Al-Qalam 
By Neelam Rahim
In a moment that will be remembered for years to come, three young learners from Qurtuba Islamic Academy have made history – bringing home the title of National Debate Champions in their very first year of competing.
The trio, Grade 7 learners Humayra Bey, Layyana Essop and Imaan Adamjee, represented Qurtuba at the National Debate Finals, competing against some of South Africa’s top public and private schools. Their final motion, “Navigation apps should warn users of dangerous areas, and recommend routes avoiding them,” saw them take the stage as the proposition – and walk away as champions.
But behind the victory was more than just skill – it was faith, unity, and tawakkul.
“We hope our win shows other young Muslims that with passion, hard work and full trust in Allah, anything is possible,” the girls told Al-Qalam. “We began our debating journey completely new to the sport, yet we stepped forward with confidence and belief in ourselves. Our message to others is simple: place your reliance on Allah first, do your absolute best, and success will find you. Representing our Ummah with excellence makes every effort worthwhile.”
For first-time debaters, the journey came with its challenges. “Debating for the very first time was mentally demanding – thinking quickly, crafting strong arguments and speaking boldly under pressure. There were moments where we felt unsure or had differences of opinion, but we always reminded ourselves that we are a team,” they told Al-Qalam. “By relying on each other’s strengths and staying united, every challenge became manageable. Teamwork gave us courage.”
Even amidst the intensity of the two-day finals, the girls made sure their priorities remained intact. “We constantly made dua and remembered that success is only granted by Allah,” they shared. “Even during the National Debate Finals, we made sure to take time out to read our Salaah, because our connection with Allah comes before anything else. We aimed to remain humble, respectful and patient throughout. Knowing that Allah rewards effort gave us the confidence to keep going.”
Their coach, Apa Sumaiya Cotwal, who led the team alongside Muallimah Farzana Khan, described the girls as a rare blend of intelligence, sincerity and teamwork. “Most of the national debates were impromptu,” she explained. “The girls had to prepare without knowing which side they would argue for – that uncertainty pushed them to think deeply and stay flexible. Our strongest strategy was teamwork. They built on one another’s ideas and knew each other’s speeches so well that their flow was seamless.”
For Principal Moulana Muhammad Aslam Rajah, the achievement is not only an academic milestone but a reflection of Qurtuba’s greater mission – nurturing intellect with imaan.
“Debating requires intellect, discipline, respect and the ability to reason – qualities deeply rooted in our Islamic tradition. The Qur’an reminds us in Surah An-Nahl (16:125): ‘Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.’ This verse beautifully encapsulates what we aim to instill in the ability to articulate ideas with wisdom, respect and purpose,” he told Al Qalam.
This was Qurtuba’s first-ever participation in the National Debate League – and to emerge as national champions is nothing short of extraordinary. Competing against institutions with decades of experience, the young team stood firm, representing the Muslim community with grace and excellence.
“As the only Muslim school at both provincial and national levels, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to represent our Ummah,” said Moulanal Rajah. “This victory has shown our students – and, we hope, other Muslim schools – that with dedication, mentorship and tawakkul, anything is possible.”
For the girls, the experience has been life-changing. “This showed us how powerful our voices can be,” they told Al-Qalam. “It’s encouraged us to pursue careers where communication and leadership matter – whether in law, journalism or community service. We want to use our voices to uplift others and represent Islam proudly.”
With humility, the trio added, “We are deeply grateful to our coach, our parents and our school for believing in us. Above all, we thank Allah Ta’ala for every moment of courage, every good idea and every blessing that led us to this victory. He is the One who grants success.”
