The Freedom Charter provides acceptable general principles for a future vision of South African society which are both basic and general enough to be acceptable to all groups in the liberatory struggle.

From the Islamic point of view, these general principles are in conformity with the Quranic verse: “Verily We have honoured the children of Adam” [Q xvii:70]. From this, Islam derives the principle that there is no distinction in dignity and fundamental rights between one man and another irrespective of race, sex or creed.

This principle is further substantiated by virtue of a prescription of Prophet Mohammed: “There is no advantage of an Arab over a non-Arab or for a white man over a black man, excepting by piety.”

Like the Freedom Charter, Islam calls all people to a better acquaintance and co-operation for the good of all people in order to establish peace, based on justice for all people.

The fundamental general principles of the Freedom Charter are concerned on the whole with those fundamental rights upon which, according to Islamic belief, it is forbidden to infringe in any way. They also deal with economic, social and cultural rights where Islam does not make any distinction on the basis of race, language or religion.

Serious concern is given to the realisation of these basic rights. Islam commands that we struggle for its attainment:

“Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to God.” [Q iv:135]