the only scale that benefited in increase in weight is our scale of good deeds – an I definitely talking to myself first on this one. Yaa Allah, accept our fasting and all our acts of worship in the month of Ramadan (Ramadan without the “l” )

These are just what is observed and encountered. We all will want to do better and if this message can at least make you consider the points raised. Guidance is only from Allah. Allah guide and protect us all.

 

 

Also click and read: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Samoosa - what you need to know (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

Picture courtesy: www.news24.com

 

 

 

 

Samoosa - what you need to know

 

After the moon eventually was visible, Cape Town Muslims were already fasting. The other matters facing Muslims in Ramadan were paused until the moon saga was digested. Then the perennial debate whether Taraweeh is eight raka’at or twenty. Then there is the split on the samosa issue, whether it is totally unhealthy to even eat, while others opt for the air fryer and most just stick to the traditional, old school, oil. And the next question is about section 18A tax certificates for zakah.

Never a dull moment in Cape Town. All of the above has some reasoning, some good, some not so good but a blanket judgement call on any of the above issues is not necessary. Zakah is a compulsory obligation for the many Muslims that do fall in that bracket. Of course, you cannot cheat on what is due to Allah and therefore, in thinking good of others, you give the benefit of doubt to them in that they overall are not short-changing themselves in fulfilling their obligations. Where it may be blatantly clear that someone has “miscalculated” their zakah, then you may quietly advise them of their misunderstanding on the matter.

Health is an important component of your life. Very few can confidently say that they eat completely healthy but it is fair to caution those who over-indulge, be it in eating, or what they eat of unhealthy food. Eating natural is the first part of healthy eating, while halal has health and spiritual benefits. The samosa does not qualify as healthy but I am just saying.

Then the debate of 8 and 20. Khatam (full reading) or not. This debate I will leave to the ulama since some of them have firm views on the matter. Ultimately, Ramadan is the month of the Quran and that must be the focus of our discussions too. Many cannot read Quran while the first revealed word is “Iqra” (Read). So, in a way, this message is to reach out to them and encourage them to learn reading Quran and to remind them that it is never too late. You will so love the sweetness of its recitation from your own lips.

As day seven of this glorious month draws to a close, you know what you have accomplished so far and you know you can do that little more. Above all, how I would not love a dua from you. May Allah accept your intentions and good deeds.

 

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https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-setting-moon.html

Picture courtesy: https://halaal.recipes

The Setting Moon

 

Of the signs of Allah is that He created the moon and the sun as a means to measure time. The importance of these two spheres in your lives cannot be underestimated. Muslims will do well to understand the role of the sun and the moon in their lives and that it is of the favours of Allah unto them.

Those who pray their five daily prayers on time and those who fast regularly will be dependent on the sun and the moon to perform their worship. Then there is the pilgrimage which too is dependent on the sighting of the moon. While man is fallible and prone to error, the course of these two circular bodies are set and controlled by Allah. Whether the moon was visible or not, the moon was not seen as per the official announcement. What is sad is the memes that has since been circulating. If the decree of Allah was that the moon will not be sighted locally, then you accept and leave the matter at that. The only alternative is for you then to accept the sighting from neighbouring countries. But that line was already drawn before the sighting. Did the memes then intend to question those who made the ruling that the moon was not sighted? You have accepted these people, the “maankykers”, for this purpose. Do you now question them or the fiqh? If you do not trust them, then what is the alternative and are you prepared for the alternative? If the memes did not question the “maankykers”, then be reminded that the sun and the moon are of the signs of Allah and are of the favours of Allah unto you.

The moon issue is not going away in a hurry as you have seen for over the last forty years locally. How much importance should you attach to man-made boundaries? What defines the difference in region, is it language and culture? Does this apply to the general Muslim or is it the language (mother tongue) of the ulama. Does the difference in ruler play a role even though both rulers are non-Muslim or is it because two countries are Muslim minorities?

The matter must be discussed with the aim of learning and understanding. It must be discussed with the aim of developing as a community with ideal forums and structures. What impact has this issue had on you and in what are you keen to improve or see improvement?

 

You may also be interested in: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: The Freezer is Full (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

 

Picture courtesy https://www.duluthnewstribune.com

 

The Freezer is Full

You must throw stones. You must pelt the devil. While it is a ritual of the pilgrimage, often you must do it figuratively in your daily action. The freezers are full. Ramadan expos are in full supply. I often wondered whether they actually teach the subject of fasting at these expos. But there is money to be made by the exhibiters and there is plenty to buy at these events. And the freezers are full.

Food is in full supply and the masajid (plural of masjid meaning mosque) are far less in capacity for those extra prayers wherein the recitation of Quran are rendered. Am I throwing stones? One thing is for sure and that is that it is such an important time to reflect. It is not difficult at all to see our shortcomings and little you are inclined to the religion beyond the bare necessity. Praise be to Allah that people are able to earn their sustenance and it is not a reflection on them that your food needs are great. The rule must be cast over the various aspects of your life, then you will know the report card already. Assuming you do not cut out the feasting in Ramadan, but you, in fact, increase your acts of worship so that your worship by far overshadows your full freezer, then the spiritual scale will register a heavy weight. Of course, health wise, it may be better that you eat less, but the emphasis must be firstly on your increase in acts of worship.

I am no learned person, but you and I have heard it enough that the desired outcome of fasting is to learn self-restraint, to increase in Allah-consciousness. So, as I see you reflect and pelting the demon in you, so that you can work a little harder to benefit from this month of fasting, I take lesson from it for myself. The freezer is full as if your heart is in the freezer too, frozen and unable to fill itself with the blessings of Ramadan. Admittedly, Muslims are more giving in Ramadan. And I don’t want to be throwing stones, but I think you also realise that you have to throw that figurative stone to relieve you of that demon inside. That demon that is preventing you from get maximum benefit from this glorious month. And your non-Muslim acquaintances, neighbours and colleagues are already all aware of how full your freezer is. Now, you just need to properly explain what Ramadan is, what you do during the month and that you don’t really have a chance to eat too much at night because you attend the tarawih (night prayer) every night.

Focusing on the freezer being full is reason enough to cast that stone. It might well be a stone or two from a weight perspective too. Importantly, a stone to dispel myths, a stone to slay the dragon, a stone to create proper focus, a stone to relieve the weight on your shoulders. You are content even if the freezer was not full.

 

Also click and read https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2023/03/suicide-at-cape.html