Call for unity on eve of Ramadaan

Published Jun 4, 2016

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Durban -

King Goodwill Zwelithini urged the Muslim community, during their coming Ramadaan fast, to pray for the country’s unity and for political and government institutions.

Zwelithini was speaking at the Juma Masjid Mosque in Dr Yusuf Dadoo (Grey) Street on Friday, where Durban’s religious leaders, including the Catholic Church’s Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, and KwaZulu-Natal business leaders, such as Vivian Reddy and Ishwar Ramlutchman, gathered for prayers for social cohesion in the province, and to wish the Muslim community well over the holy month of Ramadaan.

The interfaith meeting, which was held during the Friday afternoon prayers, was a show of unity, led by Zwelithini and held just days before the Muslim community began their observance of Ramadaan.

Zwelithini said it was the first time in 40 years that he had visited the mosque.

“It’s interesting to see how God works to bring different people and cultures to believe in love. In a few days from now the Muslim community will be starting their spiritual journey called Ramadaan and I would like for us all in that time to pray for the unity of our country,” he said.

“I urge you, my brothers, to give a thought in prayer for the poor and for government and political institutions. You can see what’s happening around us.”

He said special prayers needed to be offered for the youth and families.

Zwelithini said religion had always been a critical element, and relationships between different faiths were vital to encourage mutual respect between people.

“Through committed dialogue we can move from tolerance to (acceptance of) one another,” he said.

Reddy also added his voice to the call for social cohesion.

“When the anti-Indian song AmaNdiya was released, I approached the Zulu King to quell the threat against Indians. When people made racist remarks during Diwali, I also intervened - we can’t let these incidents go,” he said.

As part of his commitment to social cohesion, Reddy said he would soon be hosting a business symposium between different communities.

“The king and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will preside over the function and it’s aimed at building relations,” he said.

Reddy added that he would sponsor a festival that would join the communities of Phoenix and KwaMashu to break down divisions.

“The community of KwaMashu has never even seen a funfair. So we will have a funfair and soccer tournaments between the two communities,” he said, adding that had Zwelithini not intervened in previous incidents of racial tension, the province would have been in anarchy.

Napier, who is the leader of the KZN Interfaith Council, said: “All our religions teach us acceptance, respect and love. Most important is that we find renewal and reform in improving our relations between people like us gathered here today.”

He said the interfaith council had been established for religious leaders to come together and work on issues such as poverty and violence.

“We didn’t know each other initially, but we came together due to the needs of the community. May the holy season of Ramadaan be a period of renewal in your faith,” he said.

Vijay Misra, of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the Hindu community was sensitive to the challenges of inter-race harmony.

“We should have the interests of the rainbow nation at heart and inculcate a spirit of togetherness,” he said.

Independent on Saturday

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