A Letter from Rohingya

MYANMAR - A Letter from Rohingya

 

 

 

More than 270,000 Rohingyans, a large percentage of them women and children, have fled Myanmar in the last two weeks. [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters]
 

A resident of Myanmar's Rakhine State discusses daily life and the abuses and attacks Rohingyans endure.

 

 

 

“For all my life, all 24 years of it, I've been a prisoner in this open air jail you know as Rakhine State. I was born in Myanmar, as were my parents, but my citizenship was snatched away before I was even conceived. We're facing extinction, and unless the international community stands with us, one of the most persecuted people in the world, we will face genocide and you, you will all be a party to it.

 

My movement, education, access to healthcare and career have been heavily restricted because of my ethnicity. I'm banned from working in the government, denied the right to pursue higher education, barred from visiting the capital, Yangon, and even stopped from leaving northern Rakhine State. I'm subjected to the worst form of discrimination, all because I'm a Rohingyan Muslim.

 

 

For years, my people, who have been denied their most basic rights, are killed on a near daily basis. Shot dead in plain sight, forcibly and systematically made homeless, our homes razed in front of our very eyes; we're the victims of a brutal state.

 

 

For you to fully appreciate what our conditions are like, I'm going to use an analogy: imagine a mouse stuck in a cage with a hungry cat. That's what it's like for the Rohingyans. Our only method of survival is to run, or hope someone helps us get out.

 

 

For those of us that have remained, there's a systematic campaign to separate us from the wider Rakhine community. We're called "Kalar" [a slur often used against Muslims] by Buddhists to our faces. Whether you're a child or an old man, no one escapes the abuse. We face discrimination at schools and at hospitals, and there's been a boycott campaign by Buddhists to avoid us at all costs.

 

 

"Only buy from Buddhists," they say. "If you give a penny to a Buddhist, they'll help build a Pagoda (temple), but if you give a penny to a Muslim, they'll build a mosque." These kinds of comments, they've become the norm and helped encourage Buddhist extremists to attack us.

 

 

When Aung San Suu Kyi, a Noble Peace Prize winner, won parliamentary elections in 2015 and ended half a century of dominance by the military, we had high hopes change was coming. We were confident that this woman, hailed as a beacon of democracy, would end our abuse and oppression. Sadly, it soon became clear that not only would she not be our voice, she would ignore our suffering. Her silence showed she was complicit in the violence.

 

 

In the end, she failed us; our last hope, failed us.

 

 

In 2012, a huge number of the Rohingya were slaughtered in one of the worst bouts of communal violence. Around 140,000 were internally displaced, an event that would repeat itself in 2016. Shot, slaughtered, and burned alive in front of their families, the violence last October would give rise to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a small group of men who decided to defend themselves and fight back. Armed with just sticks and stones, they knew they couldn't fend off the well-equipped Myanmar army but they tried nonetheless.

 

 

Still, now our sisters and mothers are forced to give birth in paddy fields as we run for our lives in this violence that you say is between two equal sides. It is not. Children being shot at as they flee and women's bodies floating in rivers is not an equal fight.

 

 

We're facing extinction, and unless the international community stands with us, one of the most persecuted people in the world, we will face genocide and you, you will all be a witness to it.

 

 

The author of this letter has requested anonymity due to fear of attacks from the government.

 

He spoke to Al Jazeera's Faisal Edroos. 

 

The plight of the Rohingyan Muslims has reached critical levels. Our URGENT appeal is to assist in providing aid to the refugees fleeing persecution. Kindly assist our Rohingyan brethren in their desperate hour of need. Jazakallah Khayr! 

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Muslims lose a fortune in Hajj scam

Muslims lose a fortune in Hajj scam

Up to 1 000 Cape Muslims have lost around R33 million in a Hajj visa scam.

The full extent of the scandal is unmasked in a Daily Voice investigation into the Mecca rip-off.

A senior local imam is under investigation for his role in the scandal and a Flats tour operator – Faizal Moos from Al-Sabireen – has been implicated.

The scandal has devastated hundreds of Muslim families.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and each year millions of Muslims around the world undertake the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca, many spending their life’s savings to fulfil their duty to Allah.

In the scam, each individual paid an exorbitant R3 000 to tour operators for ill-sourced visas. But before they could qualify for the visas, they had to fork out between R25 000 and R40 000 on Hajj packages.

This means each of the 1 000 or so pilgrims caught in the scandal lost an average of R33 000 to cover the cost of the failed trip to Mecca.

Now the victims have vowed to bring the unscrupulous Hajj operators to justice.

They have formed The Friends of the Hajj (FotH) to pursue a class action against those responsible.

More than 100 angry victims gathered at a heated meeting on Tuesday night in Silvertown to discuss their options.

The group is led by Imraahn Mukaddam – the shopkeeper who took on the bread giants in a price-fixing scandal.

