MJC’S FINANCIAL SHENANIGANS – REPORT FROM THE INSIDE AND TAHA KARAN’S CRITICISM OF HIS MJC COLLEAGUES
IS THIS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG OF THE FINANCIAL SCANDAL?
Aggravating the gutter carrion and pork reputation of the MJC (so-called Muslim Judicial Council), is the looming financial scandal of R900,000 of the haraam boodle gone awry into a variety of pockets. But the paltry sum of R900,000 represents the mere tip of the iceberg of the avalanche of tens of millions of many decades.
The allegations of crookedness are not made by outsiders, but are forthcoming from insiders – executive members and the MJC’s then ‘grand’ mufti Taha Karan. Just as Allah Ta’ala has time and again exposed the carrion and pork rot of the MJC, so too is Allah Ta’ala now implementing with the boodle rot. Hadhrat Yahya Bin Muaaz (Rahmatullah alayh) said: “He who betrays Allah in secret, Allah will rip off his veil in public.” He will be disgraced.
We reproduce here three letters authored by MJC members, which are self-explanatory, and which expose the financial shenanigans of this Carrion halaalizing cartel of ulama-e-soo’ who has become even the bedfellow of the Shiahs in order to gratify the monetary lusts of its vile bogus sheikhs and molvis.
Letter of Yusuf Arieff
بسم لله الرحمن الرحیم
15 April 2022
Dear General Majlis members
RE: Financial irregularities within the MJC Treasury
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
It saddens me to have to address this letter to you, my honourable colleagues and teachers. In this correspondence I hope to detail a series of events that have led to my penning of this letter إن شاء .ألله
I pray that Allah grants us sincerity in what we do and that we are able to be honest, just and fair in our articulation and appreciation of the magnanimity of the situation before us. The integrity of our Muslim community and more so that of its religious leadership should be held
to the highest levels of scrutiny. We should insist on transparency and accountability within our organisations by those whom the general majlis have elected into positions of service and leadership.
With this being said, there has been a series of events that have not been explained, neither was any clarity given to the extent required on possible financial irregularities within the treasury of the MJC.
What follows is a detailed explanation with evidences as to the cause for concern due to the lack of competence, transparency and accountability in the treasury of the MJC.
• Two weeks prior to the past elective AGM I was given a call by Mufti Taha Karaan(RA) asking as to whether I was aware as a sitting exco member about an esimated R900 000 given to Imaams for covid relief during that financial year.
• I had informed the Mufti that I was aware of R60 000 given to general majlis members for their attendance of a special AGM earlier in the year, but had no knowledge as an exco member of the amounts he was speaking of. I then suggested that he call Ml Abdul Khaliq as he was head of treasury. Not only did he call Ml Abdul Khaliq, but he took a drive to his house to discuss the matter.
• Mufti Taha had informed me that Ml Abdul Khaliq had denied any knowledge of the said amount, but only of the amount I had mentioned above ie. R60 000 – R90 000.
• Mufti Taha then called the auditor of the MJC (Mr Yusuf Mohamed) the next day to confirm the amounts and the auditor responded by sending a statement including dates and amounts of transactions made during that financial year (Addendum 1).
• What should be noted is that most of the transactions are cash withdrawals.
• According to the auditor, when the treasurer was requested clarification as to the use of the cash withdrawals, he answered that it was given to Sh Irafaan Abrahams.
• The auditor informed Mufti Taha that “as per standard practice”, a disclaimer was inserted into the audit report regarding the cash.
• After the final exco meeting of our 5year term I had requested clarity from the first deputy president, showing him the statement of withdrawals. He had a surprised look on his face and stated that he had no knowledge of cash withdrawals of this nature. I asked as to who had access to be able to do cash withdrawals and was informed by him that the treasurer is the only one with access to the accounts and can withdraw cash independently. I questioned him regarding this and he acknowledged that there has been poor oversight and the necessary proper process are not in place. Sh Irafaan Abrahams then entered the boardroom and I was suggested to ask Sh Irafaan about the withdrawals and he too admitted to have no knowledge of it. I informed him that the treasurer said to the auditor that the money was given to him, so how is it that he could have no knowledge of it. He responded by shrugging his shoulders indicating he did not know.
