Al-Qalam 
By Neelam Rahim
In an age where distractions often drown the call of faith, young hearts across South Africa turned their pens toward the greatest story ever told – the life of Rasulullah (SAW). Through words dipped in love and longing, students rediscovered the mercy, patience, and forgiveness that defined the final Prophet (SAW).
Hosted by Radio Islam International in partnership with TIKA Pretoria, the National Seerah Competition invited learners to write about moments from the blessed life of Nabi (SAW) that moved their hearts most. Submissions poured in from across the country – stories of love, loss, and mercy that left the judges in awe.
Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat, who presented the winners on Radio Islam, said: “Every student who wrote about Nabi (SAW) is already a winner. The true success lies in falling in love with the Seerah, in connecting with his mercy and character.”
The top three winners – Fatima Zahraa bint Farhan Patel from Middelburg, Shiza Sheikh from Johannesburg, and Yahya Khan from Benoni – each revealed, in their own words, the timeless relevance of the Prophet’s (SAW) compassion and strength.
First Place: Fatima Zahraa bint Farhan Patel, Qurtuba Online
Fatima Zahra’s essay was a masterful reflection on how the Prophet’s (SAW) mercy touched every corner of creation. Her writing was rich in imagery and sincerity:
“His Seerah is not merely a record of events, but a living guide for humanity – revealing how mercy can heal even the deepest wounds of the world.”
She wrote that Rasulullah (SAW) mercy “knew no bounds, it touched his companions, his adversaries, even the animals and the earth beneath his feet.”
Fatima Zahra described how his kindness radiated into every interaction:
“He mended his own clothes, smiled at children, gave dignity to the poor, and reminded us that planting a tree is an act of charity. Long before the world spoke of compassion for creation, he exemplified it.”
Her essay concluded with words that lingers in the hearts of all: “Mercy is not weakness. It is the truest form of strength. His forgiveness turned enemies into companions and despair into faith.”
Second Place: Shiza Sheikh, Qurtuba Online
Shiza Sheikh’s essay, “The Forgiveness and Mercy of Rasulullah (SAW)”, earned second place for its eloquent reflection on the Prophet’s patience and forgiveness. She recalled the Prophet (SAW) journey to Ta’if: “He went there with hope, wanting to guide people to the truth, but instead of listening, they threw stones at him until his shoes were filled with blood. Even in pain, the Prophet (SAW) thought of others before himself. That moment shows the purest kind of love, love that forgives even when it is hard.”
She also highlighted his return to Makkah as a victorious leader, where he chose forgiveness over retribution: “The same people who once mocked him stood in front of him, scared of what he would do. But the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Go, for you are free.’ Those words reached their hearts more than any fight or battle could.” Shiza emphasized that his mercy extended to animals, children, and the environment, teaching that true strength lies in forgiveness, patience, and compassion.
Third Place: Yahya Khan, Benoni Muslim School
Yahya Khan’s essay, “Beyond Tears: The Inner Strength of Muhammad (SAW)”, explored the Prophet (SAW )’s humanity and emotional depth, challenging the notion that strength requires stoicism. He reflected on moments of personal grief, including the loss of Hazrat Khadija, Abu Talib, and his young son Ibrahim, noting: “These tears did not weaken him. They revealed the depth of his humanity. His example shows us the degree of his humility and mercy.”
Yahya also illustrated the Prophet (SAW) devotion to the Ummah: “Late at night, when Nabi (SAW) bowed in tahajjud prayer, he wept to Allah, beseeching Him for the forgiveness for his Ummah. These tears were not weaknesses. They were filled with a depth of emotion that is unparalleled in today’s world.” His essay offered a timeless lesson: courage rooted in mercy and compassion refines the heart and defines true manhood.
As one of the judges said: “If this is how our youth write about the Prophet (SAW), there is hope – because love for him will keep this Ummah alive.”
