International Day of Non-Violence: MJC (SA)

As we collectively commemorate International Day of Non-Violence, we need to reflect on the
challenges we face both locally and abroad and commit to playing a role to secure a culture of peace,
tolerance, understanding and non-violence.

This day encourages us all to renew our collective commitments to #ENDviolence both in a domestic
the context in relation to gender-based violence and other violent crimes, and internationally, in relation to
wars and conflicts.

Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Quran (5:32)

“We decreed upon the children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unjustly it is as if he had slain mankind
entirely. And whoever saves a single life, it is as if he has saved mankind entirely.’’

It also requires us to reflect on the state of our communities and to unpack the root causes of the
continued perpetuation, particularly of gendered violence, in our communities.

South Africa is in a crisis. The epidemic of violence has infiltrated every aspect of our lives. No space
has been left untouched by this scourge. Our homes, our schools, our roads, even our places of work
have become fertile ground for the senseless display of violence in response to conflict situations.
Furthermore, the recent spate of xenophobic attacks is indicative of a culture of violence which has
permeated our communities and exposes the erosion of moral values in our society.

This culture of violence has been normalized. Both children and adults are fed a daily diet of violence
through television, movies and the internet. This normalization also reinforces patriarchy and feeds
into toxic masculinity, and the utilization of violence as a means to validate self-worth and identity.

The Muslim Judicial Council (SA) therefore reaffirms our commitment to programmes of moral
regeneration, seeking to rebuild the moral fabric of our society, so we can once again be a
compassionate society, where individuals care about each other.

This point is further elucidated in the following authentic ḥadīth.

´Āishah and Ibn Úmar (May Allāh be pleased with them) narrated from the Prophet (May the Peace
and Blessings of Allāh be upon Him) that he said: “Jibrīl (AS) continuously advised about the neighbour
until I thought that he (the neighbour will inherit from me.”
Agreed Upon (Transmitted by Al-Bukhāriy and Muslim)

Issued by Shaykh Isgaak Taliep
MJC Secretary-General

END

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