The Ulama at the Kathrada Funeral

13 Rajab 1438/11 April 2017

Question: At the recent Kathrada funeral, we had witnessed many things which appeared to be un-Islamic. Was the funeral conducted in an un-Islamic way? This question arises because we had seen a Moulana who had participated in the interfaith prayer session held before the funeral in West-Park cemetery. The participation of this Moulana confuses the masses into thinking that there was nothing un-Islamic at the funeral. Your answer will be much appreciated.

Answer: The whole funeral ceremony was a mock. It was totally un-Islamic for several reasons which will be discussed in this answer, Insha Allah.

We have been informed that the family wanted the funeral on the same day on which Ahmad Kathrada passed away. However, sadly, a Moulana suggested that it be held the next day. For what? So that the dignitaries and politicians attend the funeral? Or to please the government?

“Those who take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do they (the believers) seek with them (the Kuffaar, politicians and religious leaders like in the interfaith prayer session) honour? Indeed, honour belongs to Allah Ta’ala entirely.”

Understand, that to delay the Mayyit is undesirable in the words of our beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). Hence, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) commanded: “Make haste with the Janaazah. If the mayyit was pious, then the abode to which you are sending him is better (than the place where he is). If he was impious, then get rid of him from your shoulders.”

Kuffaar ministers participated in the funeral. The media was at the funeral who photographed, videoed and broadcasted the funeral live on TV, all of which is totally Haraam and sinful in the Shari’at. We are not bothered as to which Mufti has passed what Fatwa of permissibility of photos, videos and TV, nor are we worried as to which famous Moulana, Mufti or Sheikh appears on TV, be him from our shores or abroad. Our Fatwa was, is and will be that photography, videos (of animate objects) and TV is totally Haraam. Severe warnings have been sounded in the Hadith directed to those who indulge in the above.

Haraam interfaith prayers took place. In these prayers, a bishop, pundit and a Moulana delivered a speech and prayer in the name of their religions. How can a Moulana, an heir of the Ambiyaa’, be comfortably seated and tolerate so much of Kufr and Shirk to be uttered whilst he is willingly in the same gathering? Take it that each member of the different religions had a 10-minute slot. Besides the Moulana who delivered a short Bayaan, a Du’a and few words of advice, for the next 20 minutes (approximately) the entire congregation, including the Moulana, other Ulama and other Muslims who had gathered for the Janaazah listened to the praises, Kufr and Shirk which were uttered by these religious leaders representing their religions. Regarding the interfaith prayer the Moulana participated in, in the name of Islaam, the Qur’aan Majeed says,

“And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah Ta’ala (recited), they are denied (by them, the Kuffaar, archbishops, gurus and rabbis) and ridiculed; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them (when you continue sitting with them).” (Qur’aan)

At the Kathrada funeral, there were a total of 3 religious leaders of other religions. An archbishop (full name Thabo Makgoba), Guru Jay Naidoo (a Hindu-Mushrik) and Rabbi Sa’ar Shaked (a Jew). All of the above members were dressed in their religious garments and addressed the congregation which comprised of Muslims and Kuffaar, men and women (Kuffaar women were wearing skirts).

There was intermingling at the Kathrada funeral. Na-Paak Kuffaar females were seen with skirts. By now Muslims should be aware that such a congregation is Haraam. And for a Moulana to deliver a lecture or prayers at such a gathering is totally un-Islamic and Haraam.

There was an enlarged picture of the late Ahmad Kathrada next to his casket and behind the platform on which the interfaith prayers etc. took place. Exactly like how the Kuffaar have their funerals, this funeral was conducted. Not a single Moulana or religious learned man disapproved of this. It should not be surprising, because according to these Moulanas, photography is perfectly Halaal. Hence, some of them appear on TV. Be rest assured, photography, videos (of animate objects) and TV are 100% Haraam in the Shari’at!

The above are just a few un-Islamic facts which had taken place at the Kathrada funeral. The decision now is upon every reader of this to conclude as to whether it was permissible to attend the funeral in which such open un-Islamic practices took place. Was it necessary for a Moulana to participate in the interfaith prayers?

The golden questions everyone should ask themselves:

“If Nabi (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) was alive today, would he have participated at this funeral?”

“If the Sahaabah were alive today, would anyone of them participate at this funeral?”

We would not have been surprised that if the Sahaabah were alive and participated in this funeral in which idols, Kufr and Shirk were praised, they would have at once drawn out their swords.

For what was this funeral arranged on par to the funerals of the Kuffaar politicians and important people?

The days of silence are over. It is upon us to speak out the bitter truth and to make Amr bil Ma’roof and Nahi anil Munkar (encourage good and forbid evil). This is the quality with which this Ummat has been sent. And on the basis of this quality is this Ummat praised in the Qur’aan Majeed,

“You are the best nation selected for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong (i.e. make Amr bil Ma’roof and Nahi anil Munkar).”