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Infighting and Disagreement Plague Albayan Islamic trust council.


Disagreement Plague Albayan Islamic trust council

This report was compiled by

Mohamed Kosow Salat:

Mohamed is a freelancer journalist.

In a disheartening turn of events, the Albayan Islamic Trust Council, a non-profit organization established in the early 2000s by Somali businessmen and Islamic scholars, has recently been marred by internal conflict and discord among its founders. 

The infighting came to a head last year, leading to a controversial decision targeting a prominent figure within the organization, Sheikh Shakir, who has dedicated two decades to serving the Somali community through spiritual guidance, educational initiatives, and conflict resolution.

Sheikh Shakir's unwavering commitment to his community is well-known, with many testifying to the positive impact he has made over the years. Through his efforts, he has actively engaged in delivering prayers, establishing Islamic schools, preparing and conducting the burial of Somalis who were killed in locations and assisting in resolving challenging issues faced by the Somali population.

However, it seems that a group within the Albayan Islamic Trust Council has called for Sheikh Shakir's resignation, causing significant unrest within the community. The decision has not been warmly received by those who have directly benefited from his selfless work. The community members harbor concerns about the motives behind this decision and mourn the potential loss of a dedicated and respected figure who has become an integral part of their lives.

The exact details surrounding the disagreements and infighting within the Albayan Islamic Trust Council remain unclear. However, there are some indications that the disagreement is based on management, resources collection as a journalist, I reached out to both sides involved in the dispute for their perspectives. Unfortunately, I have yet to receive any responses or statements regarding the issue.

The Albayan Islamic Trust Council has successfully constructed a mosque and a Madarasa in  Korsten a neighborhood of Port Elizabeth predominantly residential of Somalis. Unfortunately, the dispute and infighting within the council have persisted, leading to a prolonged conflict. 

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Somali elders and businessmen in Korsten have made multiple efforts to mediate and bring about peace between the two parties involved. However, their endeavors have not yielded any positive outcomes thus far. As a result, the matter has now reached the high  Court, with both parties enlisting the aid of professional lawyers to represent their respective interests.

As a non-profit organization with the mission to serve and uplift the community, it is essential for the Albayan Islamic Trust Council to address the concerns raised by community members. Open communication and dialogue will be vital in resolving this internal conflict and working towards a solution that benefits all parties involved.

The story of Albayan Islamic Trust Council reflects the complexities and challenges that can arise within non-profit organizations and volunteer-driven initiatives. However, it must not overshadow the positive contributions made by the organization as a whole, nor undermine the importance of their noble mission.

As this situation continues to unfold, it is my hope that the founders and sponsors of the Albayan Islamic Trust Council and Sheikh Shakir can find a common ground and navigate through this difficult period. Only through cooperation and understanding can they continue to positively impact the lives of those they serve.


Mohamed Kosow Salat is a freelancer, a businessman and a cybersecurity  expert.


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