Al-Qalam 
A former terror accused says his party will be based on Sharia Law, writes an Al-Qalam Reporter.
Businessman and former terror accused, Farhad Hoomer, has formally announced the formation of a new political party, the Islamic State of Africa (ISA), marking a bold and controversial entry into South Africa’s political arena.
Driven by frustration with what he describes as decades of corruption, mismanagement, and moral decline in the country’s leadership, Hoomer says the time has come for a new political movement, one built on strong moral principles, religious values, and pan-African unity. His party is based on the principles of Shariah Law.
“Shariah Law is the solution to mankind’s problems. Look at what’s happening in Palestine and Ukraine. All the wars that have happened in the past 20 years have cost millions of lives. The only reason these wars have happened is because of the resources of the land. People are dying under the name of democracy, with leaders saying they are here to free people. But the reality is they are only here to steal from people,” said Hoomer.
He believes Shariah Law will free mankind. “The first thing we will do under Shariah Law is abolish the Riba (banking) system. The second thing we will do is abolish all drugs and alcohol. This is what contributes to 90% of crime. We also want to cut taxes. Tax is a killer, and it’s enslaving mankind even more,” said Hoomer.
He also wants to give free electricity, free water, free education, and free healthcare. “Our top three priorities are to cut down taxes, create jobs, and make SA into a tax-free haven for all foreign businesses. We want to create five million jobs in the next five years and get all the youth employed,” said Hoomer.
The party is currently in the process of registering with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and has its eyes set on contesting the 2026/27 local government elections, with eThekwini (Durban) as its first target metro. “We want to start where the people need help the most, where local governance has failed. Bread and butter issues, service delivery, safety, and dignity. These are our immediate priorities,” Hoomer said.
Despite its name, the Islamic State of Africa is open to all South Africans, regardless of religion. Hoomer emphasises that the party’s mission extends beyond religious lines, with supporters from both Islamic and non-Islamic communities already backing the cause. The core message, he says, is one of values: honesty, justice, and the end of systemic oppression. “Our vision is a united, prosperous Africa. Shariah law, as we understand and promote it, is about justice, community cohesion, and freeing people from the economic and moral decay they’re trapped in,” said Hoomer.
ISA, he says, does not advocate for theocracy or exclusion but sees its interpretation of Shariah principles as a moral compass to guide governance and community development.
Long-term ambitions include expanding to other provinces and cities, with the ultimate goal of establishing what Hoomer calls “a free, fair and just society for all.”
As the founding leader, Hoomer is funding the party’s early activities from his own business ventures. He promises full transparency once official registration and donor contributions begin.
The party has also been receiving backlash, and multiple objections from the public have been lodged. Hoomer was previously accused of terrorism in October 2018. Addressing past controversies and legal troubles, Hoomer says all charges against him were withdrawn and do not reflect on his character or leadership.
“The community knows who I am and what I stand for. My track record is helping people, not harming them,” he said, brushing off concerns about public perception.
He said he was already operating as an NPC doing community work, and this is just the next step for him. Some critics have also raised concerns over the party’s name, Islamic State of Africa, fearing associations with extremism. But Hoomer is quick to defend the branding.
“How can a name rooted in peace and unity invoke fear? We’re not terrorists; we’re community builders. Section 19 of our Constitution protects the right to form political parties and express our values. If slogans like ‘kill the boer’ are legally protected, then surely a name like ours isn’t a threat,” said Hoomer.
In a final message to citizens, he urges voters to look critically at their living conditions and the promises that have repeatedly gone unfulfilled.
He says he genuinely wants to make a change and create a better South Africa for all.
“In 31 years of democracy, what real change have the people seen? People are still waiting for houses, still living in shacks, still enslaved by broken systems. As a God-fearing person, I believe it’s my moral duty to step forward and offer an alternative rooted in integrity, justice, and service,” said Hoomer.
