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A Muslim wife has rights‚ as sober Chief Mandela will find out

Loved-up Mandla Mandela’s conversion to Islam means he needs to give up vice‚ pledging to live a morally sound life – including fidelity within marriage‚ fasting and prayer.

And unlike the Xhosa nation’s self-confessed dagga smoking king‚ the isiXhosa chief needs to give up any intoxicating substance.

Chief Mandela of Mvezo married Muslim bride Rabia Clarke in Cape Town last week. “I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rabia’s parents‚ her extended family and the Muslim community‚ for welcoming me into their hearts‚” Mandela said in a statement.

 “Although Rabia and I were raised in different cultural and religious traditions‚ our coming together reflects what we have in common: We are South Africans‚” he said.

The marriage‚ was the fourth for Mandela. He is still legally married to his first wife‚ Tando Mabunu-Mandela‚ although they are estranged and embroiled in bitter court battles. Mandela’s second and third marriages have been annulled.

Under Islam‚ a man may have up to four wives – if he secures permission from his spouse first.

 Explaining how a conversion to Islam should change Chief Mandela’s life‚ religious leader Moulana Ebrahim I Bham‚ secretary general of Jamiatul Ulama South Africa‚ said the process began with a declaration of belief: “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger”.

To help a convert understand the marriage rules under Islam‚ Imams‚ senior family and community members that may be close to prospective couples offer counselling depending on their need or circumstances‚ he said.

 “We encourage couples to attend pre-nuptial workshop sessions that we organise‚ from time-to-time‚ so that prospective brides and grooms understand the importance and responsibilities of married life.”

Explaining the marriage rules‚ he said: “Islam seeks to establish balance and equity within society. The rules that pertain to marriages follow this general principle. Both husband and wife have rights over each other just as they also have responsibilities and duties.”

For children born of the marriage‚ the religion states they are given to their parents in trust. There can be no papgeld disputes because being Muslim means an acceptance of their responsibilities.

“It is the responsibility of the parents to give them an upbringing that makes them responsible and God-fearing. The husband has the responsibility not only of providing for and maintaining the wife but also seeing to the needs of the children‚” Bham said.

Chief Mandela’s daily life will change dramatically‚ now that he has converted to Islam.

“A new Muslim has to learn and start to perform prayers (salaah)‚ five times daily.

 “Other observances include fasting during the month of Ramadan and paying of zakah (annual poor dues) from one’s wealth. The pilgrimage to Makkah is obligatory on those who can afford it.

 “Furthermore‚ observance of dietary laws imply that a Muslims does not use any intoxicating substances‚ consume pork or flesh of beasts of prey. In short‚ a Muslim is allowed to eat halaal food only.”

A religious Islamic life also spells out a spiritual way of living for people who choose the follow the faith like Mandela‚ who is a MP in addition to his traditional duties.

“Emphasis is placed on sound morals and character through modesty‚ chastity for the unmarried‚ and fidelity for those in matrimony‚” said Bham.

 “Becoming a Muslim means accepting a new life by giving up vice‚ replacing that with what is pure and wholesome‚ in belief and deeds.”