• I informed Mufti Taha(RA) of my personal engagement with the president and first deputy on this matter. This obviously raised a red flag.
• Mufti Taha(RA) had then requested clarification from the presidency regarding the use of the cash withdrawals in writing with evidence. A few days later the Mufti was called by the first deputy president and said that they asked the treasurer for an explanation and they were satisfied with his verbal answer.
• The Mufti(RA) was not satisfied with the verbal answer he received and thus penned the letter addressed to the president and first deputy attached (Addendum 2).
• There was absolutely no response to the Mufti on his correspondence. By this time the Mufti had taken ill with covid and was isolating at home. When his disease progression worsened and he was admitted to hospital, I had the privilege of being able to visit the Mufti (RA) in ICU and he expressed his deep disappointment and regret regarding this matter and how he had been responded to then ignored with regards to it.
• The Mufti later returned to the mercy of his Lord, but had forwarded myself all the correspondences he had, had with the various parties involved.
• At several general majlis meetings multiple members had requested a written report from the treasurer as to the breakdown of the estimated R900 000. The treasurer took 5 months and presented a verbal report stating no amounts. This was challenged at the general majlis meeting which was held over zoom by several members and a written report with it’s a breakdown was expected to be presented but again was not forthcoming at the following General Majlis meeting.
• At the subsequent general majlis meeting a verbal report was once again tabled this time with a general breakdown of the funds stating that the majority was for Imaam covid relief assistance.
• At the following general majlis meeting I asked as to whether a written report was tabled and was informed that a written report was not shown to the members even though it was requested at previous meetings. I asked as to whether a written report exists. The first deputy and chairman of the meeting responded that one does exist and I was invited to see it at the MJC offices.
• I did indeed visit the offices 3days later and received it from the first deputy (Addendum 3). I also asked as to whether a record of the amounts given to the imaams for relief were documented. He mentioned that it is with the president and that we could request that information. I asked why these large amounts were not discussed and ratified by the exco of which no reasonable answer was offered.
• Upon inspection and correlation with the statement of withdrawals/payments received from the auditor and of that offered as an explanation by the treasurer, there were obvious discrepancies in relation to the date of the withdrawals, the amounts as well as no evidentiary proofs as to how the withdrawals were used.
• I sent a message to the first deputy requesting more clarity on the disbursements of the the amounts stated as covid Imaam assistance and received no reply to date. The following week I addressed the matter with the first deputy personally at his office and asked to see the amounts dates and persons that were provided assistance and I was asking as a previous exco member under whose term this happened. I was informed that I was not at liberty to ask for such information and that it would not be provided to me to protect the honour of the persons whom were provided relief.
• At the next general majlis meeting we were informed that Sh Riad Fataar had now been co-opted by the treasury to deal with this matter and will be discussing it with the auditor.
• I had then met with the auditor personally in February addressing my concerns. He too was surprised and felt it necessary to have a joint meeting where the information which would possibly bring clarity to the situation be presented. He subsequently had a meeting with the treasury in my absence, then informed me that the information requested will be presented to me for clarity.
• It is now April and we are on the eve of the next AGM and the requested information that should have been very easily presented if there was competence and due diligence, has not been presented. The question is why?
• I would thus like to propose that an independent panel constituting of the following:
2 x Exco members whom served under the term in question namely – Sh Faadil Latief and
Ml Abdul Fataag Carr
2 x current exco members with financial skills namely – Sh Muhammad West and Ml Khalil
Hendricks
That they investigate the matter thoroughly and present their findings to the General majlis.
That the top 5 are suspended without pay until the results of the investigation has been presented and a conclusion drawn.
• This matter has been drawn out for far too long with no reasonable explanations offered in the least.
