The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) is now readying itself for its May 29th election which is part two of its Annual General Meeting (AGM). At least six candidates are competing for the top position of president. The incumbent Shaykh Irfaan Abrahams is running again but it has been the nomination of former DA lawmaker Sheikh Shahid Esau that has courted controversy. There is concern by some that his political affiliation may be aimed at influencing what social media posts call the Muslim vote and the Muslim body’s positions on issues like Palestine and the Bo-Kaap. It comes as efforts over the weekend aimed to block card-carrying political members from running failed. The proposal reportedly could not muster a two-thirds majority required to alter the MJC constitution.

To get an inside view into the workings of the MJC and its leadership race we are joined by the Muslim Judicial Council’s 2nd Deputy President Shaykh Riad Fataar. He is also one of the people nominated for the position of president…