Pilgrims surround the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca Photo: EPA

By Qaanitah Hunter CII News

Despondency, dejection and disillusionment are the moods among members of the South African Muslim community when issues regarding the Hajj debacle are raised.
The Hajj industry in South Africa has gone beyond facilitating a sacred fundamental of the Shariah and has become a landscape for power struggles, white collar crimes, and allegations of money laundering and direct violations of Islamic law. In honouring the decision to facilitate a probe into the Hajj scandal, Channel Islam International conducted a discussion on Wednesday night piloted by Global Dynamic presenter, Inayat Wadee. The discussion focused on the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), their role in the Hajj industry and their stance in bringing about solutions. A representative from UUCSA, Moulana Abdul Fatah Car, engaged in dialogue on behalf of his counterparts in the Ulama fraternity. From the concerns articulated by the listeners, it is evident that the greater Muslim Ummah is desperate for a conclusion to what has created a stir in the Ummah.The first concern raised by a listener was the element of Ulama involvement in the Hajj industry. According to the perturbed listener, there is a conflict of interests among the ulamaas when they go as tour guides. ‘‘There are vested interests because they get to go for hajj year in and year out and there is no limitations” he said. In response to this Moulana Car said there is a great demand for guidance from the Ulama from Pilgrims, therefore it is necessary for the Ulama to accompany the Hujaaj. ‘‘With regards to vested interested, a Sheikh from the MJC was on the SAHUC board and he was offered a direct role in the Hajj industry by an operator. He therefore stepped down from his role in the MJC” Car said. Questions regarding the reasons why South Africa is part of the OIC was also on the forefront as a listener questioned why do we have a limited quota when the UK (who has a similar amount of Muslim citizens) has ten times our quota.Moulana car did not give a clear cut answer but alluded to the fact that nothing could be done to change this. “Muneeb Abraham (marhoom) wrote a booklet in Arabic stating the history of Muslims in South Africa, so that the Saudis will not include South Africa as a member of the OIC, but to no avail,” Moulana Car claimed. Many listeners were frustrated with the vague answers coming from the representative of the Ulama body.Moulana Car admitted there are problems in the Hajj industry but emphasised that the disbandment of SAHUC will not solve any problems. He further emphasized that if anyone who has a problem should engage with SAHUC even though it was stated on the program that SAHUC refuses to engage. Other listeners were concerned about the R100.00 application fee that is payable when registering for accreditation. According to SAHUC, audited financials 2011, the self appointed regulator has an access of R3million.There were calls for the money to be returned to those who are not accredited to go.Moulana Car mentioned the costs incurred by the regulator when asked about the transparency of SAHUC.After the discussion, it can be concluded that there are many frustrated members of the public that are keen on change. It can also be gathered that UUCSA does not have a proposed plan of action to revamp the South African hajj industry.

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