• It is our duty as general majlis members to hold our elected officials accountable to the highest of standards. If we do not do this then we have failed our organisation, our community and our roles as ulema.
May Allah guide us to that which best and most deserving of His pleasure.
اللھم ارنا الحق حقا
Yours in the service of Islam,
Yusuf Arieff
Download full letter
Letter of MJC’s then ‘grand’ Mufti Taha Karan
20 April 2022
Response to Yusuf Arieff’s Letter
Re: Financial Irregularities within MJC Treasury dated: 15 April 2022
From the desk of: M. Fadihl Emandien
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Introduction
I pray that Allāh guides me in my response. It is not in my character to respond to allegations made on public platforms, however, I feel that this letter is a direct attack on my character, dignity and honour.
As a reminder to myself, we are guided by the Qur`ān and sunnah which holds the honour of a believer in high regard.
Ibn Abbas (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allāh صلى الله عليه وسلم looked at the Ka’bah and he صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“How great are you and how great is your sanctity! Yet, the believer has greater sanctity to Allāh than you. Verily, Allāh sanctified you once and sanctified the believer thrice in his life, his wealth, and to not assume evil about him.”
Understanding that my honour, and that of my colleagues, lies in the court of Allāh, I feel that it is necessary to defend my name.
Who is Yusuf Arieff? He served on the MJC (SA) Executive from 2016 – 2021. Ran for the position of Treasurer in the 2021 Electoral AGM and LOST! Additionally, ran for an EXCO member, but after losing the Treasurer position immediately withdrew.
I will begin my response by stating that many of the so-called facts in his letter that was supposedly only for the MJC (SA) General Majlis (membership), was distorted by him, and in my reading, was done purposefully so to cast doubt on the current leadership of the MJC (SA), and especially me as the Treasurer of the organisation. Not at any point in his letter had he mentioned once that he had spoken to me as the Treasurer of the organisation. All his “facts” is based on hearsay…. what he had heard the Treasurer said and what he was told the Treasurer had said.
He mentions in the beginning of his letter: “The integrity of the Muslim community and more so that of its religious leadership should be held to the highest levels of scrutiny.” I work with ‘ulamā whom I hold in high regard, who serves the community with integrity and honour.
He opens his letter casting doubt on the integrity of those in the leadership position of the MJC (SA) and specifically who are part of its Treasury. This doesn’t not match a letter that is written out of concern nor that I feel he was “saddened” in penning.
As a professional, a doctor and an ‘Ālim, he makes assumptions and states facts as if they are true without any proof, clarification or confirmation.
Allāh mentions in the Qur`ān:
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion. Indeed some suspicions are sins. (Sūrah al-Hujurāt, No. 49, Āyah 12)
Good assumptions are encouraged by Allāh.
When you [first] heard about it, why did not the faithful, men and women, think well of their folks (Sūrah al-Nūr, Āyah 12)
He further mentions in his letter: “there has been a series of events that have not been explained, neither was any clarity given to the extent required on the possible financial irregularities…”
My Response: The amounts he questions was explained in a detailed report to the General Majlis of the MJC (SA) (refer GM Meeting minutes obtainable from the Secretary General’s office of the MJC) and ratified in that meeting. So why his statement? He was absent from that meeting. To me, he has no regard for the rest of the GM Members who were present in that meeting who ratified the report. Did he ever try and contact the Treasurer for clarity or the explanation given in that meeting? NO! What did he do? He went on hearsay and “investigated” the matter without speaking to those in the know.
First bullet point: two weeks prior to the AGM, he was called by the Mufti Taha Karaan seeking clarity on the +R900,000.00.
Response: The Audited Financial Report, signed off by A2A Kopano with no irregularities, were presented to the Exco only 4 days prior to the AGM 2021. Yusuf Arieff was present in that meeting (Refer Exco Minutes available from the SG’s Office), who never questioned the amount once, nor even made reference to it. So, if the Mufti sought clarity by him two weeks prior, why did he not take the opportunity in that final Exco meeting before the elections to ask his questions or seek clarity?
