FAQs

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA), aims to be inclusive and representative of the entire spectrum of Muslim religious and cultural traditions. It works to ensure that all Schools of Thought, have a “voice and choice” in its activities.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) will hold elections for its leadership positions, including the President and Vice Presidents, and other office bearers. It will do so through shurah as an act of ibadat, underpinned by a maqasid approach and modelling the “Ethics of Islamic disagreement” in order to achieve a fair “process and product” of election results. This is to ensure the that the honour of Muslims is maintained. These elections are open to all affiliated organizations, allowing for a democratic, transparent, accountable representation of the various Schools of Thought and groups within the Muslim community.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) will establish commissions, committees, working groups, and task forces to address specific issues or concerns within the community. These committees may focus on religious practice, education, social justice, interfaith relations, and more. Members from different Schools of Thought and backgrounds will participate in these committees to provide diverse perspectives and expertise. The foci of UMA Committees and Working Groups include, but are not limited to:

1. Promoting Social Justice: UMA will actively work to address social justice issues within the Muslim community and society at large. This includes advocating for fair treatment, equal opportunities, and the eradication of economic disparities among Muslims, regardless of their background or school of thought.
2. Youth Engagement: UMA will place a strong emphasis on engaging with young Muslims and involving them in leadership positions and decision-making processes. This ensures that the concerns and aspirations of the youth are taken into account. The UMA platform will help in the creation of second tier leadership.
3. Women’s Involvement: UMA will encourage the active participation of Muslim women in all aspects of its work, including leadership roles and decision-making bodies. It will work to promote gender equity and address issues specific to Muslim women.
4. Crisis Response and Relief: UMA will have mechanisms in place for responding to crises and providing relief to Muslims in times of need. This includes disaster response, financial assistance, and support for vulnerable communities.
5. Community Building and Unity: UMA will actively work to build a sense of unity and community among all Muslims in South Africa. It will facilitate events, gatherings, and initiatives that bring Muslims of different backgrounds together.
6. Inter-School of Thought Dialogues: UMA will encourage dialogues and discussions among different schools of thought within Islam to foster understanding and cooperation. This can help bridge any gaps or misunderstandings among various groups.
7. Media and Communication: UMA will utilize various media platforms and communication channels to keep the Muslim community informed about its activities, as well as to counter any negative stereotypes or misinformation about Islam and Muslims in the media.
8. Collaboration with International Muslim Organizations: UMA can explore collaborations and partnerships with international Muslim organizations to leverage resources, share best practices, and advocate for global issues affecting Muslims.
9. Accessibility and Inclusivity: UMA will work to ensure that its events, meetings, and resources are accessible to Muslims with disabilities, promoting inclusivity for all members of the community.
10. Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives: UMA can engage in environmental and sustainability initiatives in line with Islamic principles, promoting responsible stewardship of the Earth among Muslims.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) will regularly consult with diverse Ulema leaders, community organizations, and individual members to understand their needs and concerns. It will conduct surveys, community meetings, and other forms of engagement to gather input from various segments of the community. This will ensure a diverse Ummah “voice and choice”

In addition to representing the Muslim community, The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) will engage with other religious and cultural communities in South Africa. This helps foster positive relations and collaboration while representing the Muslim community in broader interfaith and community dialogues. This is vital to counter Islamophobia and avoid religious exceptionalism and supremacism, through “othering” of Muslims. It is also a form of “below the line” dawah work.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) advocates for the rights of Muslims of all Schools of Thought to practice their approach freely and without discrimination or sectarianism. This includes support for Muslim religious schools, mosques, halal food provisions, efficient and effective Zakaat disbursements and other aspects of Muslim life. Thus, organizations should be encouraged to promote their work and seek areas of “co-operative governance “to avoid wasteful duplication of service to the same communities.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) supports initiatives that promote Muslim education and cultural preservation. This includes an education related to countering Islamophobia, promoting Muslim heritage, and preserving the historical and cultural aspects of the Muslim community including remembering the Muslim struggle and contribution to the development of South Africa.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) will actively work to promote respect, tolerance,
inclusivity, and diversity both within the Muslim community and in the broader South African society. It advocates for policies and initiatives that combat Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination, intolerance, hate, prejudice as contained in its Goal on Islamophobia.

The United Muslim Alliance (UMA) will serve as an authoritative voice on issues related to the various commissions, committees, etc. Its leaders and experts will provide commentary, analysis, and guidance to the media, policymakers, and the public on these matters.

One of the primary roles of UMA is to advocate for the interests and concerns of the Muslim community in South Africa. It serves as a representative body that engages with government officials, policymakers, and other organizations to ensure that the rights and needs of the Muslim community are addressed and respected.

The organization will engage with political parties and representatives to ensure that the concerns of the Muslim community are taken into account in legislative and policy decisions. This includes advocating for policies related to religious freedom, education, and social issues.