Al-Qalam 
In a historic event, the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has handed over a camouflage-covered copy of the Holy Quran to members of the South African National Defence Force, writes Nabeelah Shaikh.
During the ceremonial handover last week, leaders said the Quran was to be used by the servicemen and women in the SANDF.
The event took place at the 2 Military Hospital in Wynberg, Western Cape, and was attended by the leadership of the MJC and senior officials in the SANDF. Muslim servicemen and women in the SANDF stationed at 2 Military Hospital, were also there to witness the momentous occasion.
The MJC SA serves as the Religious Advisory Board for the SANDF and works closely with the force regarding nominations for the post of Muslim Chaplain in the force.
“The SANDF is made up of different faiths and denominations. We had noticed that the Christian community within the SANDF have their own bible, so we as the Muslim community started negotiating to ask, how possible is it, that our members in the SANDF, can equally be able to have access to this Quran?” said MJC First Deputy President, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie.
He highlighted that it was the organisation’s duty to look at the prospects and the well-being of those Muslims serving in the SANDF.
“So, among many other things, the issue pertaining to Jum’uah, the issues pertaining to salaah facilities, halaal, the issue of the scarf, are some of the things that we directly address. And in this regard, the Noble Quran serves for these Muslim men and women, as the basis against occupation and injustices. And serves as the essence to exert one’s righteousness and piety,” said Khaliq Allie.
He said when the MJC introduced the idea of the Quran for SANDF members, they considered that it should have a certain character, and part of that character is that the glorious Quran should be camouflaged.
“We discussed this and came to this point. This special occasion attests to the religious freedom we enjoy as Muslims in this beautiful country. As Muslims we regard ourselves an integral part of the people of our country. It is a translated Quran. We hope that it can be of benefit to Islam, the South African Ummah and the SANDF. One of the objectives of the Quran is Hidayah, or guidance and it should serve the purpose of Dawah,” said Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie.
Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, spoke at the event and used the platform to dispel misconceptions about Islam.
“There is a lot of misconceptions about Islam. But Islam is a very tolerant religion. It’s one that looks at the most underprivileged. Islam is a proponent of peace and prosperity,” said Maphwanya.
He also acknowledged the significance of having the Quran covered in camouflage but spoke of how it remains unchanged.
“The holy Quran, whether you put it in camouflage or any other dimension, it is the only religious book that has not changed. There is no first edition, second edition or third edition. The point I want to make is that even though the Quran is in camouflage, it is still the original holy Quran,” said Maphwanya.
He said the occasion was a reflection of the religious diversity and tolerance within the SANDF.
“It remains imperative for the Defence Force to form relationships and a sense of community with Muslims as religious support is an important part of being human, which will impact positively, on the mental health and well-being, of members within the defence community,” said Maphwanya.
The MJC said they have taken certain steps to ensure that the correct etiquette will be followed in the handing over and reading of the Quran.
“We have given deep thought to this. We have inserted a message or sentence in that regard, reflecting the Adaab or respect that it must be dealt with. And in the best interest of the people, the Quran will be given to the Muslim community here, it’s meant for them. But it also becomes a means where non-Muslim can be guided to it,” said Khaliq Allie.
Awqaf SA partnered with the MJC on the project and announced that they will be donating future copies of the camouflage-covered copies of the Quran, to the SANDF.
