Imam Haron’s death in detention… 50 years on

STAFF REPORTER

The family of Ash-Shaheed Imam Abdullah Haron has officially announced the establishment of the Imam Haron Commemoration Committee (IHCC) to mark the 50th year since his killing in detention on the September 27, 1969 by the apartheid police.

The family – under the auspices of the Imam Haron Foundation – will also be making an announcement on February 8 regarding an enquiry into the circumstance of the Imam’s death in detention.

The IHCC will coordinate various commemoration events which are aimed at making the public aware of the role of Imam Haron as a community builder, activist and revolutionary in the liberation struggle.

Cassiem Khan, who has vast experience in the NGO field, has been appointed coordinator of the IHCC.

‘It was his deep love and concern for his people that made Imam Haron such a threat to the apartheid state,’ Khan told Muslim Views. ‘He was loved by people from all walks of life and it is for this reason that the committee sees an active role for all members of South African society to actively participate in the planned commemorative events.’

The public is encouraged to remember Imam Haron at the existing events on the calendar of their schools, madrasahs, sport clubs, masajid, through their publications, at dhikrs, khatams, and during Ramadaan programmes, amongst other events.

‘Your event becomes an opportunity to educate the public about Imam Haron, to transcend barriers, to increase our love and concern for humanity and to work towards attaining social justice,’ said Khan.

The IHCC has organised events with a special focus on youth, women and all marginalised communities.

Khan also encouraged people to use social media to tell their family stories of Imam Haron.

A hashtag – #123Days, pointing to the total number of days Imam was in detention – has been created for use on Twitter and other social media.

People are also encouraged to display the picture of Imam Haron on their email signature.

A call has also been made for donations towards the events.

For banking details, and further information on the activities of the Imam Haron 50th ­Commemoration Committee, contact Cassiem Khan, the
co-ordinator, preferably via WhatsApp, at 076 640 7928 or email him at cassiemkhan9@gmail.com.