To my understanding as told to me by both deputy Presidents of the MJC (SA), the Mufti only made contact with them less than 48Hrs before the actual electoral AGM 2021. So who spoke to who? Was this yet another plot by Yusuf Arieff to discredit me and manipulate the Elections? YES, ANOTHER!!!
Let me break from the response to his letter and clarify the FACTS on his manipulations prior to the AGM 2021.
As in every organisation, prior and in preparation to the elections, the MJC (SA) Exco decided on their stance that would be taken in the elections. These plans were, obviously, subjected to the outcome of the votes.
In the AGM, an amendment was agreed upon by most of the Exco members that the organisation should not allow any person with card-holding membership of any political party to run for any of the Presidency positions (this amendment did not carry – just for information sake).
After the meeting, Yusuf Arieff approached Sh Shahid Esau on his (Arieff’s) own steam (a retired DA member of parliament) “offering” him <– this being his exact words, the 2nd Deputy position as he had the numbers (meaning, the votes).
This position was offered to me as well prior to him speaking to Sh Shaheed, in the presence of the SG, hoping I would step down from the Treasurer position.
The above is but one of the matters that surfaced, of which the entire (or most of the then Exco members) were aware of.
Continuing my response to his letter…
Bullet point 4: He claims that the auditor, Yusuf Mohamed of A2A Kopano, sent Mufti Taha a statement including of dates and amounts of transactions made during the financial year.
Response: All tokens and receipts were handed in timeously and no questions were asked by the auditor to the Treasurer at any time, even to date. As mentioned, would the auditor sign off the AFS if there were any irregularities? The company that audits the books of the MJC (SA) has a good standing in the business and local community, and would not stand to damage their own reputation.
Bullet point 6: Cash given to Sh Irafaan Abrahams
Response: This is a blatant lie!!! Never had I, as the Treasurer of the MJC (SA), ever expressed this in any of my communication or responses to the auditor “…it was given to Sh Irafaan Abrahams.” This will be confirmed by the Presidency and the SG.
The assumption hear would be that the President of the MJC (SA) has sole discretion on how the funds of the MJC (SA) may be distributed and disbursed as he pleases. In my view, this is an insult to Sh Irafaan Abrahams, and trying to cast doubt on his integrity, trustworthiness and honour.
Bullet point 7: A disclaimer inserted as “standard practise” regarding cash.
Response: This is a disclaimer (to my understanding) that is written to any business and/or organisation that deals with cash monies. This clause, as explained to me by the auditors, referred to cash received in lieu services rendered, rather than covering the auditors as a “disclaimer”. The disclaimer is in all previous Audited Financial Statements received.
Bullet point 8: “I asked who had access to be able to do cash withdrawals and was informed that the Treasurer is the only one with access to the account and can withdraw cash independently.
Response: Any organisation or business with a business account knows full well that to be able to withdraw cash (irrespective whether it be R10 or R100,000.00) requires dual signature on the withdrawal slip. This statement implicates me and would make anyone think that I may use the business account as my personal account.
Is the MJC (SA) my personal bank account? This is the greatest insult he has written. Insinuating that I may freely enter the bank and withdraw money at my own discretion. This written on information he had heard from someone.
There is strict process of which the finances and bank account of the MJC (SA) is governed. Neither do I have access to the account as I please. Furthermore, the account is reconciled by an in-house book-keeper every month who has access to the bank statement and all transactions.
Bullet point 12: The penned letter by the Mufti Taha Karaan (raḥmatullāhi alayhi). A man of integrity, excellent character and knowledge that was extremely admirable on any level. An ‘Ālim who held the MJC (SA) and ‘ulamā in high regard. May Allāh grant him, his father, brother and sister a high place in Jannah, Āmīn.
Response: unfortunately, I have not seen this letter before being made public by Yusuf Arieff nor had the opportunity to answer any of the Mufti’s questions.
