Letters | A brutal murder

Moulana Mustaqeem Wanza was brutally gunned down outside a mosque in Mitchell’s Plain on the first night of Ramadan. The killing of any religious leader is widely considered a heinous act, often described as a brutal attack on both humanity and conscience. A brazen act of this magnitude is seen as an attempt to silence dialogue and sow division, drawing severe condemnations from diverse groups.

This brutal murder is not only an attack on an individual but also on a community’s core identity, spiritual guidance, and right to freedom of belief. This act shocks the conscience and exposes the darkest qualities of humanity. It is an assault on the very fabric of human society, leaving a bloody trail of trauma, fear and division.

Religious leaders, regardless of their faith, are often seen as pillars of their wider communities, guiding lights for the lost, and sources of comfort for the afflicted. The immensity of this ruthless killing is a declaration of war on the values of compassion, forgiveness and peace that our leaders embody. Such cruel acts that occur daily in the Cape Flats, perpetuate cycles of hatred and retaliation, drawing more innocent lives into the vortex of conflict.

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We must sincerely strive for a world where dialogue and diplomacy triumph over violence, and a world where the sanctity of human life is revered. We must not walk on a slippery slope where violence begets violence, and the cycle becomes hard to break. Our religion stands for inner peace, global harmony and respect for all of humanity.

Violence and harm have no place in the name of any religion. As we continue to observe the holy month of Ramadan, displaying compassion during this auspicious month can be a powerful way to connect with others and spread positivity.

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