For months, I’ve been painstakingly planning a 4000 km solo camping road trip into the arid Great Karoo region of South Africa, but after two failed attempts, the idea fell flat.

The first attempt failed when I came down with the flu. The second attempt had to be cancelled because an order for crucial camping equipment – an awning for my Suzuki 4×4 that would protect me from the wind, rain and sun – was not delivered on time. Then the blessed month of Ramadan came and the road trip had to be put on hold – indefinitely. 

Then last week, as I lay in bed contemplating the meaning of life, I could hear my late mother’s words: “Never give up, son!”

‘That’s it, I muttered. ‘I am going,’ – attempt number three!

A few days later, after fajr salah and lots of dua for protection, I hit the road with Bismillah on my lips. 

It was also the day when fuel prices went up, but it wasn’t going to stop me – not now.

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The moment I hit the freeway towards PMB, I felt a mixture of euphoria and liberation. My first stop was at the Glensheiling campsite, set in the lush green countryside of Nottingham Road, in the Midlands. But before that, I dropped in at the only halaal establishment called the Field House Café & Musallah, which serves the finest burgers, shawarmas and pizzas. Set on a sheep farm, the corrugated iron farmhouse-style café was a welcome sight after a monotonous drive from Durban. After Zohr Salah read at the onsite Salah quarters, I was ready for my first night of camping.

Back at the “Glensheiling” campsite, Julie, the owner, welcomed me warmly. I set up camp opposite the lake and climbed up to my rooftop tent and went to bed, lulled into sleep by the sounds of night birds and crickets. The campsite is set alongside a privately-owned indigenous forest where you could go on trails alongside a gurgling stream.

The next camping spot was about 40km away, close to Howick, called Bushwillow. The manager, John and his wife made sure I was comfortable. It was Easter weekend and the campsite was buzzing with people – including shrieking kids, but my campsite, set opposite a trout dam, looked stunning as the waters shimmered in the moonlight night.

By the time you read this, I would be camping at the spectacular Mahai campsite set beneath the foothills of a mountain in the Royal Natal National Park. 

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The Jimny is a little mountain goat eager to take on any mountain or river crossing. So many people ask me: “Aren’t you afraid to travel & camp solo? Don’t you get lonely on the road? What would you do in an emergency in the middle of nowhere? 

If I still have fuel in my tank, then I might still forge on to the Karoo National Park to camp amidst the nama-Karoo shrubs and hills to absorb the beauty of quiet Karoo nights – if Allah wills.

In January last year, I undertook a 5000km road trip – 40 days in all – camping all along the coast of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, the Atlantic West Coast, Namaqua and almost to the border with Namibia. This trip is somewhat different. The route will take me into the vast semi-desert natural region located in the central and western interior of South Africa. It spans 400 000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest arid regions of the country.

The only advice my brother Yusuf gave me is: “Just DON’T break down in that part of the world, OK!”

*To check out Ismail’s adventures on his road trip, follow him on his Instagram channel: @jimny_go Afrika

The post Why I’m solo camping/travelling towards the heartland of the Great Karoo appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Taking a tour of the new space-age Cardiac and Endo-Vascular Cath Lab and Theatre that officially opened at Durban’s Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital recently felt like being at the command centre of a rocket launch.

The glitzy state-of-the-art equipment, lined with a bank of sophisticated computers and monitors, makes the Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital rank amongst the best in the world in terms of heart care.

Invited guests attended the launch of the new Cardiac and Endo-Vascular Cath Lab and Theatre, including the dedicated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Invited guests, largely from the medical fraternity – and Al-Qalam – joined a guided tour of the new facilities, which was described as “a landmark development in our journey of clinical excellence”.

Suraiya Vaizie, the hospital’s public relations management spokesperson, said the advanced unit represents ‘more than state-of-the-art technology’. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to Patient Obsession Service Excellence, where every innovation is driven by better outcomes, safer care, and a deeply human approach to healing”.

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Ebrahim Asmal, CEO of Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital, said: “This new Cardiac and Endo-Vascular Cath Lab, Theatre, and CICU marks a defining moment for AAK. It is an investment not only in advanced medical capability, but in our promise to our patients — that they will receive world-class cardiac care, delivered with compassion, dignity, and excellence. Everything we do is guided by our belief that patient comfort and outcomes come first.”

