Our immense love and respect for Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa
DEAR Monessa Shapiro, in response to your reply to my letter.
First, let me remind you that there is no such thing as a Trump administration. He listens to no one. He alone decides whatever suits his fancy, not the Trump administration.
He just got up one morning and decided today he’s going to give Jerusalem to the Israelis, like he is some kind of god of the biblical times.
You say King David (Dawud, peace be upon him) 3 000 years ago, gave Jerusalem to the Jews, perhaps Trump is your modern King David.
Yes, I worked for Jews and I am aware that Israel and Jerusalem are dear to the Jewish people and we as Muslims respect that. We share the same love, affection and respect for Prophet Moses (Musa, peace be upon him).
The problem is that historically and religiously Jerusalem is just as sacred and holy to over 2 billion Muslims and over 3 billion Christians as well as the Palestinians currently suffering under the brutal Zionist apartheid regime.
What gives Trump the right to decide who to give it to?
You say you are perplexed that I never took time off on my seven-month holy journey to Mecca, to visit Jerusalem; in the process insinuating it is because I cannot accept the presence of Jews in Jerusalem.
That is far from the truth. I have nothing against Jewish people. All the South African Jewish people I know, are of the most wonderful peace-loving people you can find.
My wife, my daughter and my parentsin-law undertook this holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they were peacefully visiting and praying in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, fully armed Israeli forces ran into the mosque on to the prayer carpets hurling tear gas.
My father-in-law was lifted up by his neck and got his nose thumped against the wall until it bled.
Now you will understand why I refer to them as the brutal Zionist Israeli apartheid forces.
So now, I have no intention of visiting Jerusalem. Maybe one day when peace has prevailed God Willing.
Ironically on the opposite page to your letter in the Argus, was a beautiful article that aims to unify people, written by Dr Chris Jones, a famous academic in practical theology. You must have read it.
My intention for this response was to put things in perspective and not to argue or fight otherwise I might be labelled a hypocrite.
I rest my case in this matter and you can respond if you so wish, but I promise for the sake of unity, I will not get involved with any further arguments with you.