Bullet point 14: At several general majlis meetings, multiple members had requested a written report from the treasurer…:
Response: This request, to my recollection, did not come from multiple members. The request always came from Yusuf Arieff. Once a written report was submitted and explained in detail to the GM meeting (as stated previously), Yusuf Arieff was absent from that meeting of which he and others were duly and timeously notified with an Agenda attached. This written report was in consultation with the Presidency/Treasury and a shaykh (an accountant who is on the current Exco).
Bullet 16: “….I was invited to see it (referring to the written report) at the MJC offices.”
Response: I, the Treasurer made the proposal that Yusuf Arieff could view the report at the MJC in my office. NOT ONCE did Yusuf Arieff EVER approach me for any clarity or explanation on the report submitted. He frequents the office of the MJC (almost monthly for the Halaal Trust Board of Trust meetings) but never found it necessary to consult/approach/interrogate the Treasurer who he openly implicates in his letter. He speaks of integrity? Where in the integrity in this approach? Why did he purposefully pass by the office of the person who could shed some light on the matter. Yet, he preferred dishonouring me publically.
Yusuf Arieff Speaks of Irregularities
As the Head of Department of the Youth Desk of the MJC (SA), an application was made by him or on his instructions to the City of Cape Town for funds in lieu of Youth Programs to be held over the school holidays. The funds were released into the coffers of the MJC (SA) who, in turn, released it in the care of Yusuf Arieff.
The terms and conditions of receiving the funds were that a full and detailed report, with names of the attendees and recipients, be submitted. In the absence of the report, the MJC (SA) would be liable to refund the CoCT.
Was the report submitted? Yusuf Arieff, after completing the project, left to study in Turkey for a few months or close to a year. He was still on the Exco group chat and, apparently, contactable via whatsapp and email.
I personally made several request for the report as the CoCT was requesting it with a deadline. No report was submitted.
On his return, he gave a verbal report and mentioned that he had kept approx. (more less than more) R9000 as an admin fee for himself.
At no point here am I insinuating that the money was misappropriated, but why is he pointing fingers at the MJC (SA) Treasury of irregularities whilst he had done no different.
Please, let him who has no sin cast the first stone.
In conclusion: it is hurtful to think that the honour, dignity and integrity of the MJC (SA), its leadership and myself means so little to this man.
I and extremely contented that the funds of the MJC (SA), under leadership of the honourable, dignified, trustworthy and selfless leadership of Sh Irafaan Abrahams, Ml Abdul Khaliq Allie, Sh Riad Fataar, Sh Zaid Dantie and myself, was not misappropriated nor mismanaged in any way.
Yes, no system is without flaws and perfect. Every department in the MJC (SA), especially the Treasury in light of the untrustworthiness of shown by Yusuf Arieff, is always open to improvements.
May Allāh forgive me for my shortcomings and accept all we do for HIS sake, Āmīn.
Yours in Islām and a weak slave in the dīn of Allāh
M. Fadihl Emandien
Download full letter
Letter of Sheikh Aghmat Sedick
Slm Sh Dr Dawood. I agree that it is unbecoming of any member of the MJC to have leaked such “sensitive correspondence” to the public.
As you know “where there’s smoke, a fire is probably churning”.
I, unfortunately, could not attend the AGM due to matters I had to attend to beyond my control.
As you know, for any organization or entity and esp. when it comes to financial matters, the Integrity, Reputation and Success of the organization or entity are embedded on a minimum of 4 Pillars, viz :
1. TRANSPARENCY
2.ACCOUNTABILITY
3. TRUST
4. GOOD GOVERNANCE
Besides, leaking of the correspondence, the correspondence in itself contains Reputational Damage to this august and reputed MJC Organization and the dignified legacy where it came from.
However, the correspondence opened up a “Can of Worms”.
When I read the correspondence, my stomach churned and I became totally unsettled up to now.
