For many years our forefathers and community have left a positive legacy of charity, serving humanity and Sadaqa Jaariya by investing time, effort and resources in establishing Muslim Institutions. In doing this they have obeyed the commandments of Allah (SWT) and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Furthermore, whilst we focus on building a future for our children by investing in their education and businesses, it is imperative for us to continue this positive legacy of charity, serving humanity and Sadaqa Jaariya. This will inshaa Allah allow our children and grandchildren to live in peace and harmony. Consequently we should honour our love for Allah (SWT), the Prophet (SAW), our forefathers, families and communities by uniting, strengthening and promoting all Muslim Institutions. We should also identify areas where there is lack of Muslim Institution interventions. The phrase ‘Muslim Institutions’ refer to Muslim organisations (NGOs), community based organisations (CBOs), Women’s organisations, youth groups or clubs, Ulema bodies, Musjids, Darul Ulooms, Madrassas, schools, colleges, Muslim movements, activists, volunteers, businesses, individuals and donors involved in establishing and coordinating Islamic, Humanitarian and Sustainable Development projects. The challenge and concern of the Ummah is that there are too many Muslim Institutions and as the years pass by more institutions are being established. Undoubtedly, the intentions are noble; however this has unfortunately led to duplication of aid, services and activities to the same people in the same areas. It cannot be overemphasised, that in an economy of shrinking resources, it is imperative that resource aid is channelled efficiently, appropriately and equitably. We must ensure that we move away from brand over-exposure and self-promotion and return to the Sunnah of helping for Allah’s sake and not for our own glorification. This has led to a negative image and perception of the Muslim Institutions. The Muslim Ummah has become frustrated, confused, and angry at this disunity and it has led to donor fatigue. the Quran and Sunnah for guidance and learn from our forefathers in uniting the Muslim Institutions to work together. To illustrate, let us take a closer look at the institution of Salaah. Salaah in jamaat creates uniformity of worship. We stand shoulder to shoulder, behind one Imam, but it also maintains the integrity of an individual’s worship and link to Almighty Allah (SWT). Put differently, salaah maintains both collective and individual acts of ibadaah at the same time. Similarly with regards to Muslim Institutions, we are all using different vehicles to pursue a common goal = Worship Allah (SWT), Obey the commandments of Allah (SWT) as per the Holy Quran and practice of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). So we should indeed obey the Allah (SWT) commands as per the Quranic ayat: ‘Hold on to the rope of Allah (SWT) and be not divided amongst yourself.’ The task therefore is to find a way of working together to achieve similar objectives via an alliance but also ensuring that the various Muslim Institutions remain independent. Let those of us care for our fellow human beings, unite and strive towards building and establishing a coordinated alliance whereby all Muslim Institutions in the various areas and communities complement one another. So we will be practicing the Ibaadah of Salaah in Jamaat in our daily lives. Practically speaking, this would entail the establishment of an autonomous program that will oversee and manage processes off strengthening the work and networking between all the Muslim Institutions. We must acknowledge the efforts of our forefathers, current community leaders and Muslim institutions who have tried to strengthen the work of Muslim institutions and collaboration between Muslim institutions. We are inspired by the sterling work of these institutions. On 8th June 2005 the Muslim Vision 2020 was established. Muslim Vision 2020 developed plans to strengthen and unite Muslim institutions. UUCSA was founded in 1994 with the object of providing a unified, credible and competent leadership on behalf of the major theological formations in South Africa. Over the last few years, the Muslim organisations established the Central Bursary and Welfare Forum (CBWF). The CBWF has been working on developing a common bursary and welfare database so as to minimise duplication. SAMNET was established as a network spanning across South Africa, representing the interests of the Muslim community in various fields, and networks extensively within the Muslim Community and between the Muslim community, and all our fellow Southern Africans. A few years ago, Iqraa Trust and Al Baraka Bank established the Muslim Humanitarians project. The aim of the project was to promote the work of Muslim organisations worldwide via the Muslim Humanitarians website. Over the last few years the House of Ummah (HOU) was established to unite the Ummah. Over the last 2 years, Islamic Relief SA coordinated meetings nationally to discuss ways in which organisations can work together. Last year the Minara Chamber of Commerce coordinated meetings with Muslim organisations, donors and volunteers involved in providing emergency relief and aid to the xenophobia victims. After several meetings the Minara Disaster and Poverty Alleviation Forum was established to coordinate the networking between Muslim organisations, donors, volunteers and community in providing emergency relief and aid. There are probably many other Muslims and Muslims institutions that have done the noble work of uniting the Ummah. Last year, November 2014 to September 2015 (11 months) whilst Br Ismat Mahomed was employed by SANZAF, he conducted research on the vision continue the positive legacy of Sadaqa Jaariya. We had many discussions with Ulema, Muslim institutions, donors and community leaders on how we can unite the Muslim institutions and enhance the positive image of Muslims and Islam. From the research and discussions we realised that we needed to establish an autonomous program. So we then established the Humanitarian Development Alliance SA (HUDA SA) previously called the Mercy to Humanity Network. We use the name Mercy to Humanity as every Prophet (AS) and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a Mercy to humanity. So if we want to be successful we need to exemplify the Quran and Sunnah. Furthermore, we need to consolidate and strengthen the work all the unity forums: Muslim Vision 2020, CBWF, Minara Disaster and Poverty Alleviation Forum, UUCSA, HOU, Muslim Humanitarians, SAMNET, Islamic Relief SA and other forums. If there are too many unity forums there will be confusion, frustration and disunity of the Ummah. There is a need to get the unity forums to work together. Alhamdulillah thus far Muslim Vision 2020, Minara Disaster and Poverty Alleviation Forum, CBWF, SAMNET and the House of Ummah (HOU) have agreed to work with the Humanitarian Development Alliance SA (HUDA SA) to achieve its vision, mission and goals. The Humanitarian Development Alliance SA (HUDA SA) is managed independently and neutrally from Muslim Vision 2020 by a separate executive committee. However HUDA SA will work in partnership and within the structure of Muslim Vision 2020. An MOU has been signed between both parties.