Guest speaker, Dr Ahmed Vachiat, a prominent specialist physician and cardiologist from Gauteng, said the opening of this cardiac Cath lab will change people’s lives.

“This hospital — and this Cath lab — came into existence because of visionaries pausing to reflect. Dr Ahmed Al Kadi, a cardiothoracic surgeon, asked himself a question that most people in his position never bother to ask: ‘What am I doing with what I have been given?’ That is the essence of reflection. 

“I invite each of us, on this day, to reflect. Not on our achievements — those are real, and they are worth acknowledging, but on the gap. On the distance between the full weight of what we know and can do, and what we are currently deploying in service of others…this gap is an invitation.

“We use the word ‘philanthropy’ often, and sometimes carelessly. It can conjure images of gala dinners and naming rights. But authentic philanthropy — the kind that actually changes the lives of strangers — looks very different.

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“It’s like a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, who could have spent his retirement in comfort, choosing instead to pour his energy, his resources, and his reputation into something that would outlive him — in a country he did not have to care about, for people who could not reciprocate the favour. Dr Ahmed Al Kadi is the inspiration behind this hospital. And yet the place his heart kept returning to was South Africa, this community. 

“There is a concept in Islamic tradition — Amal Jariyah — a continuous, flowing charity. It describes an act whose benefit does not end when the giver stops giving, but continues to flow outward, long after the initial act. A well dug. A school was built. A child is educated. A hospital opened. The reward for such an act is said to continue for as long as the act continues to benefit others. Dr Al Kadi has dug a well. And today we opened the channel through which the water will flow to people who are thirsty.

“That is Dr Al Kadi. And this hospital — this Cath lab— is the evidence. We do not simply honour him with words today. We honour him by committing to carry this work forward with the same spirit. By asking ourselves: ‘what we are building with the expertise and influence we have been given.’

The post ‘Ahmed Al-Kadi Hospital’s new cardiac theatre felt like being in a space lab’ appeared first on Al-Qalam.

When Durban entrepreneur and community leader and chef extraordinaire Nazir Malek gradually lost his sight in both eyes two years ago, he didn’t sit back – he was determined to live life as normally as possible.

He devised a culinary concept where anybody could enjoy a curry in a box. The product known as “The Spice Genie” has every spice ingredient, right down to the oil, onions and tomato paste to make mutton/chicken curry, karahi, kalya, fish curry, and many more – all within 30 minutes. All you have to do, he says, is to drop the oil in the pot, add the meat of your choice, empty the spices provided, add water and it’s done after a few stirs of the pot.

The concept has taken off with distributors selling the products in major centres across the country.

Malek, a well-known community leader, chef and travel agent, recently lost his sight in both eyes caused by retinal detachment, which led to partial blindness. He underwent 12 procedures to save his sight, but unfortunately, none were successful. In January last year, he went completely blind, however this has not deterred him from pursuing his business, and at the same time, his community projects and charitable work.

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During an interview at his home in Durban North, Al-Qalam asked him how he came up with the innovative concept. Malek, who operated a travel business specialising in hajj and umrah travel – and was also a chef for 40 years, cooking for mass events – said he had always provided meals for the hajees.

“So, cooking has always been a passion. I love cooking, I love feeding, so one night, by the Grace of Allah, the thought just came in, ‘why don’t I create something like The Spice Genie, which makes life easy for everyone, where you don’t have to be an expert in cooking. It is a perfect solution for the man or woman who wants to cook a tasty meal in no time. With this product, you’ll be able to feed between five and seven people. All you have to do is add 1kg of fish, mutton, beef, or chicken, then add the spices and tomato paste and let it cook on slow heat for about 30 minutes and you will have the perfect Durban-style meal for your family or guests. The recipe has been perfected, so there is no margin for error.

He said the motivation behind the idea was also meant to sustain his family.

“If you have The Spice Genie in your cupboard, you don’t need anything else, just add the contents and you will have the best original Durban style curry in a matter of less than 30 minutes”, he said.

