Religious debate in Cape Argus is good for society
Firstly, the interaction between Brian Josselwitz, Gary James, myself and others have value.
Genuine liberation is only possible when every person seeks truth for him or herself.
The Qur’an says “Those who believe (in the Qur’an) and those who follow the Jewish (scripture) and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”. This clarifies that the Creator judges people on the basis of an individual’s conduct and not on tribal affiliation.
On an individual level, a “believer” must believe in the existence of one Creator, accept the Creators envoys and messages, pray, fast and believe in the day of judgement etc.
When you murder and steal etc. or if you are an arrogant racist who exploits people, your belief in God is questionable. The individual cannot live a careless life causing damage without regard and just expect others to forgive. God is most merciful but people are not. That is why God gave divine law which allows us to hang murderer and child molesters etc.
Generally, a person must live with some integrity and justice towards all God’s creation. Social justice submits that you “do not” take a half-hour shower especially when water shortages happen. Blasting a heater instead of wearing a thicker sweater, is also “not cool”.
Secondly, the “Covenant of the Chosen”, when God titled the Israelites, was not a privilege but a responsibility. It was a formal treaty binding the Israelites to the divine duty to worship the God of Abraham and to ensure God’s ideals of justice dominate the world. This was the original contract.
Now, around 742 BCE, King Ahaz of Judah encouraged Israelites to worship pagan Gods. God sent Prophet Isaiah to warn Israel who refused to listen. God then sent the Assyrians to destroy Israel as Israel broke the “Covenant”. Later God allowed them to return but because of injustice and pagan activity God sent Prophet Jeremiah and Amos to warn Israel who again refused to listen. God then sent Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon in 587 to destroy Israel. Again God allowed them to return. Again Israel practised injustice and God sent Jesus. We all know what happened then.
Today, are the Zionists in control of “Occupied Palestine” fulfilling God’s divine system of justice?
The good news is that the “Covenant of the Chosen” is for any Jew, Christian or Muslim that fulfils their duty towards God’s worship including the practice of social justice which benefits all creation.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Cape Muslim Congress