He told the Daily Voice the scam operators must be held liable.

“Those responsible for throwing the Hajj industry into turmoil, misrepresenting Muslims and robbing them of their holy journey must be held accountable,” he says.

And he urged all of those who have lost money in the scandal not to be afraid to tackle the Hajj operators in court.

“Please people, this is a very sensitive case. Don’t turn your back on us when you are called to testify,” Mukaddam says.

“This whole scandal is unacceptable and despicable.

“If irregularities are uncovered, those responsible must be charged criminally. We will also ask the Competition Commission to investigate any price-fixing in the Hajj industry.”

Notably absent from Tuesday night’s meeting were the implicated Imam, Moos, the Muslim Judicial Council and the SA Hajj and Umrah Council (Sahuc).

Moos admitted this week to the Daily Voice that he had dealings with a source in Saudi Arabia who had arranged Hajj visas. But the deal flopped and the visas Moos applied for were blocked.

Pilgrims who paid their packages are now demanding Moos refund their money.

“I’ll pay back every cent to Hujjaj,” Moos vowed.

Sahuc, who administer and keep a watchful eye over the whole visa process with the Saudi embassy in Pretoria, say they are investigating.

“The cases are sub judice and we cannot give comment at this stage,” Sahuc secretary general Shaheen Essop tells the Daily Voice.

Every year the Saudi embassy allocates 3 000 Hajj visas free of charge to South African Muslims. But this year, more applications kept flowing in – even after this number of visas had been allocated.

Irregularities soon became clear and the embassy placed a moratorium on the issuing of visas.

Initial investigations revealed two Cape Town operators bypassed Sahuc and the embassy to obtain Hajj visas.

One operator allegedly got hold of foreign Hajj visas and sold them at R3 000 each to unsuspecting pilgrims.

The Daily Voice has learned a second Cape Town operator had direct dealings with a source in Saudi Arabia.

Now Sahuc, along with the Saudi Embassy and authorities, are trying to get their hands on the Saudi Ministry source.

The Sahuc also came under fire at Tuesday’s meeting.

The Daily Voice has learned Sahuc do not have permission from the SA government to negotiate on behalf of South African Muslims with the Saudi Hajj Ministry.

“FotH will ask the South African government to suspend the recognition of Sahuc and that a transparent body for the entire Southern Africa be established,” Riyaad Bosch from Hajj Watch told pilgrims at the meeting.

“The Public Protector informed us that the protocol document that Sahuc is waving about [stating] they have the right to negotiate on behalf of Muslims with Saudi Arabia, is not a legitimate document.”

At this stage there is no police investigation into the matter.

* If you’ve been a victim, call FotH on 086 1115008 or email info@hajjwatch.org.za

Or SMS the Daily Voice on 32832.

* This article was published on p4 of the Daily Voice

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/hajj-public-protector-called-in-1.1156561

The Muslim Response Unit

In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful. All Praise is to Allah Lord of the Worlds
Peace and salutations on our beloved Prophet Muhammed SAW. His Family, Companions and Ummah at large.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

The Muslim Response Unit (MRU) - Dedicated to Serving & Uniting the Ummah in South Africa, is an organisation that intends to make a difference in our communities, by meeting and overcoming the challenges and evils that the Muslim community, is faced with. The organization intends to empower and uplift the community.

The aims of the association is to assist the community at large with problems relating to, but not confined or limited to the following:

Arranging transport for the sick, elderly or disabled to doctors and hospitals,
Assistance with funerals,
Security and facilitation at Muslim gatherings
Child abuse, domestic violence and drug abuse.
Rescue and Relief efforts ranging from winter hampers, feeding schemes, food hampers etc.
Charitable and Fund-Raising drives to assist with disaster relief efforts,
Assisting the needy in raising funds for Medical Operations or requirements.
The raising of funds for the building of Mosques and Jamaat Khaanas,
Islamic e-learning,
Revert Class Co-ordination,
Dawah initiatives to squatter camps and rural areas,
Aids awareness,
Assistance, advice and collection & distribution of funds in communities
Emergency Medical Assistance
Emergency Neighborhood Response
Road side Assistance
Missing children – search & rescue
Out of town? Lost? MRU to the rescue

With support groups such as Know Islam and Islamic Propagation and Dawah centre, we intend to use their facilities and incorporate them for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah.

In order to unite the Ummah, in this venture, we have dedicated and selfless individuals such as attorneys, advocates, doctors, paramedics, businessmen and professionals who have rendered their services and wish to serve for the pleasure of ALLAH SWT alone.