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Malek says there are 21 dishes that are available on the market. He is now working to produce sweet dishes that would take 15 minutes to prepare.

Malek told Al-Qalam a full gift pack would make a perfect wedding gift for the new bride who is just starting off – it was bound to also make her mother-in-law proud. It could also work well for the bachelor who needed to make a delicious curry – even though his culinary expertise is boiling an egg, he said with a smile.

The post Blind chef Nazir Malek’s ‘The Spice Genie’ concept hits the spot appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYMSA) hosted its Ambassadors for Change training programme in Port Shepstone, equipping youth with both the understanding and the tools to engage meaningfully with the challenges they face.

The workshop covered a wide range of themes, including self-reflection, the root causes of conflict in Africa and globally, racism and discrimination, gender sensitisation, gender-based violence, human rights, as well as facilitation and organisational skills.

The programme was conducted at Port Shepstone Islamic School, delivered in three segments over the course of six days, concluding on April 1, 2026. It brought together a team of facilitators who guided participants through both theoretical and practical components of the training.

The session on human rights and responsibilities was facilitated by Advocate Neliswa Nota and the team from the Isibani Law and Therapy Centre, adding legal and social insight to the discussions.

One of the Facilitators, Arun Naicker, told Al-Qalam that at first, participants were very quiet and reserved. However, once they understood the participatory approach, they became fully engaged in the sessions.

This shift was intentional. “Young people often feel they are not listened to or are given roles that cannot be challenged. This programme creates a space for them to express their views and engage with issues they face daily,” said Naicker. The programme sought to challenge that dynamic by placing participants at the centre of the learning process.

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“Most of the group shared the need to become more confident public speakers. Each learner was given the opportunity to lead and present, and that made a significant difference,” she added.

Through debates, group work and structured discussions, participants were encouraged to grapple with difficult topics, not as distant concepts, but as lived realities.

For 16-year-old participant Sana Mulla, the experience was both confronting and empowering. “As a Matric student, I realised I have a very short window left to make a real impact at my school. I wanted to move away from just identifying problems and actually learn how to solve them,” said Mulla.

A session on human trafficking proved particularly impactful.

Sana told Al-Qalam that it completely stripped away the idea that these things only happen somewhere else. “It made me realise that our own communities and peers are vulnerable. It shifted my perspective from being a student to being a protector,” she said.

The teenager described this as a turning point in how she understands leadership: “Before the workshop, I thought being a leader meant carrying everything on your own shoulders. But I learned that leadership is about facilitation – creating a space where everyone feels they have a stake in the outcome.”

Beyond awareness, the programme placed a strong emphasis on leadership development. Participants were required to lead activities and present lesson plans, many for the first time, building both confidence and practical skills.

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“Most of the group shared the need to become more confident public speakers. Each learner was given the opportunity to lead and present, and that made a significant difference,” said Naicker.

All participants commended the supportive environment created by facilitators. “They were kind-hearted, patient and understanding. They empowered us to be the best versions of ourselves and made us feel like a unified family,” said one participant.

By the end of the programme, the transformation was visible. The same participants who began the training reserved and uncertain were now leading discussions, engaging confidently and taking ownership of their ideas.

The programme concluded with lesson plan presentations, debates and a closing ceremony organised by the participants themselves, which was a reflection of both their growth and their ability to take initiative.

The training also extended beyond the classroom. As part of the programme’s communication component, two participants took part in a radio interview on Radio Al-Ansaar. The experience reinforced the programme’s focus on building not only awareness, but the confidence to communicate and advocate on social issues.

As these young ambassadors return to their schools and communities, the focus will shift from training to action, applying what they learned to the realities they are already facing.

The post MYM workshop helps youth tackle life’s challenges appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The charity and Welfare Foundation, led by well-known Durban humanitarian, Nazir Malek, has embarked on a project where volunteers would spring clean their local masjids in their area.

The operational plan involves teams of eight people deployed to a mosque in their vicinity to spring clean it once every fortnight. This will happen on Sunday mornings after Fajr salah, from 6 am to 8 am.

Malek, who was recently blinded following an eye ailment, continues with his charity work, including cooking for events.

