Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Correspondent
The president of the Sunni Jamiatul Ulema, Hazrat Allama Maulana Yusuf Sialvi, this week made an impassioned plea to the Muslim community to vote for the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP) – a political home “for those who seek a platform aligned with our spiritual values.”
Moulana Sialvi was speaking at the People’s Freedom Party’s Shura Symposium at Durban’s Sunkist Restaurant in Morningside ahead of the imminent elections.
The event was a confluence of the region’s esteemed Ulama, trustees from various Muslim organizations, and engaged citizens, all gathered for a session of thoughtful dialogue and communal decision-making.
The symposium was inaugurated by Maulana Sialvi, who set the tone for the evening with an insightful introduction. He advocated for the PFP, noting the unique opportunity for the Muslim electorate to be represented by an Alim in the KZN parliamentary legislature.
His call to action was clear: support the PFP, a party that promises to infuse democratic institutions with values that “resonate deeply with Islamic values and human rights”.
The event was a spiritual gathering that paid homage to the Sunnah’s tradition of Shura—seeking counsel among one’s peers. The endorsements from various Ulama for Maulana Tariq and the PFP were resounding, echoing through the venue and reinforcing the party’s commitment to the community’s welfare.
In a compelling address, Maulana Junaid of the Stanmore Musjid in Phoenix called upon the Muslim community to support the PFP in the upcoming KZN elections. His speech, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Holy Prophet, highlighted the significance of Islamic ethos in governance.
Maulana Junaid praised the exemplary community service rendered by the PFP President, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the welfare of both the political and spiritual realms. He underscored the importance of electing an Alim e Deen to ensure that the Muslim community’s interests are dually represented in the KZN Parliamentary legislature.
“The PFP stands as a beacon of hope for those who seek a political platform aligned with our spiritual values,” said Maulana Junaid. “It is not just about casting a vote; it is about making a choice that will secure our community’s future in South Africa’s diverse society,” he said.
Maulana Junaid’s call to action resonates with a community eager for representation and clean governance that upholds justice, transparency, and morality, the Symposium was told.
Maulana Tariq, the PFP President, delivered a gripping keynote speech that captivated the audience and culminated in thunderous applause, signalling a strong endorsement from those present.
The speech drew inspiration from Dr. Allama Iqbal’s vision of governance informed by Islamic principles, advocating the values of the Islamic Ummah. Maulana Tariq highlighted the pivotal role of Ulema in shaping policies and engaging in Shura to strengthen South Africa’s young democracy.
Quoting verses from the Holy Quran, Maulana Tariq underscored the importance of consultation and reliance upon Allah in decision-making processes. He called upon attendees to engage in Shura with open hearts and minds, emphasizing the collective responsibility to create a future that reflects the noble values of Islam.
As South Africa approaches the upcoming elections, the PFP said it was committed to integrating Islamic ethos into governance that resonates with voters seeking principled leadership rooted in justice, transparency, and moral governance.
With the support of the Ulama and the Muslim community, the PFP said it aims to champion the cause of social justice and build a future that honours the values of Islam.
In the words of Maulana Tariq, “Let us come together to create a future that our children can be proud of—a future that is rooted in the rich soil of Islamic values and blooms with the flowers of freedom, justice, and equality which Islam teaches us.”
The evening concluded with a heartfelt Dua by Qari Mohamed Shafi, followed by a delightful dinner courtesy of the Sunkist Restaurant.
