Western Cape High Court dismissed an application for contempt of court against the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) by itsformer president, Sheikh Irafaan Abrahams, in the latest chapter of a leadership dispute.

Abrahams was suspended amid an investigation into financial irregularities during his tenure, though he wasn't directly accused of theft. The council sought answers on the state of its finances under his leadership.

The council elected Sheikh Riad Fataar as the new president in January, cutting short Abrahams' term. Abrahams contested the election's timing, believing his suspension and the leadership dispute were unresolved.

The court had previously ruled that elections could proceed for other positions but not for president pending Abrahams' disciplinary hearing. A settlement seemed near when, after discussions and an oral agreement, Abrahams agreed to resign and withdraw his court action in exchange for a payment of R350,000.

However, Abrahams later changed his stance, claiming the agreement was not binding until written and signed, leading to the court's decision.

The judge found no clear evidence of a settled agreement and dismissed Abrahams' application, suggesting the matter had not been fully resolved.

The MJC maintained it had fulfilled its part of the agreement by paying Abrahams, though he disputed the payments' nature and timing.

‍