Call for fatwa on comic decried
FRIENDS and supporters, mostly in entertainment, have rallied around standup comedian Joey “Yusuf” Rasdien as a call went out for a “fatwa” against him (censure under Islamic law).
Some Muslims made the call for his comments on the Prophet Muhammad’s companion.
Rasdien made the remarks at the Ilm Arts Festival Marriage Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.
His gig went well until he touched on Abu Hurairah, narrator of the hadith (a record of traditions or sayings of the Prophet and a source of religious law and moral guidance).
“This is going to be controversial,” he said, before questioning how Hurairah had written more than 40 000 hadiths in only two years.
“I love Islam but there are certain things that make me wonder,” he said. “That brah wrote 40 000 hadiths in two years. There are 365 days in a year, to make 740 days in two years, which gives you 1 440 minutes a day, plus you must sleep. How can you write 40 000 hadiths in two years?”
He then allegedly insulted a woman in the audience, causing the crowd to hurl abuse at him and demand he leave the stage. Organisers pulled him off the stage.
A social media storm erupted afterwards
Rasdien apologised on Twitter: “I underestimated the hurt you felt by my utterances, which were meant to be satirical. I honestly did not foresee the consequences. I have learnt from this experience.”
The event organisers said Rasdien’s comments were “unacceptable”.
Rasdien later released another apology. He said that as a Muslim comedian, he held himself to the same set of standards expected of a Muslim in any other walk of life.
“Our character and behaviour must be unimpeachable,” he said.
“And while humour is a necessary part of our humanity, I understand that the best way for us to humour is to encourage better behaviour from all of us. I failed to do this. I am deeply disappointed in myself and will endeavour to do better.”
He said he undertook to learn more about the Prophet and all his companions, including his wives.
The Jamiatul Ulama of South Africa (Jusa) condemned Rasdien’s remarks.
“Rasdien caused much distress with his remarks. However, we noted that he expressed remorse and has made an unconditional apology to the Muslim Ummah. He is seeking repentance to the Almighty,” said Jusa president Moulana Abbas Jeena.
Social cohesion advocate Yusuf Abramjee said there was no doubt Rasdien had been offensive and his comments inappropriate.
“Joey has apologised and sincerely regrets his comments. He acknowledges it was inappropriate,” said Abramjee.
“I’ve known Joey for many years – he has always supported charities such as Islamic Relief and others.
“Let’s not forget the good in people. Let’s not judge the man because of a single incident and mistake.”
Abramjee said the event was a lesson to many – not to use comedy to mock any religion. He said some had threatened a fatwa against Rasdien, which he said was uncalled for.
“Joey says he is now fearing for his life. Violence is uncalled for and these threats must stop. Let’s not fall into the trap of allowing our detractors to take advantage of this unfortunate incident – the best attribute a believer can have is forgiveness,” said Abramjee.
Comedian and actor Riaad Moosa took to Twitter to show support for Rasdien.
“Rasdien is one of the funniest men I know. Sometimes comedians get desensitised to the structure of funny thinking. We speak the language of funny. When we’re up there it’s sometimes difficult to censor and edit ourselves quickly enough,” said Moosa.
“I ask everyone to give him a break. He’s a good guy, a genius comic and a person who brings joy to many people. He apologised for offending people. Let’s not get carried away. Allah knows best.”
Community activist and chairman of the Active Citizenry Lenasia, Mohamed Azhar Bulbulia, said comedians should not mock any faith.
“The art of comedy is to prepare something so well it sounds as if it’s off the cuff. There can be no excuse of ignorance at all. You can see from his apology that he has absolutely no remorse about mocking the Sahaba. His only apology is that the audience were upset.”
Bulbulia added that the organisers should also be held responsible. The event was in the name of Islam, yet there were so many inconsistencies with Islamic principles and ethos, he said.
“Certain scholars who have climbed the ladder of fame and are regarded in particular dwindling circles as seniors in the Ulama need to rethink and restrategise.
“The majority of the Ulama fraternity have long advised the public not to seek guidance from those scholars and perhaps Rasdien’s comments blowing up in their faces will bring them back to their senses as custodians of knowledge.”
University of KwaZuluNatal political science and international relations lecturer Lubna Nadvi said on Facebook the challenge is how to reflect on one’s faith and its historical figures in a lighthearted way.
“I would like us to think about how we evolve around the use of humour in a respectful and dignified way to empower us as a community,” Nadvi said.
“Also to forgive and recognise that as Muslims we are not a homogeneous community and it is our diversity that is our strength.”