Mandela, the Magnanimous

None of us can say enough or give too many compliments or accolades to President Nelson Mandela. Such an amazing and extraordinary life and history that we all, to varying degrees and awareness, witnessed. Madiba was the spirit and inspiration that brought an end to apartheid and racial oppression in South Africa, and he was the political leader and statesman who navigated the high road to peaceful co-existence through the path of Truth and Reconciliation, raising the world bar of peaceful possibilities.

President Mandela also fought against suppression of religions and discrimination against women. For 300 years in South Africa, it was illegal for Muslims and various other faith adherents to openly practice or declare their religion. Many of Mandela’s fellow anti-apartheid prisoners over the 27 year period were Muslim, Hindu, and Indian, along side of the African activists. He valued and was influenced by that diversity, and as President, his Cabinet was composed of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Christians, African Traditionalists, women, Whites, Blacks, and even rivals. He said:

“We can count amongst us Africans, Coloureds, Whites, Indians, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews,- all of them united by a common vision of a better life for the people of this Country.”

“Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression…Our endeavors must be about the liberation of the woman, the emancipation of the man, and the liberty of the child.”

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Speaking of his release from prison after 27 years, he stated:

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

This was one special human being who leaves an extraordinary legacy behind. May we remember him and may we each, in our own way, strive to emulate, even more than we admire, his life, character, humility, commitment, patience, determination, compassion and forgiveness, as best we can.

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for G-d as witnesses to fair-dealing, and let not the hatred of others towards you make you swerve towards wrong and depart from justice. Be just, for that is next to piety and be regardful of G-d, for He is well-aware of all that you do.” Qur’an 5:8

submitted by Imam Plemon T. El-Amin