Letters to Editors
The Media Desk contributes local, national and international news articles for the website and also focuses on news content of the Muslim world. etters commenting on broad issues are also regularly sent to the editors of newspapers Below are a few letters which were sent by the Media Desk and published in newspapers. Bias and negative reporting against Islam has become a very real phenomenon in the media, especially in the international press.
The Darul Ihsan Media Desk primarily monitors the media for Islamaphobic (anti-Islamic) comments and anti-Islamic sentiments made in the mainstream media and interacts positively with media portals conveying the Islamic perspective.
Media Response - Lighthouse draped with the condom
The Daily News
I refer to the lighthouse draped with the condom. The idea was well short of any wisdom whatsoever.
The “condom” marketing driven by the government by dishing out so many millions of condoms was indeed an error.
Media Response - “No mercy for reckless drivers”
“No mercy for reckless drivers” sufficiently should scare any driver except South African drivers. The Department of Transport as well as the Traffic department have for a long time issued and announced the “Zero Tolerance” - “no nonsense” attitude.
Media Response - “Clean up, Zuma tells mayors”
I am responding to the article “Clean up, Zuma tells mayors” (21.10.2009)
As South Africans it may take a very long time to forget the past – the apartheid era. The pain and suffering is too deep and only time will heal the situation.
Media Response - Mr Malema Attitude
Recently self-acclaimed peoples' spokesperson, Mr Malema has broken the South African record in making controversial and inappropriate statements especially in public.
Media Response - “Pants Woman in Court”
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The Daily News
In response to the article, “Pants Woman in Court”, what people and the world need to know is the religious tolerance and respect. In this case, it’s Islam (unfortunately Islam has been on the receiving end for a while), despite the great number of reversions to Islam.
Many a times it’s the reporting that stirs the pot and one can imagine the speculation created thereafter. People are obviously entitled to their own opinions but not at the expense of religion. The wearing of jeans in a particular place is unwelcome and thereby signifies unethical behaviour – exactly, this should be respected. The problem is everyone is expected to follow the West, which has taken a spiral turn and nothing is good except the way of the west.
M Mota
Media Response - Islamic month of Ramdhaan
The Natal Witness
As the Islamic month of Ramdhaan approaches, I would like to enlighten
your readers, Muslim and non Muslim, about the reality of this month.
In the past, this month has been described as a "month of Fasting".
This is true, but there is a far deeper description to this month.
The success of this month for each individual can only be gauged by
the good effect that this month of worship and prayer brings about in the
person. His Creator clearly explains what the expected outcome from
this adherence should be in this translated verse of The Holy Quraan:
"Oh people who Believe, Fasting has been prescribed compulsory upon
you, just as it was prescribed upon those before you SO THAT YOU
ATTAIN TAQWA."
Taqwa cannot be translated by a single word in English. However, its
meaning encompasses the following qualities: "Righteousness, Piety,
Fear of your Creator, Abstention from and prevention of Evil,
Practicing and enjoining Good."
From this we understand that Ramdhaan is not merely being good for a
period of a month, but rather it is a Holy Exercise that is designed
to bring about a change in a person that will benefit him/her and
his/her fellow humans. As much as he/she person becomes a better
Muslim, he/she also becomes a better person in all aspects of his/her
life, even in the interaction with others. Deceit, hatred,
discourtesy, inconsideration and all other vices should be eradicated
from a Muslim's life in totality.
I enjoin all Muslims to make a firm conviction to make this Ramdhaan
be a Ramdhaan that brings about Goodness in oneself and for others as
well.
Muhammed Omarjee on behalf of Darul Arqam-PMB)
More...
Media Response - “Don't allow him back”
The Daily News
“Don't allow him back” was the caption of your front page article - expressing prominently two urgent demands. One is the absolute seriousness of the matter and secondly is the young man is a threat to security.
There was no need to discuss about the expulsion of the pupil after the offence had been determined, more especially, after having committed a similar crime a while ago. This is the difference with other countries – South Africa stands out in terms of compromising with its standards and more so the punishment meted out. I think we have been too lax and apologetic to the crimes and hence an uncaring attitude has become the norm.
The Education Department needs to change its policy and strategy in pupil conduct; and an overview taken of its application.
Hasan Ahmed
Media Response - “Community lives in fear of the killing”
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The Daily News
I wish to respond to the article, “Community lives in fear of the killing” of 20/07/09.
It is indeed a sad day for South African history, to note the inability of ordinary South Africans wanting to speak out on the facts of a matter. So much for freedom of speech that human rights’ groups so vociferously speak out.
The late Mr Osman's death as reported alleges a hit in his life because of being outspoken is just one example of many other instances we are experiencing in South Africa. The list extends into the area of drugs, taxi violence, murder, etc. In fact nowadays, it is a high risk to witness a simple hit and run or cellphone snatch, let alone standing as a witness to a bigger crime. We need to probably get the “Hawks” in for this one and the likes of such covert operations.
