Dr Taj Hargey

An exceptional function takes place at the Open Mosque in Wynberg on Saturday, 15th March 2025. Fully in agreement with indisputable Islamic principles, this trailblazing institution (which is uniquely Qur’an-centric, gender-equal and non-sectarian), is boldly enhancing its public commitment to fruitful religious harmony by welcoming Hindu followers of Sai Baba to a special shared religious occasion.

Aside from the Open Mosque’s revolutionary objectives to promote pristine uncontaminated Islam, part of its foundational mission is to pursue beneficial multi-faith relations with all segments of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan population. This is in line with the Holy Qur’an that stresses that not only devout Muslims but also observant Jews, committed Christians and other pious believers will be recipients of celestial redemption (2:62; 5:69). In conformity with this pluralistic message, the Open Mosque has taken the novel step of calling on the local Hindu community to engage in joint worship activity to extol the glory of God and revel in the love of the Lord.

Not only is this unusual encounter taking place in Ramadan – the most propitious month in the Islamic calendar for self-restraint, critical introspection and intensified piety – it lives up to all explicit scriptural directives. Islam’s transcendent text, the Holy Qur’an, urges Muslims to make common cause not only with Jews and Christians but also with those of other creeds in revering a single Creator of the Cosmos (3:64). This core non-negotiable Islamic doctrine of strict monotheism, tawhid or belief in one God alone is not compromised by either the presence or participation of monotheistic Hindus in an Islamic House of Worship.

Indeed from its very inception, the Open Mosque is well-known for its imaginative strategy in championing authentic Islam. For example, it has welcomed the Jewish community by permitting their hallowed Hanukah ceremony to be conducted on its premises. Similarly, it has provided traditional Christmas banquets for Christian neighbours, friends and family to mark the birth of Jesus. All this undoubtedly generates greater understanding and empathy amongst the followers of Moses, Christ and Muhammad. So, in this context, it is not surprising that the Open Mosque is extending its hand of interfaith friendship and closer religious fraternity with members of the Hindu community.

This remarkable initiative is in complete accord with pertinent Qur’anic commandments. Islam’s sacred scripture acknowledges that all believers surrendering to the Almighty, be they in mosques, churches, synagogues or temples (22:40) are entitled to full protection and respect for their own beliefs.

No other mosque in the Western Cape or for that matter in South Africa has hitherto been brave enough to invite adherents of the Hindu faith to join in combined incantations to praise the one Supreme Being. Other than their febrile theological denunciations of Hinduism, South African mosques and Muslims object to any productive cooperation with Hindus in reaction to the ultra-Hindu nationalism prevailing in India today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extreme right-wing BJP party deliberately targets and discriminates against the Muslim minority in the sub-continent. But this is precisely the reason why Muslims and Hindus should actually get together and not allow the pernicious polices of the repressive Indian government to subvert constructive interaction here.

Hostile debates and fierce controversy raging within the prejudiced Islamic clergy have influenced most Muslims to view Hindus as idolators, but this is factually incorrect. Hinduism in its huge diversity encompasses a vast range of perspectives that consider Brahman as the one supreme reality but with many divergent manifestations or aspects of this single ultimate Divinity.

When the Open Mosque welcomes the devotees of Sai Baba, the distinguished Indian guru (d.2011) it clearly maintains full adherence to unqualified monotheism. Since Sai Baba’s teachings draws from both Hinduism and Islam, he emphasised the oneness of God by promoting universal peace, divine love, righteous living, altruistic service, ethical conduct and non-violence So, when his local following graces the Open Mosque’s prayer hall, they will collectively intone the Rudram 11, a spiritual practice centred on the repeated chanting of a potent Vedic hymn for the betterment of humanity, spiritual upliftment and environmental purity.

These mesmerising Vedic chants will be interspersed by Muslim contributors melodically reciting the Asma al-Husna, the majestic divine titles of the Almighty. All these heavenly titles of God are found in the Qur’an but are mistakenly limited to only 99 by Islam’s orthodox clergy. How can an infinite deity ever be constrained by just one specific number?

Aside from the multiple spiritual facets of this extraordinary event, it will conclude with a delectable vegetarian iftar buffet to break the fast. The Open Mosque therefore welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs to attend this amazing function. The rhythmic remembrances of God uplift the human soul and deepens mystical consciousness. It showcases the commonality of all faiths (including Islam and Hinduism) that is designed to facilitate genuine connectivity with the Creator and all creation.

For further details contact: info@theopenmosque.org.za

* Dr Taj Hargey, is President of the Open Mosque

Cape Argus