SAMNET

Author: ADMIN

  • International travel restrictions and surge in Covid infections

    SAMNET & IMASA STATEMENT

    27 April 2021

    Dear Minister of Health
    Honourable Dr Zweli Mkhize

    The explosion of Covid infections internationally and in India and Brazil in particular, with new variants of the Covid19 virus, coupled with our delayed vaccination program, poses a clear and present danger to the well-being of South Africans. Many countries have stopped incoming traveling from India, Brazil and other red line countries altogether, or have instituted mandatory 14-day quarantine in designated areas for incoming travelers. Presently travelers coming from India, and other red line countries, on presentation of a negative Covid test at point of entry into South Africa, can immediately travel freely all over our country without any isolation period.

    We appeal to you to institute immediate restrictions on travel from all red line countries for those who need to come home from these countries or for foreigners who have urgent business in South Africa to have imposed on them a mandatory 14-day isolation period, at their own costs, as is practiced all over the world. We do believe, however, that owing to difficulties in monitoring quarantine as well as cost associated with such an exercise, a total ban on all incoming travel from passengers from India and Brazil be implemented on a 14-day review basis.

    Our heartfelt concern goes out to the people of India and Brazil at this time and we encourage all measures for humanitarian and logistical support, which we know that our government would be offering without question. It is absolutely imperative to have a balanced approach in reducing and mitigating the risk of the spread of the Indian Variant of the Covid19 virus while we rollout our vaccine programme.

    South Africa is at great risk of a third wave and we need to ensure that any and all external factors are controlled to minimize the risk. Our country’s experience with both the first and second wave has taught us that we must ensure every measure is taken to prevent and guard against any risk posed that would trigger and/or maintain a third wave with multiple variants It is heart-breaking to see people struggling for hospital access, oxygen shortages, mass cremations and burials and we need to ensure that a similar scenario does not unfold in our country.

    We pray for the safety of all the people of the world and all those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic.

    Kind regards

    Dr Yakub Moosa Essack
    [President] Of the National Executive Committee of the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa [IMASA]
    & the IMASA Media Desk

    Dr Faisal Suliman
    Chairperson of SAMNET [South Africa Muslim Network]

  • Women Rights – Abused!

    MODESTY – A way of life

    Modesty is a way of life. Dressing and behaving modestly is prevalent in every religion. Covering the head and entire body is a practice that can be traced back to centuries ago. Every Human Rights Charter states that Humans have the Right to Life, The right to Equality, the Right to practice and Religion, Right to Freedom of Choice and the right to Safety and Security!

    But Muslim Women in particular are attacked for dressing modestly and once again banned from covering their head….

    All of these rights are being abused!

    Modesty is a part of every religion and yet only problematic when it comes to Muslims?

    ISLAM

    ”And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty”, except to those mentioned in the quran (Holy book) that they are allowed to.

    (Surah An-Nur 24:31)

    CHRISTIANITY

    “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control”.

    (Timothy 2:9-10)

    JUDAISM

    TZNIUT – Modesty is the foundation of Jewish values and is one of the fundamental underpinnings of the Jewish family. The classical symbol of tzniut is the veil. It bespeaks privacy, a person apart; Isaiah (3:18) calls it tiferet (“glory”).

     (Rabbi Maurice Lamm)

    HINDUISM

    “You should lower your gaze and should not look up. You should put your feet together and you should not reveal what the garment and the veil conceals.”

    (Rig Veda Book no. 8 Hymn no. 33 V. no. 19)

    HOW CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

    On 27th April, join SAMNET and women around the world, by wearing a head covering and a handwritten note in the palm of your hand to show solidarity with the women in Islam in support of a woman’s right to FREEDOM OF CHOICE!

    Use the hashtags #handsoffmyhijab #mybodymychoice #istandwithher #womeninsolidarity and join the movement.

    When people stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?!

     

     

  • RAMADAN 2021

    THE MONTH OF RAMADAN

    The spirit of Ramadan is not just in abstaining from eating & drinking, it is a sacred time to nourish and purify the heart, mind and soul. Ramadan is usually in the atmosphere of mixing with friends and family in the community, making more effort to be punctual with every Sallah (Prayer), increasing the recitation of Quran and Zikr, spending extra time in the Mosque, especially for the night prayer, Taraweeh, sharing meals when breaking the fast, giving lots of charity and most importantly this is the month for spiritual upliftment.

    The practices and traditions of Ramadan are culturally embedded in every household. Bearing in mind, that we are still in a Covid pandemic, it is vital to continue practicing social distancing, wear a face mask and/or face shield, sanitize and wash your hands frequently and abide by the rules of protection, especially when in the Mosques or religious gatherings or mixing with family.

    Ramadan is also a month of Reflection, when reflecting on our own lives, we should take time to reflect on the lives of all those suffering in the world, try to assist someone in need by donating generously and remember the Muslim Ummah in our duas.

    May the Almighty, Allah (SWT) Accept from us all.

    Take care and Keep safe!

    SAMNET