Call of Islam (COI)

Call of Islam (COI)

Introduction

Call of Islam (COI) was a breakaway group from the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYMSA). Formed in 1984 and led by prominent activists Farid Esack and Ebrahim Rasool, COI emerged during a turbulent political era in South Africa, marked by the struggle against apartheid.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: دعوة الإسلام (Da’wat al-Islam)
• Turkish: İslam Çağrısı

Formation and Ideological Foundation

COI was established when a faction within MYMSA advocated for aligning with the United Democratic Front (UDF), the internal wing of the exiled African National Congress (ANC). This division within MYMSA stemmed from differing views on political engagement and priorities. The group sought to promote an Islamic message condemning racial discrimination in a manner consistent with the UDF’s strategies and vision.

Activities and Influence

COI was actively involved in anti-apartheid protests and initiatives, aligning its Islamic teachings with broader human rights and social justice causes. This approach helped bridge religious activism with the secular political struggle against racial segregation and oppression in South Africa.

1. Advocacy: COI’s primary focus was educating Muslims about the societal and religious imperatives to resist apartheid. They produced literature and organized events to raise awareness.
2. Leadership: Farid Esack and Ebrahim Rasool became key figures, not only within COI but also within the wider anti-apartheid movement. Their leadership was instrumental in positioning COI as a relevant and influential body.

Decline in Post-Apartheid Era

Following the end of apartheid in 1994, the pace and nature of COI’s activities began to wane. With the transition to a democratic South Africa, the immediate purpose of COI’s activism—opposing government-sponsored racial discrimination—had largely been achieved. Thus, the organization saw a natural decline in its prominence and membership.

Books for Further Studies

1. “Qur’an, Liberation and Pluralism” by Farid Esack

   • This book, written by one of the founders, provides an in-depth exploration of Islamic theology in the context of socio-political issues, including apartheid.

2. “Living Islam: Muslim Religious Experience in South Africa” edited by Yasmin Sooka

   • An extensive collection of essays that delve into the historical and contemporary experiences of Muslims in South Africa, including COI’s contributions.

3. “The Struggle is My Life” by Nelson Mandela

   • While not exclusively about COI, this autobiography by Mandela offers rich contextual information on the anti-apartheid movement which COI supported.

Takeaways

• Intersection of Religion and Politics: COI distinctly illustrates how religious groups can play a pivotal role in socio-political movements.
• Advocacy through Faith: By leveraging Islamic teachings, COI offered a unique moral and ethical perspective in the fight against apartheid.
• Transient Relevance: COI’s decline highlights how movements can be deeply contextual, flourishing under oppressive conditions and diminishing as those conditions evolve.

Conclusion

The Call of Islam (COI) represents a significant chapter in the history of South African activism, demonstrating the powerful role of religious organizations in socio-political struggles. Established to combat racial injustice through Islamic principles, COI’s contribution to dismantling apartheid remains a testament to the interplay between faith and social justice. Though its influence has waned in the post-apartheid era, the legacy of COI continues to inspire contemporary discussions on the ethics of activism.