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Over three decades ago, here in South Africa , the seeds of the Islamic Movement were planted. These seeds were sown and carefully nurtured amidst a land surrounded by the injustices of Apartheid and the struggle for political freedom. The fruit of these seeds were the establishment of the Muslim Youth Movement and the Muslim Students’ Association. These organizations still exist today, as are the friendships that bound them together during those formative years. Several other organizations have branched out from the MYM and MSA - servicing various sectors of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
The MSA changed hands and leadership, over the years that followed. Challenges facing the youth took on a new dimension and, as with student organizations, continuity (or lack thereof) were one of the factors that led to the decline of the MSA, resulting in their dormant status.
However, in this era of youth apathy within the broader society, we- the Muslim youth, are called upon to be visionary in striking a balance between traditional norms and creative ideas, to exhibit the beauty of Islam to those we have as yet failed to reach. We live in a democratic country that is so diverse, giving us a greater opportunity to share and gain knowledge - which in itself is a form of da`wah. We, the youth, are part of this democracy and we must thus act accordingly.
With all of this said, there has been renewed interest amongst brothers and sisters around the country to nurture and revive the MSA. This resulted in the first MSA National Camp, of the new MSA legion, which was held at the beginning of the year at Hazelmere just outside Durban , in which representatives from the various provinces were present.
This camp helped us:-
Meet and interact with MSA's from around the country
Ascertain the present situation of student activity in South Africa
Seek closer co-operation and regular communication of activities of MSAs
Setting up an interim committee that would facilitate the co-ordination of activities towards the establishment of a national body.
There have also been projects short listed as MSA national initiatives, the introduction of newsletters and national programs.
MSA-KZN was formally founded at the beginning of 2004. Activities thus far have included:-
Bi-weekly halqas
Discover Islam Discussion Series by Hafez Fuzail Soofie
Lecture tours at universities
Operation winter warmth
Democracy celebrations
Ramadaan Hamper Distribution
Various other Ramadaan programs
Camps
We understand that there is a lot to be done and that the road to success may not be smooth. However, if our intentions are pure and we put our trust in Allah and ask for His assistance, then surely our task will be made easier.
We will never become what we need to be by merely remaining the way we are. We can choose to remain a people of success and fail to emerge a legion of value. We may hold noted reputations but fail to exhibit sterling character. We have witnessed change and are now required to prepare and manage change. It is my hope that the new year will see many new faces joining the MSA so that together we can accomplish great things.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. Too many generations have been exploited and left in the dark. We need to place ‘candles’ wherever we go, so that people will be drawn to the light of Islam and see it as the ultimate solution bearing testimony to Freedom…Justice…Equality…Hope…unity…and Peace.
Contributions to this article have been made by Mansoor Ahmed, Abdur Rahman Laily and Shabnam Mayet.
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