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A brother who wishes to remain anonymous has shared his deep analysis and intelligently poses an important question for the reader to answer to at the end:
“In recent years, it has become common for people (especially those who are not aware of what has actually been transpiring over the past few years in South Africa) to lament the condition of the Ulama in South Africa. Concerns are often voiced about division, extremism, or confusion among religious leadership. While such sentiments may come from a place of worry, they often miss the deeper reality: there is a structure and a context to what is unfolding. The South African Muslim community is not in chaos — rather, it is navigating the tension of a rapidly changing world, with its Ulama responding in different ways.
Broadly, the landscape of South African Ulama today can be understood through four general ‘mindsets’. Each ‘mindset’ represents a particular stance in the face of modern challenges.
- The Strict Guardians of Faith
These are the ones that are often spoken about critically — for adopting a harsh tone or making takfīr (declaring someone a disbeliever) over what some perceive as lesser issues. They are quick to denounce actions that conflict with Islam, even if the individual involved is still within the bounds of Islam. However, their intentions should not be dismissed outright. Many among them operate with hikmah (wisdom), using strong language to safeguard the Iman of the masses. Their concern is not to attack individuals, but to preserve the boundaries of Islam in an age where they are constantly challenged.
- The Traditional Mainstream
This comprises the Ulama who hold firmly to ‘orthodox’, traditional Islam — the Islam that has been taught and preserved through generations. They uphold the principles of the Sharia, respect the legacy of classical scholarship, and seek to maintain religious integrity while engaging the realities of the time. They are generally considered the mainstream among South African Muslims. They form the backbone of the religious community, guiding people with knowledge, balance, and a commitment to the truth. Their approach is firm yet measured. In this era of fitna, they try to uphold the pure teachings of Islam and offer the community guidance on how to stay away from evils in the modern world.
- The Liberal Trend
This includes those who are moving toward more liberal interpretations of Islam. At times, they align with secular or modernist frameworks, leading to actions that raise concern — such as taking the matter of Masjid closures to secular courts during times of public crisis(like what was witnessed during covid). While their supporters may see them as forward-thinking or reformist, many actions taken by them fall outside the clear guidelines of Sharia. For this reason, both the first and second groups often adopt a strong stance against them, not out of personal rivalry, but to protect the Imaan and values of the wider Muslim community.
- The Indecisive Middle
Lastly, there are those who have not yet clearly positioned themselves. They maintain ties with both the traditional and the more liberal. Perhaps they are attempting to reconcile or observe before choosing a side. However, as the differences between these groups become more pronounced and foundational, remaining ‘neutral’ will no longer be sustainable. Eventually, they will need to take a stance — not just for the sake of clarity, but for the preservation of the Deen in its true form.
Sincerity and Grounded Awareness
Given this landscape, there is little reason for unchecked lamentation. If a person is on the ground, connected to the community, and sincerely seeking the truth, the path becomes clear. The solution is not to fall into despair or blind criticism, but to understand the situation, recognize the direction each ‘mindset’ is heading towards and align oneself with those who are sincerely holding onto the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The preservation of Imaan in this era requires sincerity, discernment, and humility. And with these, Allah will guide those who truly seek Him”
