My religion is superior to the law the survival of Islam at the Cape of Good Hope

Abstract

Whatever future prospects of Cape may be, it is certain that Malays are destined to form, permanently a part and parcel of mixed races here. It may be observed, that no country on face of earth is more mixed in its inhabitants than Cape. The different occupants of soil are almost too numerous to mention, but mixture is suggestive of much speculation regarding future of Colony eventually. It is in this mixture partly that difficulty in legislating for general good lies, and doubtless this has been felt by various Governors, as well as others who have entered our colonial affairs, whilst probably too Home Government has found solution of knotty question of pleasing all parties equally perplexing.2 Such describes a Cape Colonist, difficult racial situation in Cape of Good Hope in 1883. How much genuine concern there was for finding the solution of knotty question of pleasing all, is difficult to say. Legislative measures, introduced by both local and central governments, favoured middle-class. In them were vested power to legislate and control; and their interest counted most.3 People of colour, like Cape Muslims, who constitute poor, were on receiving end. This is particularly evident from various ways franchise issue was manipulated from 1853 onwards.4 A year prior to this statement by a Cape Colonist, Cape Muslim community showed their teeth for first time. They have patiently endured harsh measures imposed upon them during eighteenth and nineteenth centuries' smallpox epidemics. These measures did not take cognisance of their particular religious needs or social position. Nor were they implemented with any form of justice or consideration of Cape Muslim sentiment.5 By 1882, Cape Muslim community could endure these measures no longer. They responded by declaring that their religion is superior to law, and openly showed their defiance.