Islam: A Self-Assertive Political Factor in Contemporary South Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Islam: A Self-Assertive Political Factor in Contemporary South Africa
Author:	Nkrumah, Gorkeh Gamal
Year:	1989
Periodical:	Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs
Volume:	10
Issue:	2
Period:	July
Pages:	520-526
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Southern Africa South Africa
Subjects:	Islam national liberation movements Religion and Witchcraft Politics and Government Ethnic and Race Relations
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/13602008908716138
Abstract:	Despite insignificant numerical strength relative to East, West and North African Muslim communities, the political participation of the Southern African Muslim communities, and in particular that of South Africa, far surpasses what its absolute and relative numerical strength may suggest. One of the largest, better organized and most vibrant of Islamic communities is in the Republic of South Africa itself, where Muslims number less than 500,000. There are over 4 million Muslims in Mozambique, and 1 million in Malawi. The South African Muslim community is distinguished by the proliferation of numerous distinct associations, political organizations and social movements. Many South African Muslims have become militant activists in the antiapartheid struggles of the non-European masses of South Africa. Special attention is paid to the Qibla Muslim Movement (QMM), one of the many Islamic radical revivalist movements in South Africa, which is affiliated to the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the PAC. Notes, ref.