COLLECTION BY JAMIATUL ULAMA WESTERN CAPE
QUESTION
A Maulana Igsaan Abrahams representing Jamiatul Ulama Western Cape is currently in Gauteng on a fund-raising drive. In support of his collection he is showing letters of Mujlisul Ulama. Does Mujlisul Ulama support his collection? Is the Mujlisul Ulama associated with JUWC’s Cape Town project/s? Please guide the Muslim community? Are you aware of the projects of JUWC?
ANSWER
At the outset the Mujlisul Ulama of S.A. clarifies and emphazises that it has absolutely no association with the fund-raising scheme of Jamiatul Ulama Western Cape. Last year too, in response to several queries, we had clarified our position. Since that Clarification is relevant, it is reproduce here:
21 Ramadhaan 1442 – 4 May 2021
COLLECTIONS AND JAMIATUL ULAMA WESTERN CAPE
QUESTION
Please advise the Muslim community regarding Jamiatul Ulama Western Cape and its relationship with Mujlisul Ulama. The JUWC is on a collection drive in Natal and Gauteng. Will Zakaat and other funds be correctly discharged if entrusted to this organization? JUWC suggested that Mujlisul Ulama is fully in support of its projects.
ANSWER
We have received numerous queries regarding Jamiatul Ulama Western Cape on the issue mentioned in the question. While A.S. Desai together with Ulama had formed Jamiatul Ulama Western Cape about six decades ago, we are currently not associated with the projects of JUWC. We are not in charge of JUWC.
We abhor public collection drives, especially by Ulama. In the past too we have published articles deprecating these demeaning collection drives which do not befit Ulama. Ulama must sit at home, inform the community of its projects and repose trust on Allah Ta’ala. If Allah Ta’ala wills, He will inspire people to contribute to genuine and worthy projects. That is the way we operate.
When Ulama move from door to door with cap in hand, it drastically impugns their integrity. Our detailed article on this subject will appear in the latest Majlis in a few days time, Insha-Allah. We do not support collection drives. Our advice is for the Ulama to remain at home and work within the means Allah Ta’ala makes available.
Funds contributed to JUWC or to any other body or organization claiming association with us, should not be given on this basis. People should ascertain for themselves whether the projects claimed are in existence or not. While JUWC has letters which Mujlisul Ulama had issued, these do not pertain to collecting funds. We do not take any responsibility for the projects of JUWC. We did not and do not authorize public collection drives.
(End of last year’s statement)
Our advice to all Ulama is to remain at home and to make dua for aid from Allah Ta’ala. It is not befitting for Ulama to wander around the country with cap in hand. The Ulama should work within the bounds of such means which become respectfully and honourably available. It is demeaning to the lofty status of Ilm-e-Deen and of their own rank, for Ulama to embark on collection drives, going from door to door. It is in fact disgraceful. If funds are not available, abstain from whatever project is contemplated. Remain at home with less work, no pressure and no headaches which ensue in the wake of begging for funds. The Ulama should work within the means which become available honourably. Collecting from door to door is dishonourable.
We are not aware of the projects of JUWC.
10 Ramadhaan 1443 – 12 April 2022