This noble venture was first informally established in 2005 when brothers from KnowIslam noticed the need for this type of response on our roads, grave sites, homes & Masjids. Witnessing the evils in and around our Muslim societies that had plagued every Muslim home and person. With the increase of violence, senseless killings, drugs and drug addicts, woman and child abuse and unfortunate accidents, we decided to initiate and drive this project in the following areas:

Community policing forums;
Medical Emergency Units (Mobile); - paramedics
Neighbourhood Response Units (Mobile);
Youth development; Youth care, truancy
Family Support Forums;
Woman and child abuse support Forums.
24/7 Response units
Tow services
Mechanic on call
Hearse & funeral services
Safe havens for abused women & children

Other

In order for MRU to be effective, communication is key. We will endeavour to place a 2 way radio in every community.

A proposed working example is as follows:
Brother XXXXX will have a 2 way radio and he will be linked up to everyone else. He will be responsible for bringing on 3 other brothers who will work & respond with him.
Sister YYYY will also have 3 other sisters responding with her providing support to our sisters.

Once a call is made on any 2 way radio the MRU will be set in motion. We will mobilise our units and get the best possible response to that community. This service is available 24x7 at no charge.

Example:
A family has been living in a particular community and has no food to eat. An appeal on the 2 way radio from Eldos or Lenasia will be made for food. All units will respond and speak to their friends, family, local Imaam, local grocery store and rally around collecting food. All units will meet & provide the food to this family & evaluate what can be done for them in the long term.

As all membership is primarily on a Volunteers basis, all Volunteers and members will complete a Volunteer Form with a copy of his/her Identification Document for screening purposes as well as an Indemnity form.

Although we had and may have many obstacles to overcome the wheels have been set in motion and , it is now our task to carry out this great responsibility ,actively participate and establish a system for Muslims by Muslims uniting every Muslim, home, business and community for a single purpose, and setting aside all barriers, age, sex, colour or creed.

In conclusion, the nature of the operation is to supply a great need within the Islamic community by providing services to alleviate and eradicate social evils as well as uplifting the community by providing life skills to both young and old. It is our hope that this project reaches epic proportions only by the Grace of Allah.

We humbly request that you the reader accept our call to this noble course and assist us in the best manner possible. Should you feel that you would be able to assist us in any manner possible please feel free to contact KnowIslam and offer your support.

Funds are needed to activate this unit in your area. Please feel free to forward this email & donate to:
KNOWISLAM
(Association incorporated under Section 21 – NON PROFIT) Registration no 2007/008333/08
FNB- LENASIA
BRANCH CODE- 250737
ACCOUNT NO 62155939328
Ref. MRU

Jazaka Allah khair
The team @ Know Islam

Please Assist - Tasneem Kasoo Survivor Fund

As-Salaamu-Aalaikum

TASNEEM KASOO : SURVIVOR FUND

I have spoken to Brother Haroon Bhayat personally and he advises that this is not a hoax. Kindly assist in which ever way possible. May the Almighty Allah (swt) reward each of you richly for your efforts, Aameen

Just 6 days ago, TASNEEM KASOO, 13 years old, had not a care in the world. Her life was full of love and joy until her family's car met in a head on collision with a drunken driver just 30 km from her home. Today TASNEEM lays in a hospital bed, being the only survivor of a car crash that took the lives of her mum, dad, grandmother and 19 year old sister.

This tragedy has left TASNEEM with her two elder brothers MOHAMED and YUSUF orphans with soaring medical bills. Fortunately she still has the love of her two brothers who have also suffered this great loss and now they bear great responsibilities at their young ages.

TASNEEM requires multiple surgeries before she can recover fully (physically).

Whoever wishes to help contribute, please feel free to deposit into the following account:

Acc Name: Aziza Chotia
Bank: HBZ Bank Fordsburg
Acc number: 21101285
Branch code: 570105

For further information, kindly contact any of the following people:
* Haroon Bhyat 083 786 6204

This message was composed with immense grief on behalf of the Bhyat and Kasoo families of Amersfoort and Volskrust respectively.

Your Dua'as will be highly appreciated in this blessed month of Ramadaan, Jazakallah

Jamiat Appeal for Funds

Jamiat Appeal for Funds

The Jamiatul Ulama, South Africa - the oldest ulama organization of South Africa - has been serving the community for the past 84 years. It has 7 provincial branches.The Jamiatul Ulama has various departments such as education, relief, hilaal notification, halaal supervision, social welfare, dawah, ifta and counseling. It also responds to local and international crises. The Jamiatul Ulama ensures that all zakaah monies are spent in accordance with the laws of Shariah.

All of our activities are made possible by your continuous generous contributions. We appeal, in this blessed month of Shaba'an and Ramadaan, for donations towards the activities of the Jamiat. You will, Inshallah, share in the reward of all the activities.

Kindly deposit your contributions in to the following account: Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal, Nedbank Fordsburg, A/c No. 1953 285 937; Branch code: 195305, and fax your deposit slip to (011) 373 8022, clearly stating whether the contributions are either Lillah or Zakaah.

Please assist if you can, Jazakallah