Be Steadfast: Soweto Masjid Bombing

The mosque in Dlamini (Soweto) was amongst the targets in the spate of blasts that rocked Soweto. These dastardly acts has attracted the condemnation it deserves from all quarters, regardless of their political and religious persuasions, As a result of the explosions scores of people were terrified and scared.

All human beings have a reasonable degree of respect for places of worship. They would not want to violate the sanctity of such places because of the emotional distress it is bound to cause. As Muslims, we are extremely disturbed that our masjid has been targeted. The attack assumes a greater degree of bigotry and intolerance because there is no real or apparent provocation.

Understandably Muslims may feel enraged and angered but cannot be dictated to by their feelings and emotions. Let us exercise patience, restraint and conduct ourselves in a calm and rational manner. This does in any way suggest that we have adopted a defeatist mentality.

Is it not possible that that our will and resolve is being tested? Is it not perhaps that our resilience is being tried. Whatever it may be:

A Muslim actively resigns himself to the will Allâh

A Muslim is not one who loses his wits in the face of adversity.

If people wish to shake Muslims from their Islamic moorings by subjecting them to acts of terror than by passionately personifying Islam their designs will fail miserably. No degree of intimidation or harassment will compel us to relinquish which Allâh has blessed us – Imân. We will jealously guard and protect it.

“ Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the friuts (of our toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.” (Al Baqarah 155)

“ Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, We Believe, and that they will not be tested?” (Al Ankabut 2)

We make dua to Allâh that He blesses with conditions and circumstances that will reveal our weakness and shortcomings and protect us from the evil designs of those who are intolerant to truth. Amîn.

Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal (Council of Muslim Theologians),
Tel: 011 373 8000 Fax: 011 373 8022

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