He told Al-Qalam that he was inspired by a hadith reported in Muslim and Bukhari. The hadith mentions that a lady used to regularly clean the mosque of the Holy Prophet (SAW).

When the Holy Prophet (SAW) had not seen the lady for a few days, he enquired about her whereabouts. His companions informed him that she had passed away. The Holy Prophet (SAW) was saddened that he had not been informed of her demise.

He informed the companions that because of her virtuous deed of cleaning the house of Allah, Allah had cleansed her heart, forgiven her sins, and secured for her a place in Paradise.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) then requested to be taken to her grave, where he performed her janazah salah and made dua for her forgiveness.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) greatly appreciated her humble service of cleaning the House of Allah and found it worthy to personally intercede and pray for her.

Malek said cleaning a masjid was a noble cause and an opportunity to please Allah.

He pointed out that spring cleaning would involve the cleaning of the masjid from ceiling to floor, including windows, tiles, toilets, and deep cleaning of the carpets. All the necessary equipment and cleaning materials will be provided.

“We intend to form a group of dedicated individuals who will serve Allah by cleaning his house. These will be “the Humble Servants,” he said.

“The teams will also be able to identify other areas of improvement and donors will then be found to assist.

“While there are many ways to serve Allah, this humble act will help control the ego (nafs). It takes humility to physically serve Allah to attain HIS pleasure and mercy, and as expiation for our sins.

“If this project resonates with you, then kindly contact us so we can coordinate the cleaning of the masjid in the vicinity of your home”, he added. 

For those who wish to contribute financially by assisting in purchasing equipment and cleaning materials, you may deposit only Lillah funds into the designated account: Charity and Welfare Foundation – Standard Bank Savings Account no: 2554-17764, Overport City.

Section 18A certificates are also available for your generous contribution.

“May Allah accept the intention and effort of trying to serve Allah”.

For further details, contact: Nazir Malek

082 497 8688 nazir@malek.co.za

The post Want to join a team to spring clean Mosques? appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The South Africa Palestine Movement (SAPM) recently held an Iftaar evening of “unity, reflection and solidarity’ at the Suleman Lockhat Auditorium in Overport, Durban, with one main conviction – to pursue justice for the Palestinian people.

Al-Qalam attended the event along with dozens of activists from across religious denominations and Palestinian groups.

The Iftaar evening also marked a milestone for the South Africa Palestine Movement, whose members street protested for 105 Fridays in bitterly cold wintry weather to blistering hot summer days.

“This milestone is not simply a celebration – it is a renewal of intention. Until the siege ends. Until occupation falls. Until children wake up without fear. Until olive trees grow without being uprooted. Two years later, the message remains clear: we will not normalise oppression. We will not silence the truth. We will not stop showing up, no matter what the weather, Yeshelen Govender, the group’s media spokesman.

One of those who attended the Iftaar was 95-year-old Coral Vinsen (94) of Durban, who is probably the oldest human rights activist in South Africa to protest each week against the genocide in Gaza – come hail, rain or shine.

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Also at the Iftaar evening was activist Elham Mouaffak Hatfield, a French-Moroccan (now South African citizen) who is part of the Global South African Samud flotilla Organisation team

She told Al-Qalam that people are preparing to set sail for Gaza within weeks, adding that the Flotilla will sail from Tunisia. She also called on South Africans to register to join the flotilla as soon as possible.

“We aim to leave for Gaza on the 12th April 2026 with 100 boats. Over a thousand people from around the world will join the Samud flotilla. We also have the humanitarian convoy mission at the same time.

“We will focus once again to sail peacefully to attempt once again to open a humanitarian corridor and break the siege of Gaza. Participants will include teachers, healthcare workers, war crime investigators, eco-builders and others to help build essential infrastructure in the Gaza Strip that was destroyed by the Zionist regime,” she added.

Those willing to volunteer may sign up here: https://registration.globalsumudflotilla.org/

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The post Activists break bread at Iftaar evening appeared first on Al-Qalam.

As digital platforms continue to shape the social lives of young people, the rapid growth of social media has introduced serious risks, particularly for those who may not fully understand that what they post or share online could potentially ruin their own lives or those of others. 

