The president of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), Maulana Ihsaan Hendricks addressed an audience of 100 Muslim scholars, politicians and intellectuals from across the globe in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday night. The occasion marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), launched on July 11, 2004. The  IUMS was founded to promote dialogue between Muslim scholars from all sects of Islam.

Hendricks said: “The great honour today was given to me by Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi to address the opening of the conference in Istanbul. I dedicated it to Palestine and Gaza.”

The alim reminded the audience of the famous statement of former President Nelson Mandela, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian struggle.

“We know very well that we cannot enjoy our freedom whilst Palestine remains under occupation”.

In his eloquent style, Hendricks captured the audience, drawing their attention to the plight of the people of Gaza and Palestine, which has been a central point of discussion at the opening of the conference.

Amongst the audience were the former Mufti of Jerusalem, Mufti Ikraama Sabri, who recorded his visit to South Africa and Sheikh Kamaal Khatieb who immediately recognised the expression of former President, Mandela.

The IUMS is chaired by the leading international scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi and includes the great leader Dr Rashid Khanouchi from Tunisia and many other known international scholars. For the past eight years, Hendricks had been serving as an executive member on the IUMS.

“The MJC leadership congratulates Maulana Ihsaan for this momentous occasion for South Africa and the Muslims of South Africa,” the ulema body stated.

Meanwhile, Hendricks, who also serves as the director of the Al Quds Foundation, has appealed to all imams at masaajid back home to dedicate the rest of August to the significance and preservation of Masjidul Aqsa. This call comes on the sad occasion of the brutal terrorist attack on Masjidul Aqsa on the 21 August 1969 by the Australian zionist, Michael Rohan.

“There is a current climate when Zionist occupation forces are intensifying their intention to divide Masjidul Aqsa and further strengthen their occupation on the third holiest masjid and the Qiblah tul Aulaa. The Muslim community are called upon to remain vigilant and to turn to Almighty Allah in Dua,” he urged.

Hendricks saluted the steadfastness of all Palestinians in their struggle for freedom and liberation and “their efforts to protect this blessed land.” VOC