DEAR EDITOR:
From the outset, let me say that I did not bring religion into the topic for the sake of bringing in religion. On the contrary, it is one topic I usually keep far away from and I have nothing against any religion on earth. I also don’t hold animosity towards any racial group. In fact, the best of my friends are among all racial communities.
It is Paul Putter who brought the subject of religion to the fore by suggesting that the mosque should have been built elsewhere and not on the proposed site.
It is also Putter who glibly said that where the mosque will be built, it would be found that more Muslims will buy properties close to the mosque and I said that there was nothing wrong with that.
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I have never spoken about racism, instead I said that more Muslims will buy properties and live in Scottburgh and no one will be able to stop this phenomenon, no matter what the objection, as we now live in a new South Africa.
What I had written in response to Putter is misunderstood.
However, if the proposed mosque is planned on another site in Scottburgh, there will be still objections – Muslims are faced with this dilemma in many towns in South Africa, as well as in foreign countries – and who, generally, are these objectors – they are really from the white community. How naive can they be?
If half dozen churches are proposed to be built in Scottburgh, Umzinto or elsewhere, Muslims won’t object because their religion does not allow it. In fact, I will welcome more places of worship as I believe churches pacify people in their daily life, away from indulging in drinking, drugs and other vices.
It is the younger generation that has to be led to the doorstep of worship and parents can play their part.
Today, we see the onslaught made on Muslims and Islam in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere – this all leads to unpleasantness between religions and various racial groups.
No, Mr Botha, you can say or believe in what you want in defence of Putter, I said what I wanted to say regarding my position on the matter – that won’t change.
If you are not a practising Christian, I cannot say that of myself, therefore my outlook in life is different from yours.
I want to make it clear again, let the people of different religions build their places without objections from anyone.
Nevertheless, the letter from Tit for Tat, “No, Mr Moolla, why go so low” refers:
You are indeed a coward for not penning your true name – why do you hide? Come out in the open and let us know who you are.
I will not respond to your letter. Mr Botha had the courage to put his name to his letter; why you did not do the same?
One thing I can tell you, Tit for Tat, that racism is not really dead, as it is made out to be.
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If you watch TV or read newspapers, you will see the number of racist cases we have recently experienced. I can assure you, we will see more of it as time unfolds.
By the way Botha suggested that I should have taken time to do some research into who Putter is; I would say, he should have done the same with me.
Does this mean, if someone writes about something and if you disagree with the writer, before you respond, some research must be done on the person. This is ridiculous.
I have been writing to newspapers since 1957; this is the first time I have heard of such a suggestion.
ISMAIL M MOOLLA
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