The South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) is urging Muslim organisations and community leaders to prioritise education around the moral, legal and social implications of social media misuse.

SAMNET member, Mohamed Kharwa, told Al-Qalam that across communities, concerns are growing around issues such as cyberbullying, digital harassment, grooming and the creation or sharing of manipulated content like deepfakes. While precise figures are difficult to determine, available research suggests the problem is widespread and growing.

Legal experts have also warned that many young people do not realise how easily online actions can lead to serious consequences.

SAMNET pointed out that this was happening within the Muslim community, among, by and against Muslim youth.

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Kharwa reflected on the teachings of digital law specialist Emma Sadleir, who has become a leading voice on the risks of online behaviour.

In her public talks, Sadleir frequently highlights that what young people consider jokes, pranks or private messages can easily cross into criminal territory. Sharing explicit images, participating in online harassment, or distributing manipulated content such as deepfakes can lead to serious legal repercussions.

She emphasised that digital content leaves a permanent trail, something many teenagers fail to consider in the moment.

For SAMNET, the concern is that community discussions about social media often focus on condemnation rather than education.

“Many talks, Jumu’ah khutbahs and podcasts focus on saying social media is bad, that people should stay off it or delete the apps. It condemns the technology but doesn’t teach how to use it or protect yourself,” he said.

Kharwa said the youth need guidance to protect themselves from misuse among peers and their own actions. “The prevailing strategy of ‘building walls’ and trying to ‘isolate ourselves’ from the reality is not going to work,” he said. 

A major challenge, however, is that the digital world has evolved far more quickly than the ability of many parents and educators to keep up with it. “Until we educate and support parents, teachers and community leaders, how can we expect them to know what to do?” he asked.

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Rather than addressing incidents only after they occur, SAMNET is urging proactive engagement to equip both youth and adults with the knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

To address the issue, the network has proposed a multi-layered initiative aimed at strengthening awareness and education.

The plan includes a programme to “educate the experts” by bringing together specialists in youth psychology, law and education to develop a unified messaging strategy. The initiative would also involve training community-based facilitators across different regions to deliver consistent guidance and support.

Another key component would involve workshops for parents and educators hosted through mosques and community organisations, helping adults better understand the platforms young people use and the challenges they encounter online.

SAMNET also proposes a sustained social media awareness campaign across both digital and physical platforms to reinforce responsible online behaviour and highlight potential legal consequences.

The organisation believes addressing the issue requires a coordinated approach involving legal experts, psychologists, educators, community organisations and youth leaders.

Importantly, the conversation should not be limited to schools or even to youth alone. “These problems exist in universities, workplaces and even between adults. The youth conversation is critical, but broader discussions about responsible digital behaviour must happen in parallel,” Kharwa said.

SAMNET also believes addressing these challenges should extend beyond the Muslim community: “As part of a diverse country, we have a responsibility to everyone. Just as we respond to hunger or physical hardship, we must also respond to social harm.”

Kharwa noted that digital abuse affecting any woman or young person should be treated as a collective concern.

For SAMNET, the goal is clear: build awareness before harm occurs.

“This is about building an informed and prepared generation. We cannot ignore the realities young people face online. We must equip them to navigate it responsibly,” said Kharwa.

The post ‘What you post online could ruin your life’ appeared first on Al-Qalam.

For many across the world, Gaza is often known only through news reports of conflict and devastation. But for Palestinian artist and educator Israa Selmi, Gaza is first and foremost home – a place rich in culture, faith, and resilience.

Now living in South Africa, Selmi carries the stories, traditions and spirit of her homeland into the work she does every day, ensuring that Palestinian culture continues to be shared and preserved far beyond its borders.

Born and raised in Gaza, Selmi’s childhood unfolded against the backdrop of repeated conflict. She lived through multiple wars and countless military aggressions that have shaped the lives of generations of Palestinians. One of the most defining moments of her early life was the loss of her father, who was martyred during the ongoing struggle faced by the Palestinian people.

In the face of unimaginable hardship, Selmi says it was her mother who became the pillar of strength for the family, raising her children under extremely difficult conditions while instilling in them values of patience, faith and perseverance.

