It is said that Nelson Mandela was a leader who won the respect of most of the world with his fight against racism. Unfortunately, it is not known that there is a Muslim leader who fought an epic struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa. In this article, we will introduce you to an Islamic-based struggle against racism in the southern tip of Africa.
A YOUNG IMAM CHALLENGING INJUSTICES
Imam Abdullah Harun... Harun, who was born in February 1924 as the fifth child of his family, lost his mother when he was still a baby. Raised by his aunt upon the death of his mother, Harun married Galiema Sadon on March 15, 1950. Three children, Mohammed, Fatima and Shamela, were born from Imam Abdullah Harun's union with Galiema Sadon. Imam Abdullah Harun, who took lessons from many teachers, improved himself in Islamic sciences. Sheikh Abdurrahman Al-Alawi Al Maliki was among the valuable scholars that Abdullah Harun took lessons from. While Imam Abdullah tended to work on the subject of social welfare over time, he also began to teach in Islamic schools. Imam Abdullah, who is a political activist, became the leader of the society called Al-Jaamia when he was 32 years old. Another feature of Imam Abullah was that he was the youngest imam in South Africa. Abdullah Harun, who developed the awareness of the society he was the leader of, against injustices in the society, also made contact with segments of other faiths.
EVEN CHRISTIANS MOURN FOR HARUN
Imam Abdullah Harun, who is among the symbolic names of the struggle against racism in South Africa, played an active role in the activities carried out against the apartheid regime. At first, he carried out his activities in secret in order to protect his family and the society he was the leader of. In the 1950s, Imam Abdullah, who founded the "Claremont Muslim Youth Association" and the newspaper "Muslim News" with a few of his close friends, pursued an inclusive policy with these formations and reached the masses more easily. The successful policy that Imam Abdullah followed was against the principles of the apartheid regime because he was not racist and did not discriminate against people. On May 28, 1969, the security forces of the apartheid regime arrested Imam Abdullah. On September 27, 1969, it was conveyed to the family of Imam Abdullah, who was accused of terrorism, that he had died. Two days after his death, Africa witnessed a historical funeral, such that more than 40 thousand people came together to do their last duty to Imam Abdullah. The death of Imam Abdullah saddened different segments of the society. In this context, after Abdullah's death, a memorial program was held for him at St. Paul's Cathedral.
HOW DID IMAM ABDULLAH FIGHT OPPRESSION?
It was the sermons that Imam Abdullah Harun gave the most important weapon in his struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Abdullah, who opposes racism with a loud voice in his sermons, warned the people about this issue and wanted them to stay away from racism. While Imam Abdullah, who almost challenged the existence of the regime, was followed by government forces, this situation did not prevent him from his struggle. Evaluating the oppression by the apartheid regime as "inhuman, barbaric and un-Islamic", Imam Abdullah received a broad response through conferences and symposiums. On the other hand, despite the communication difficulties of his time, Imam Abdullah managed to establish relations with many international NGOs.
THE CASE TO BE CLAIMED IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE
Imam Abdullah is one of the symbols of the struggle against racism in South Africa, and despite all the years since his death, he still maintains his place in minds. In 2019, the 50th anniversary of the death of Imam Abdullah, who is still remembered with respect in the society, family members demanded an investigation into Abdullah's murder and reckoning with the past, and this request was finally met. It is learned that the case regarding the murder of Imam Abdullah will be heard in the coming days, and as a result of the said trial, it is demanded that Imam Abdullah be rehabilitated. A positive decision as a result of the lawsuit, which is expected to be followed closely by international human rights organizations and international humanitarian diplomacy organizations, is of great importance. The punishment to be given to Imam Abdullah's murderers will mean both the return of Abdullah's reputation and the punishment of the apartheid regime.