Muslim News Magazine Joins the World in Mourning the Death of Nelson Mandela

Muslim News Magazine TV and BAIT-CAL worldwide joined the world today in mourning the loss of one of the greatest leaders of our time, Nelson Mandela. He was a man of exceptional influence who fought apartheid to become a beacon of hope for his people and the world.

Aside from the oppression and wrongful imprisonment, Mandela watched his country vote for the first time in a fully representative, multiracial election that gave him his revolutionary presidency from 1994 to 1999. He became the first man of color to serve as President of South Africa. Twenty-seven years in prison could not stop his quest to end apartheid.

“Mandela changed South Africa and our world forever,” said Salam Al-Marayati, Muslim Public Affairs Council President. “A standard was set that demanded the dismantlement of racism and all the evils that came with it.”

Mandela’s stance on social justice and racial conciliation is a standard that has impacted people across the globe. He was a friend of Muslims in America, who also supported his fight against apartheid. On June 30, 1990 Mandela met with Imam W. Deen Mohammed in Oakland, California, who donated $85,000 to Mr. Mandela on behalf of the Muslim American Community. With a long history of commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle, Muslims in America should be proud to embody Mandela's spirit and quest for change.

Muslim News Magazine and BAIT-CAL are proud to be affiliated with his lifelong work, and with respect in our hearts and motivation in our ready hands, the legacy of Mandela has a long way to go for South Africans, Americans, and all of humanity that has oppression forced upon them.