Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
For the first time, the remarkable work of Aalimahs was recently celebrated nationally through the Aalimah of the Year Award, launched by Radio Islam International to honour the unseen heroines of South Africa’s Muslim communities.
Moulana Ibrahim Daya of Radio Islam told Al-Qalam that while Aalimahs have been doing a fantastic job in their communities, their efforts often go unrecognised. “This initiative was created to honour their contributions and inspire the next generation. These awards are not just tributes; it’s a celebration of the light these women bring to our Ummah,” he said.
The initiative drew an overwhelming response, with nominations pouring in from across South Africa and beyond.
Three winners were selected in different categories: Muallimah Jamila was honoured for 30 years of dedicated service at Madrassah Mueinul Islam, in Zakariyya Park; Muallimah Fatimah Khoele Mokaba was honoured for her tireless community upliftment, and Ustaadha Zaahira Karrim was honoured for her profound impact through teaching and guidance.
Muallimah Fatimah told Al-Qalam that her journey into Islamic scholarship began with a deep love for Deen nurtured from a young age. “The desire to seek knowledge was not only for personal growth, but to serve others, to uplift and guide, especially women and children,” she said.
For her, Leadership as an Aalimah means serving her community with sincerity and compassion. “It’s about listening to people’s struggles and helping them reconnect with Deen in a way that brings peace and purpose.”
As a female scholar in South Africa’s diverse landscape, she acknowledges that balancing tradition with modern realities isn’t always easy, yet she views these challenges as spaces for growth and inclusion. “Being an Aalimah means not only teaching, but serving, inspiring and leading with humility,” she said.
Her projects – from Ramadan hampers and Iftaar distributions to baby-shower initiatives for mothers in need embody that spirit. “It’s not just about material assistance. It’s about restoring hope and reminding people they belong to a caring Ummah,” said Muallimah Fatimah.
For Ustaadha Zaahira Karrim, founder of Ummah Heart, the calling came early. “When I was in Standard 2, my Aapa wrote on my report card. “May Allah accept your dream of becoming an Aalimah.’ I never forgot that,” she said.
Her most moving moments come outside the classroom: “When a student says, ‘You helped me through a dark time,’ I know it’s not me; it is the Deen that healed them. That’s what knowledge does; it heals hearts.”
Both Aalimahs believe in empowering women to lead. Muallimah Fatimah mentors young women to take charge of community programmes. “When you create spaces where women and youth feel valued, they discover purpose,” she said.
Ustaadha Zaahira shares a similar vision through Ummah Heart: “I wanted an Ummah with a heart – a place where women learn and love for the sake of Allah. Women come to study Qur’an and Hadith, but they leave with friendship, comfort and belonging.”
She believes women’s voices are vital in shaping the Ummah: “There’s nothing more valuable than women speaking to women. We understand each other, our emotions, our challenges. When women create spaces of remembrance and learning, the Ummah comes alive.”
For Ustaadha Zaahira, there is nothing that fills your soul like giving for the sake of Allah. “Behind every woman who serves is someone who quietly makes it possible, a husband, a family, a community that believes in her. If we want our Deen to thrive, we must support our ulama not just symbolically, but with tangible respect and care. Our scholars carry the community’s spiritual weight, often while struggling to survive. When they are supported with dignity, they can serve with focus, sincerity and heart,” she said.
