Respected Ulema, Imaams, Trustees, Brothers and Sisters,

Action is needed

Recent events in South Africa, the United Kingdom and around the world have shown how prejudice, hate and Islamophobia are being incited in countries where Muslims are a minority — particularly influential minorities.

We must recognise that the drivers are a small minority. But without any effort to counter a prevailing narrative that dehumanises Muslims and feeds racist, xenophobic and religious tropes, it will grow — and through inaction we become complicit in its spread.

In recent weeks we have seen far-right ideology turning into acts of terror: violent attacks on Muslims reported here in South Africa; riots and attacks on minorities across the United Kingdom; far-right electoral gains and anti-immigration campaigning in France and the EU; a US presidential campaign that has pledged to revive a travel ban aimed at Muslim-majority countries — alongside the continuing situations in India, Myanmar, Xinjiang and elsewhere. These are increasing in frequency and in violence, and they threaten social cohesion even where relationships are long established.

We need to offer a counter-narrative

Over the last 300 days the killing and the crisis in Gaza have polarised many communities, fed in large part by a single false narrative maintained over decades. We need to put the truthful view proactively. We need to start at grassroots, in our own communities. We need to defuse tension through mutual respect, understanding and engagement.

Mosques serving communities

During the 2021 unrest in South Africa, Musaajid became the epicentre of many communities — in some cases the very same Musaajid that had been vehemently opposed. We can still build on that goodwill now, before it is forgotten.

We should also recognise that, for all the value of our traditional model of relief, feeding, water, healthcare and social support, without engaging as equals we remain marginalised and we isolate ourselves.

National Mosque Open Day

SAMNET has promoted a National Mosque Open Day, tied to the Heritage Day public holiday on 24 September, since 2017. Alhamdulillah it has spread across South Africa and into more than six sub-Saharan countries, with over 60 mosques participating across the country and the region.

We need many, many more to take part this year, to deliver a global message of peace, safety, service, human rights, equality and justice — the message that is Islam.

Musaajid that have hosted Open Days report exceptional feedback. If we are to demystify our mosques and our Deen, we need to open our spaces to our neighbours — all forty homes on each side of us.

It works elsewhere too

Globally, “Meet Your Muslim Neighbour” events and Mosque Open Days have shifted perceptions. The feedback has been nothing short of inspiring — especially from Musaajid with limited resources but big hearts.

Why Heritage Day?

Muslims have been in South Africa for over 300 years, and Islam’s presence along the east African seaboard and its trade routes into the region reaches back much further.

Islam is part of our national heritage — from the exiled leaders of South East Asia at the Cape, to indentured labourers from India, to communities from across Africa, to those who fought apartheid and led us through to freedom. Muslims and Islam are interwoven with South Africa’s history.

If we are to educate our fellow citizens about the history, contribution and future of Islam in South Africa, when better than on our national Heritage Day?

It’s time to invite our neighbours

We call on our leaders and Musaajid leadership to commit to opening their mosques from 2pm to 4pm on 24 September and hosting their communities — it is a few hours.

Email info@samnet.co.za with your contact details to express interest and for more information.

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of building our community, educating our neighbours, fighting Islamophobic hate and building social cohesion.