Al-Qalam 
By Neelam Rahim
From a young boy curious about how household gadgets worked to a physicist contributing to one of the world’s most ambitious scientific projects, Professor Muaaz Bhamjee has always been guided by curiosity and faith.
Today, as an Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s institutional representative for CERN’s ATLAS experiment, he has helped a global team earn the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. Yet speaking to Al-Qalam, Prof Bhamjee emphasizes that the greatest reward is not recognition, but the pursuit of knowledge that serves humanity and uplifts communities.
His fascination with science began early. “I was always intrigued by how things worked – technology, natural systems, even simple household objects,” he recalls. This curiosity guided him into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – first in school and later through formal study, including a degree in mechanical engineering, a PhD, and an Honours degree in applied mathematics. One pivotal project involved simulating how dry nitrogen flows through a critical safety system in CERN’s Inner Tracker. That early technical challenge became his gateway into the ATLAS collaboration, one of the largest scientific enterprises in the world, where global teamwork and innovation intersect.
Working in such a diverse international environment has taught him that science is never a solitary pursuit. “Impactful research depends on the collective effort of scientists from many disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds,” he tells Al-Qalam. “Advancing our understanding of the universe is a shared endeavour that requires humility, openness, and collaboration. Meaningful discovery is always a joint pursuit, not an individual one.” He notes that the friendships and mentorships formed across borders are as valuable as the scientific breakthroughs themselves.
For Prof Bhamjee, science and Islamic faith are deeply intertwined. “My Islamic values play a grounding role in my work,” he explains. “Islam encourages seeking knowledge, reflecting on creation, and using that knowledge to benefit humanity. These principles naturally align with scientific inquiry and ethical responsibility.”
Each equation he works with, each model he develops, becomes a reminder of the beauty, order, and complexity of creation – a source of both intellectual challenge and spiritual reflection. He believes that understanding creation through science can enhance gratitude, mindfulness, and ethical awareness, core tenets of Islam.
This perspective also informs how he hopes to inspire young Muslim scientists. “Parents, educators, and community leaders should avoid framing science as separate from faith,” he advises. “Muslim researchers can be role models, showing that integrity, humility, and service in STEM are expressions of Islamic values. When young people see this, they feel supported and confident in pursuing scientific careers while staying true to their faith.” He encourages initiatives that introduce students to research early, fostering both curiosity and moral grounding.
Looking to the future, Prof Bhamjee’s excitement is captured by the potential of quantum computing. “It can tackle problems beyond classical computing and spark curiosity across multiple scientific fields,” he says. “South Africa has the talent to contribute meaningfully in this space, and our Muslim communities can encourage youth to explore these frontiers. With vision and support, we can help position the country as a contributor to the next wave of global innovation.”
While awards and international recognition are impressive, Prof Bhamjee measures his success by the principles he lives by: curiosity, ethical responsibility, and service to humanity. “Science is not only about discovery,” he tells Al-Qalam. “It is also about how knowledge can benefit communities and uplift people. This is where faith and science meet – in humility, reflection, and a sense of purpose.”
From the child captivated by simple mechanisms to a Breakthrough Prize-winning physicist, Professor Muaaz Bhamjee embodies the power of curiosity guided by faith. His story demonstrates that science is not a departure from Islamic identity, but a way to engage with creation, serve humanity, and nurture both mind and soul. For young South African Muslims looking toward STEM careers, his message is clear: pursue knowledge boldly, stay rooted in your values, and let faith guide the journey.
