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Xhosa Heritage - African Traditional Religion
You are here: Nalane - Xhosa Heritage - Religion - Contents - Moral OrderMoral Order
In African Traditional Religion, individualism is discouraged. It is regarded as inhuman. The communal way of life is central whereby human beings share joys, blessings, sorrows, and burdens, hence the saying "I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am". Harmony within oneself, one's clan, society, nature and the spiritual world forms the basis of a healthy society. To achieve harmony, respect is fundamental - respect for oneself, other people, the elderly and the spiritual world. What is right and wrong is assessed by how it affects other people. Community, therefore, is very important in African Traditional Religion. No one can show his/her humanness without showing how s/he relates to other people. Disturbing harmony and disrespect are punishable by the Creator through the ancestors. Moral order is characterised by the concept of UBUNTU - having a feeling about other human beings, helping the needy physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. One must treat others as one wants to be treated.How can a rich person enjoy a happy life when his/her neighbour's stomach is filled with water? The "haves" are to nqoma/mafis (lend without gain) to the "have nots". In traditional society the "haves" lend the "have nots" cows to milk, and to plough and will later return the original nkomo yenqoma (beast of nqoma) to the owner with some of the offspring but retain some for future use. A man with a span of oxen must offer to plough for the poor (amphe indima); so that both may reap harvest. Ukunqoma (lend without gain) and ukupha indima ( help to plough a section of the land of the poor) must all be accompanied by responsibility on the side of the needy. Those helped must show appreciation by their responsibility and dedication. It is free will that encompasses UBUNTU.
Adapted from "African Traditional Religion: An introduction for beginners" - by Nokuzola Mndende, Icamagu Institute.1998 - 2007 Afrikan Virtual Resource and Nalane.
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