Imam Abdullah Haroun (1924–1969) was a respected South African Muslim cleric, teacher and anti-apartheid activist who dedicated his life to combating racial injustice and promoting unity among oppressed communities. His death in police custody made him a martyr in the struggle against apartheid, and his legacy continues to inspire movements for justice in South Africa and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Imam Abdullah Haroun, a symbol of resistance against racism and injustice for South African Muslims, was born in Cape Town on 8 February 1924. Harun, who lost his mother at a young age, was raised under the care of his aunt Maryam and encouraged to pursue religious education. After completing his primary education in South Africa, he travelled to Mecca to study tafsir, hadith and Islamic history. Influenced by his teacher Abd al-Rahman al-Alawi in Mecca, Haroun deepened his Islamic consciousness and was inspired by the ideas of the Muslim Brotherhood movement.
Harun, whose education was cut short by World War II, returned to his country and took lessons from important scholars such as Sheikh Abdullah Jamal al-Din and Sheikh Ismail Ghanief. During the same period, he began to take an interest in social issues by teaching at a local Muslim school.
Leadership and Activism
In 1955, he was appointed imam of Al-Jamia Mosque in Claremont, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most important mosques. Haroun, who loudly stated in his sermons that Islam categorically rejected racism, openly criticized the apartheid regime’s discriminatory policies against black Muslims and mixed-race people. He organized educational programs for women and young people, helped the poor, and in 1958 founded the Cape Town Muslim Youth Association so that young Muslims could receive religious education.
Haroun, who openly resisted the “sabotage law” enacted by the apartheid government in 1961, appealed to Muslims and other oppressed peoples with the words, “The beast of racism is very savage… I ask you! How long can we endure? Is there no limit to patience?” For this courageous stance, he became a target of the state and was kept under constant surveillance by informants placed among the mosque congregation.
Haroun believed that Islam required active resistance to oppression. He called on his community to accept their responsibility in the face of apartheid by emphasizing solidarity across racial and religious lines. Although he worked closely with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan African Congress (PAC), he never officially joined a political party.
One of his key contributions was to bridge the gap between the Muslim community and the broader anti-apartheid movement. At a time when many Muslim leaders were reluctant to get politically involved, Haroun stood out as a courageous voice advocating direct action against apartheid.
He was also involved with the Muslim Youth Movement and the Claremont Muslim Youth Association, where he supported educational programs, youth leadership and community service initiatives designed to uplift the marginalized.
Arrest, Detention and Death
Imam Haroun was arrested on 28 May 1969 under South Africa’s notorious Terrorism Act, which allowed for indefinite detention without trial. He was held in solitary confinement at Caledon Square Police Station and later transferred to Maitland Police Station.
Haroun was brutally interrogated and tortured during his 123 days in custody. The police claimed that he died from injuries sustained in a fall down a staircase on 27 September 1969, a claim that was not widely believed.
An official inquest revealed that he had more than 27 bruises on his body and had suffered serious internal injuries. Despite this evidence, no one was ever held responsible for his death, highlighting the impunity and disregard for human rights of the apartheid regime.
His funeral in Cape Town brought thousands of mourners and turned into a major protest against apartheid. Haroun’s death was a catalyst that further galvanized the resistance movement.
The Enduring Legacy of Imam Abdullah Haroun
Imam Abdullah Haroun is remembered as a symbol of resistance, courage and moral leadership. His life and death demonstrated the deep connections between faith and social justice. Numerous initiatives and memorials have been created in his honor:
- The Imam Haroun Foundation was established to preserve his legacy and promote social justice through education and advocacy.
- Streets, schools and public spaces were named after him.