Bridging the divide among South African Muslims

It is imperative that South African Muslims and leaders respond to the plea of the scholars who gathered in Bahrain and advocated for global intra-faith dialogue.

By SAYED RIDHWAAN

In a world that is increasingly interconnected and diverse, the need for inter-faith dialogue is often emphasised as a means to foster understanding and tolerance among different religious groups.

However, while South African Muslims have shown eagerness to engage in inter-faith discussions with non-Muslims, there seems to be a reluctance to address issues within our own community through intra-faith dialogue.

Sectarian politics and conflicts happening abroad have exacerbated divisions within the Muslim community in South Africa, particularly along the lines of the Sunni-Shia, Sufi-Salafi and Deobandi-Barelwi divides. These internal conflicts have led to a lack of receptiveness towards improving intra-Muslim relations, resulting in what can be described as a ‘dialogue deficit’ among South African Muslims.

While some theological groups are not openly engaging in takfir against others, there is still a preference for participating in inter-faith discussions rather than addressing intra-faith issues within the community. This hesitance to confront and discuss differences within the Muslim community hinders progress towards understanding and peaceful co-existence.

The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in Bahrain on February 19 and 20, 2025, serves as a model for addressing intra-faith issues and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, former Judge of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and a permanent member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, and Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, exchange a few words as they share a greeting on the sidelines of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain which was held on February 19 and 20, 2025. (Photo MQI)

It was attended by prominent scholars and thinkers, including Dr Shaikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo, Dr Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, former Judge of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and a permanent member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. They were joined by more than 400 religious leaders, intellectuals and experts from across the Islamic world.

The conference aimed to confront fanaticism, enhance cooperation between Islamic sects, and tackle common challenges faced by Muslims globally.

South Africa can learn from this example and work towards fostering dialogue and understanding within the Muslim community.

Today, we must heed the call by engaging in crucial discussions aimed at revitalising Islamic thought and setting the stage for a new era in which we can authentically convey the true essence of Islam and effectively address the obstacles hindering the progress of the South African Muslim community alongside the global ummah.

It is imperative that South African Muslims and leaders respond to the plea of the scholars who gathered in Bahrain and advocated for global intra-faith dialogue.