Those lessons have remained central to Selmi’s journey.

While she initially pursued studies in Medical Laboratory Sciences in Gaza, her passion for education and cultural expression continued to grow. Today, she is in her third year studying education, working towards her dream of becoming a teacher who inspires students to believe in themselves and in the power of knowledge.

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Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Through her online initiative, Arabic with Israa, Selmi teaches Arabic to students around the world, sharing not only the language but also the cultural richness that it carries.

For Selmi, language is more than a means of communication – it is a living connection to identity, history and belonging.

Her journey eventually brought her to South Africa, a move she describes as both daunting and deeply meaningful. Leaving Gaza and starting a new life thousands of kilometres away from family and familiarity was not easy. Yet within South Africa, she found a community that stood in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

That support has played an important role in shaping the work she continues to do today.

Living far from home has strengthened Selmi’s commitment to preserving and sharing Palestinian culture. In diaspora, she told Al-Qalam, the importance of holding on to one’s roots becomes even more profound.

This commitment led to the creation of ZaytoonZA, a cultural initiative Selmi co-founded with her close friend, Manar Shanqiti. What began as a small effort to support Selmi’s family in Gaza during difficult circumstances gradually evolved into a growing platform that connects South Africans with authentic Palestinian cultural products.

The initiative also maintains a direct link to Gaza through Selmi’s sister, Iman, who assists with preparing and promoting items from there. In this way, ZaytoonZA serves not only as a small business but also as a bridge between Gaza and South Africa.

Today, the online store offers more than 200 Palestinian products, including traditional embroidered items, scarves, bags, accessories and other pieces inspired by Palestinian heritage.

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Through art, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, Selmi believes these traditions can continue to flourish even far from their place of origin.

Art, she told Al-Qalam, is a universal language capable of communicating the stories of a people across cultures and borders. Each embroidered design, each pattern and each handmade piece reflects a narrative of heritage, resilience and pride.

Despite living far from Gaza, Selmi remains deeply connected to her homeland. Through constant communication with her family and through initiatives that provide support to them, she continues to play an active role in their lives.

She hopes that people in South Africa and around the world come to understand that Gaza is more than the images of destruction often seen on television screens. It is a place where families raise children, where communities celebrate culture and where people continue to dream of a better future.

Through her work as an educator, artist and cultural advocate, Selmi is determined to keep those stories alive.

In doing so, she reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, hope can take root – much like the enduring olive tree that has long symbolised the strength of the Palestinian people.

The post Gaza to SA – Israa Selmi keeps Palestinian culture alive appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The UKZN Muslim Students Association (MSA) hosted a mass iftar at the Howard College Jamaat Khana recently, which brought together over 130 students from across campus to break their fast in a setting that reflected the spirit and etiquette of Ramadan.

The event itself had long been part of the MSA’s plans but had not been organised in recent years.

MSA UKZN Westville Chairperson, Hafidh Ebrahim Vaid, told Al-Qalam that a reminder from a recent Jumu’ah speaker about the virtues of hosting a mass iftar, and the importance of unity within the Muslim community, ultimately inspired organisers to prioritise it.

The intention behind the gathering was clear: to foster unity among students. “One of the foundational principles of Islam is the concept of brotherhood and belonging to one ummah,” said Vaid.  

While mass iftars on campuses are sometimes criticised for becoming purely social events, the organisers were deliberate about maintaining an environment rooted in Islamic practice. MSA UKZN Westville Vice Chairperson, Abdullah Khan, said that the venue had separate entrances and facilities for brothers and sisters.

Khan explained that the evening was structured to keep the focus firmly on the spiritual significance of the month. With naseehat and talks delivered by Moulana Ismail Moosa and Moulana Junaid Kharsany, while students also marked the completion of a Qur’an khatam and participated in a collective dua before breaking their fast.

Maintaining modesty and boundaries was also a key priority for organisers. “Our Prophet (PBUH) said modesty is part of faith. As the hosts of this event, it was our responsibility to ensure that this article of faith was upheld. A few members stood guard and ensured no one lingered outside the gathering,” explained Vaid.