Ebrahim
Media - 'Safe in Saudi'
by Craig Finly
2009-08-20 10:00
Dear Editor,
I have now been away from South Africa for three months, feeling sad. Not homesick or lonely or patriotic or any of those romantic notions, just sad.
I live in Saudi Arabia, not a free country by any means, but a whole lot freer than my home.
Sure my wife has to cover herself and is not allowed to go out alone, but at least she can go out without fear of being hijacked, robbed or any of the other South African famous pastimes.
I have just recently learned that the penalty here for housebreaking is chopping off BOTH hands, a tad more severe than the normal theft, which is one hand.
Just so sad that if South Africa had law and order like here, it would be a great place to live and hundreds of thousands of expats would come back.
But for now, the sand and the heat is my home, and I'll enjoy the restrictions without fear of being just another victim - again!
Craig Finly
News24
Media Response - Israeli soldiers death
The Daily News
I am responding to the article “An Israeli Mother’s sacrifice of her son” in your edition of 14/07/09.
The impression I get is that the loss of one Israeli soldier's life is greatly significant as opposed to the loss of so many Palestinian lives. There is factually no count of Palestinian lives over a one year period - let alone a whole decade.
The treatment meted out to the Palestinians is indeed horrific and unacceptable - not even according to the sub-standard levels. It’s a pity that the Human Right's Group have short sighted the inhumane treatment and ongoing atrocities by the Jews of Israel.
Ebrahim
Media Response - Truck Drivers
The Daily News
It seems so ironical that the truck drivers are calling on the police to impound the vehicles that they drive. Imagine the roadworthiness of these deadly monsters on our roads?
The Road Department continuously speaks of zero tolerance – why than are we witnessing the carnage by these heavy duty vehicles. There seems to be something amiss. Either there is high rate corruption or the traffic department is just not able to cope.
We citizens understand the road safety regulations despite the fines – then what is the reason that these monsters are free to move and pose a threat to lives of good and law abiding South Africans.
M Mota
Media Response - “Hawks”
The Daily News
Another crime fighting unit “Hawks” presumably taking the place of the scorpions. Really what difference would this new team make except with a new exciting name. Then again what is in the name of number of special units that have come into action with little difference.
I personally think that the ideas are great in theory of course – there's little action. The crime rate is if not got worse - it's totally out of control. Every function and friendly discussion sets the tone of the week's/days criminal activity – there's hardly a person not witnessed or attacked by criminals. One wonders where are the police? So what difference will the Hawks make? Presumably attempt to catch the “big fish” but what about us ordinary people that live by the second not knowing the safety of our lives.
Junaid Essop
Media Response - The Warwick Triangle
The Editor
The Daily News
Sir
The Warwick Triangle is indeed in a mangle. The repeated call by the traders to continue trading at the market sounds real and legitimate.
We had seen the destruction of the old and famous “Indian” market, destroyed by fire, was the city's prime tourist attraction. I would think the council should seriously consider the present market as a landmark apart from it being a livelihood for many people.
One wonders why the Greyville racecourse is not considered as a development project. Imagine the area square metres of land available to develop into a mega City Mall. I am sure another venue could be secured for the racecourse. What about the “AR block” which remains deserted for so many years.
Ebrahim Saab
Bonella
Media Response - “Government aid to business possible”
The Daily News
I am responding to the write-up, “Government aid to business possible”.
The number of people from the lower income group who wish to improve on their status and make life for a brighter future may well be half the nation.
However, the government has failed to reach the people by means of vigorously advertising the opportunities and government investment schemes to open such small businesses. The government needs to open its small business opportunities to accommodate the less-privileged and empower the people. This will very well enable the people to become self-supportive.
Hasan Ahmed
Media Response - Sbu Ndebele gift
The Daily News
I refer to the recent furore of the gift that Sbu Ndebele received.
Perhaps at this point he's done the best anyone could have ever done. However this type of “gifting” is a long time practice. There are many that may be guilty of having gifted and received gifts from conglomerates and businesses . Hence to make Sbu a target is unfair.
Incidentally, this incident may be seen as a good example to others. But to audit all that he received would be entirely incorrect. Sbu, as the ex Kzn Premier – as the people have known him was a role model and performed excellent. I think we should turn and focus on other burning issues and divert attention to things like crime that is affecting our community indiscriminately.
Hasan Ahmed
Media Response - schools to fly the South African flag and place a portrait of Zuma
The Daily News
The ANC Youth League is calling on schools to fly the South African flag and place a portrait of Zuma in all state schools.
While the issue of the SA flag may not be of great concern, however, to place a portrait of President Jacob Zuma at all schools are asking for a bit too much. I say this with the utmost respect for the ANC and the President, especially when many schools require basic facilities and school children barely having lunch to eat at school owing to the extreme poverty. Why not use the same money to improve on the schools as well as provide and invest in the education of our children. Schools are crying out for help in terms of the infrastructure of a good schooling system.
The school system does not relate to the syllabi but to the facilities, teachers, nutritional programme, etc. I hope the ANC Youth League considers the call to prioritize the list of immediate requirements at schools.
M Mota
