
Source image: Al- Qalam
(The Post News)- A Durban man, previously accused of terrorism, has expressed interest in running for elections. Farhad Hoomer, who has been involved in several past incidents, including a 2018 attack that resulted in one death and two injuries, and a 2021 arrest for possession of firearms and ammunition (though charges in the latter case were dropped), now aims to contribute positively to the country through politics.
Hoomer has submitted his application to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to contest the upcoming local government elections, stating his intention to participate in the political process. The IEC is seeking public comment on the potential registration of the Islamic State of Africa (ISA) party. Interested parties can provide input, which the IEC will consider before deciding. Should the party get registered, it would still need to meet additional legal requirements to participate in elections.
A pastor who has been with the Democratic Alliance (DA) for many years is helping Hoomer with the registration. The pastor raised concerns about the name of the party, but Hoomer said, “I’m not bending the rules. I want to be clear from the outset what the party is about. I do not want to enter politics as a snake and then try to implement Sharia law.”
Sharia law is a system of Islamic religious laws based on the Quran, outlining principles for governing and promoting human welfare. Hoomer explained, “Under Sharia law, the government is obligated to provide work for people, and if work cannot be provided, then the government must give an income to the unemployed. The West has demonized Sharia Law, and therefore it is seen as terrorism, when in fact history tells us that wherever Sharia law has been implemented, not just in Muslim countries, the people and the country prospered.”
Hoomer wants to use his political platform to educate people about Sharia law, citing potential benefits like reduced taxes and no interest rates, which he believes would improve the lifestyle of the general population.