He noted that students from different cultures, backgrounds and age groups attended: “At a time when there are many challenges and disruptions taking place around the world, it is especially important for Muslims to strengthen their bonds with one another and stand together in unity.”

For many students studying away from home, Ramadan can feel very different from the warmth of family iftars. One attendee said the gathering offered students a sense of comfort and belonging: “Being away from home is already a significant adjustment and during Ramadan, many students feel that distance even more strongly. Breaking fast with other Muslim students feels comforting. It becomes like a family away from our own families.”

An attendee noted that the presence of over a hundred students shows that the Muslim community at UKZN is active, supportive and strongly connected: “It was really good to see a large number of Muslims together – a reminder of the strength of this ummah.”

The event also quietly opened the door for dawah. Non-Muslim students were invited to attend and experience Ramadan alongside their Muslim peers. “Ramadan is not only about fasting, but also about showing good character and hospitality. Some of the non-Muslim students even chose to fast with their friends in solidarity or out of curiosity. They seemed to enjoy the experience and were comfortable. We hope to encourage more to attend in the future,” said Vaid.

The MSA team hopes they left with a better understanding of Ramadan and the welcoming spirit of the Muslim community.

Vaid noted that the evening was a reminder that many young Muslims are searching for spaces where they can remain connected to Islam while navigating university life.

The organisers now hope the mass iftar will become a regular Ramadan tradition at the university.

The post MSA students host mass Iftar at UKZN appeared first on Al-Qalam.

A significant new scholarly volume reflecting on the enduring ethical legacy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will soon be available to readers across South Africa and beyond. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at 1500: His Prophetic Legacy, Ethical Vision and Contemporary Resonance commemorates 1500 years since the birth of the Prophet ﷺ by exploring the continued relevance of his message in a world grappling with profound moral, social and environmental challenges.

The book brings together a diverse group of scholars, educators, religious leaders and public intellectuals who reflect on how the Prophetic tradition continues to speak meaningfully to contemporary life. Rather than offering a simple historical reflection, the chapters engage the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a living ethical inheritance that continues to guide reflection on justice, mercy, dignity, leadership, education and social responsibility.

Central to the book is the idea of the Prophetic ethical grammar described by the contributors. This refers to the deeper moral framework embedded in the life and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, which continues to shape Muslim ethical reflection and practice. Through this lens, the chapters explore how Prophetic guidance can illuminate contemporary debates about inequality, violence, technological disruption, ecological vulnerability and the search for moral clarity in a rapidly changing world.

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While the book is rooted in the South African intellectual and social context, its outlook is continental, global and planetary. The contributors place Muslim ethical thought within wider conversations about justice, public responsibility and the search for humane and sustainable futures. Through a range of perspectives, the volume demonstrates how the Prophetic example can inspire dialogue across communities while encouraging thoughtful engagement with the crises that define our age.

At a time when societies across the world face deepening divisions, war and genocide, political instability, environmental pressures and the disruptive effects of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the book argues that the ethical vision of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remains a vital resource for reflection and action. His teachings on compassion, justice, responsibility and care offer moral guidance for individuals and communities seeking principled responses to contemporary challenges.

The volume is edited by Professor Aslam Fataar, a South African scholar known for his work on education, ethics and social transformation. Alongside his academic scholarship, he contributes to public intellectual debates and writes on Islamic ethics and social change. His work explores questions of knowledge, pedagogy, moral formation and public responsibility in deeply unequal societies.

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Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at 1500 offers an accessible and thoughtful contribution for readers interested in Islamic ethics, intellectual history, education and the place of religion in contemporary public life. The book forms part of the 1500 Prophetic Legacy Project, developed in partnership with Awqaf South Africa. The first official launch is planned for early April 2026, with additional national and international launches and a symposium on the book’s themes also being organised. 

Readers are encouraged to watch media and social media platforms for announcements about the launches and related discussions.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at 1500: His Prophetic Legacy, Ethical Vision and Contemporary Resonance (Prophetic Legacy Commission, Cape Town) is edited by Prof Aslam Fataar and will soon be available through Exclusive Books, Takealot, Academia Library, Amazon and Loot, as well as through selected community venues and events

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