Some of your references ????????, like: “accusations”; “defending the integrity of fellow colleagues implicated”; “detractors”; “amanah”; “destroy the MJC from the inside” actually exacerbated the situation and the “can of worms”.
To me, when I read the correspondence, it has serious concerns and implications:
1. When the late Ml Taha (r.a) addressed the EXCO, according his letter, how come the EXCO kept silent (or didn’t give full explanations about it to the GM?
2. If Ml Taha (r.a)’s reference of R900 000.00+ has reference to “COVID RELIEF”, then from where/who is the source of this huge amount of “COVID RELIEF” money and the criteria for such disbursements?
3. The recipients of such monies, the purpose and timing of disbursing the monies come into question (hence my reference of “accountability” and “opening up a can of worms”.
4. The stipulated categories of recipients of R900 000.00 are not all suited to the Principles for the “Disbursement of COVID RELIEF”.
5. The huge amounts of cash withdrawals have their own “accountability from an Financial Accounting” perspective.
But if the R900 000.00+ were only for COVID PURPOSES, the analysis of both Addendums does not make sense to me because for example, what does an operation and an ‘in-and-out’ expense like the Qurbani project got to do and being listed under a R900 000.00+ COVID Expense?
6. If such a huge amount of more than R600 000.00 were spent on COVID RELATED IMAMS’ ASSISTANCE, then surely the checks and balances must be intact, of who and how much was given per individual recipient ???????? this is for proper financial accountability and integrity and nothing to do with “a recipient’s dignity honour”. Yes, the manner in which we do the disbursements has got everything to with the recipient’s dignity, integrity, and honour.
7. Lastly, the matter had been opened up to the MJC’s GM, let’s deal with it respectfully, with integrity and accountability, in the manner how Shari’ah is teaching us to handle matters in which we differ and especially when “accusations or allegations” are made, justifiably or not.
Judicial Due Process NOW needs to be followed, without favour or fear … totally impartial!
It is unbecoming of us “not being accused” / “not part of the alleged allegations” to go into organizational politics of slandering, nit-picking, or calling to defend the dignity of this one or that one. We cannot call for justice (العدل) & fairness (القسط) and then pre-empt scenarios for the justice & fairness to be either derailed or compromised.
“One is innocent until guilt is proven”
I support the “Commission of Inquiry” into this very serious and sensitive matter.
This matter could cause unprecedented REPUTAIONAL DAMAGE to the MJC.
I, therefore, strongly suggest that the Commission of Inquiry is properly constituted, with members serving on Commission to be declared and approved by the GM and not only by the EXCO, all procedural requirements and criteria and timelines for work to be done by the Commission tabulated beforehand in a transparent manner and declared to the GM before actual wirk starts.
May I end off by quoting this ???????? Quranic verse in translation:
Sheikh Aghmat Sedick response
(End of letters)
The public can draw their own conclusion based on these letters, especially the grave aspersions which Mufti Taha Karan had cast at the leadership of the Carrion Organization (MJC) whose ‘chief’ mufti he was. Allah Ta’ala disgraces those who have conspired to mutilate and mangle His Shariah by promoting the baatil and kufr of the covid atheists who pay their agents handsomely for executing the dirty work.
When the stench of these MJC shenanigans was intolerable to even such a liberal as Taha Karan who had deviated from the Straight Path of this Deen, then we can safely infer that this stench represents the tip of the iceberg. The sordid haraam mess in which the MJC is wallowing has constrained even some of its own members to demand a more nuanced approach in a futile attempt to sustain the reputation of an organization reeking of haraam, fisq, fujoor, kufr and khiyaanat.
Whatever defence the culprits will now fabricate will be a vindictive narrative typically driven by desperation with no semblance of following the Haqq. Their hearts have been corrupted beyond the degree of redemption by a lifetime of halaalizing carrion and feeding their ignorant community carrion, pork and other haraam ‘foods’.
23 Ramadhaan 1443 – 25 April 2022