A conference was organized for the name of Imam Harun who has a widespread reputation in Africa for his strict resistance to Apartheid regime in South Africa. The speakers gave lectures on Imam Harun’s world view and life 45 years after his death.
 
Imam Harun’s fight against racism has deep repercussions not only in South Africa but also in the rest of the continent. He worked relentlessly for the emancipation of Malay Muslims who had been slaves for the last 300 years.
 
Imam Harun was born in 1923 in Cape Town. He became popular when he let the black Muslims into the Claremont Mosque where he was assigned as the official Imam. He publicly voiced his idea that Black and white Muslims are fellows.

 
He opened education centers for women and sport center for children. Disturbed by his active struggle, the regime detained him after a holy day. He was forced to consume bacon despite it is forbidden according to Islam. Imam Harun was heavily tortured in his detainment which lasted more than four months. He could not resist tortures and passed away in 1969.

 
His wife Halima Harun told the hardships she encountered after Harun’s death by saying “The life become much more difficult after his death. However, I have not asked anybody for help but Allah who paved my way to upbringing my children. My little Fatma was just a little kid when her father was martyred. I really struggled for my children to get a proper education. Thank to Allah I achieved.”

 
Fatma Harun, Imam’s daughter gave a speech in the conference held for the commemoration of Imam Harun. She said “Unfortunately, I can hardly remember my dad for I lost him at an early age. His death left a big vacuum in my life. I have known my father from the documentaries, writings and what my family told me. He was a man who struggled for his people and got their respect. He is always remembered an independence warrior who fought against unjust society. Not only Muslims, but also Jews and Christians show respect to him.”

 
Former South African Economy Minister Trevol Manuel said Imam Harun represents courage for them adding “When I was an activist, activism is popular. But the real activism was represented by Imam Harun. He was a man who can combine religious values with the struggle. His life and fight have always been a source of inspiration for us. He had a comprising role in our nation’s fight against Apartheid regime. And he was martyred for the nation’s independence.

IBRAHIM TIGLI / KUZEY NEWS AGENCY