The Jamiatul Ulama KwaZulu-Natal has apologized for a deleted Halloween post that sparked outrage among religious leaders. The post described Halloween as "devil worship" and claimed that Christians, Jews, and Hindus worshipped 'Shaytan'. The organization's executive committee issued a clarification, stating that the post's additional wording was inserted by an employee without authorization. The committee acknowledged that the message should have been communicated without insulting other faith communities.
The post advised Muslims against participating in Halloween celebrations, stating that dressing children as ghouls and witches would invite "jinn, jadu, black magic, sorcery, and witchcraft". It also described Christianity's concept of the Trinity as satanic and claimed that Islam was the only true religion. The Jamiatul Ulama KZN's executive committee distanced itself from the post, saying it did not reflect the organization's official position.
The apology sparked a reaction from Professor Brij Maharaj, deputy president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha. He condemned the post as irresponsible, deeply offensive, and incompatible with South Africa's constitutional values. Maharaj stated that the assertion that Christians, Jews, Hindus, and followers of other faiths worship Shaytan was an insult to millions of South Africans and risked fuelling religious divisions.
Maharaj added that such statements do not merely represent a theological disagreement but cross the line into religious intolerance. He warned that the post could inflame division, undermine social cohesion, and damage decades of painstaking interfaith dialogue and understanding in South Africa. Maharaj called on the Jamiatul Ulama KZN to apologize to the affected religious communities and recommit itself to interfaith respect.
Reverend Cyril Shunmugam Pillay of the KZN Pastors Association also reacted to the post. Although his comments were not provided, the incident highlights the need for religious organizations to communicate their views responsibly and respectfully. The Jamiatul Ulama KZN acknowledged the hurt and offence caused by the post and undertook to strengthen its internal oversight and public communication procedures.
The organization maintained that its position against Muslims participating in Halloween celebrations remained unchanged but acknowledged that the message should have been communicated without insulting other faith communities. The Jamiatul Ulama KZN remains committed to fostering good neighbourly relations, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities of South Africa.
If not adequately addressed, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha warned that it would escalate the matter to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Equality Court. The incident emphasizes the importance of respectful communication and interfaith understanding in a multicultural and multireligious society like South Africa.
Key points
- Jamiatul Ulama KZN apologizes for a deleted post insulting other faiths
- The post sparked outrage among religious leaders, who accused the organization of promoting intolerance
- The incident highlights the need for respectful communication and interfaith understanding in a multicultural society
