The institutions which preserve the Objectives of the Shariah
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Preservation of Religion (Hifz al-Din):
Institutions: Mosques, religious scholars, and religious education systems play a crucial role in preserving the religious faith and practices of individuals and communities.
Mechanisms: These institutions promote religious teachings, provide religious guidance, and facilitate religious education and worship.
Darul Ulooms: These institutions are based on the Indian subcontinent’s educational model and focus on the intensive study of Islamic sciences, including the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and more. Several Darul Ulooms operate across South Africa, offering both full-time and part-time courses.
Madrassahs: These are traditional religious schools that primarily teach children the basics of Islam, including Quranic reading and recitation, the basics of faith, and ethical teachings. They often function in mosques, community centers, or private homes. There are numerous madrassahs across the country serving the local Muslim communities.
Tablighi Jamaat: Originating from the Indian subcontinent, the Tablighi Jamaat is a global grassroots movement focused on reviving faith among Muslims. They emphasize personal religious education and often conduct study circles and sessions in mosques.
Sufi Orders: South Africa is home to various Sufi orders or Tariqas. These orders often have their own educational setups, teaching both the exoteric and esoteric aspects of Islam. Prominent among them are the Chishti, Qadri, and Soofie orders.
Community Initiatives: Various community-driven initiatives offer classes on Islamic studies, Quranic tajweed (pronunciation), and other religious subjects for both children and adults.
Promoting Islamic Unity and Brotherhood:
United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA): Works to unite different Islamic organizations and scholars in South Africa.
Muslim Judicial Council (MJC): Engages in dialogue with international Islamic bodies to foster unity.
Propagation of Islam (Dawah):
Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI): Conducts educational and outreach activities to promote understanding and acceptance of Islam.
Examples: Darul Uloom Zakariyya (Lenasia), Islamia College (Cape Town), Darul Arqam Islamic High School (Durban)
Islamic Jurisprudential Bodies:
Examples: Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA), Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), Council of Muslim Theologians (CMT)
Providing Educational Opportunities and Promoting Islamic Scholarship:
Darul Uloom Pretoria: Educates students from South Africa and other countries in Islamic scholarship.
Minara Chamber of Commerce: Supports educational initiatives in the business community within the Ummah.
Islamic Cultural and Community Centers:
Examples: Claremont Main Road Mosque (Cape Town), Nurul Islam Mosque and Cultural Center (Durban), Al Ghazali Mosque (Johannesburg)
Islamic Youth Organizations:
Examples: Muslim Students Association (MSA), Young Muslims (YM), Crescent Youth Society (CYS)
Islamic Interfaith Dialogue Organizations:
Examples: South African Muslim Network (SAMNET), Muslim Judicial Council Interfaith Committee, Muslim Views
Preservation of Life (Hifz al-Nafs):
Institutions: Law enforcement agencies, healthcare systems, and social safety nets are essential for preserving human life.
Mechanisms: These institutions ensure public safety, provide access to healthcare services, and establish policies for public health and safety.
Supporting Oppressed Muslims Worldwide:
Islamic Relief South Africa: Provides aid and support to oppressed and suffering Muslims around the world.
Al-Imdaad Foundation: Engages in international humanitarian relief efforts.
Collaborating with Other Faith Communities for Peace and Understanding:
South African Muslim Network (SAMNET): Engages in interfaith dialogue and collaboration with different religious communities.
Responding to Natural Disasters and Emergencies Globally:
Gift of the Givers: Provides emergency relief and support during natural disasters and crises, both within South Africa and internationally.
Healthcare and Medical Support:
Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA): Provides medical support and healthcare initiatives, including international outreach.
Operation Smile South Africa: While not specifically an Islamic organization, it does important work providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries, fulfilling a communal obligation in health.
Environmental:
Green Deen South Africa: A faith-based environmental group advocating for environmental justice from an Islamic perspective.
Human Rights / Legal:
Muslim Lawyers Association: Ensures the protection of civil liberties of South African Muslims.
CAGE Africa: Works for the rights of individuals who have been impacted by the War on Terror.
Food / Hunger:
Feed SA: Works to feed the hungry, which is a part of Fard Kifayah.
Islamic Relief South Africa: Provides emergency food relief among other initiatives.
Islamic Charitable Organizations and Trusts:
Examples: Islamic Relief South Africa, Awqaf SA, Muslim Hands South Africa
Preservation of Lineage (Hifz al-Nasl):
Institutions: Family units, marriage institutions, and legal frameworks for family matters help preserve lineage.
Mechanisms: These institutions support marriage, family stability, and legal provisions for inheritance and family rights.
Islamic Social and Welfare Institutions:
Examples: Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYM), Muslim Women’s Network South Africa (MWNSA), Al Imdaad Foundation
Legal Support and Human Rights Advocacy:
Muslim Lawyers Association (MLA) of South Africa: Engages in legal support and advocacy for human rights issues affecting Muslims globally.
Supporting Orphans and Widows:
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa: Runs various social welfare programs including support for orphans and widows.
Social / Community Development:
Muslim Hands South Africa: Involved in various social upliftment projects, ranging from feeding schemes to support for orphans.
South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF): Provides various community assistance programs, which is a part of Fard Kifayah.
Preservation of Intellect (Hifz al-Aql):
Institutions: Educational institutions, intellectual discourse, and legal systems for justice and equity promote the preservation of intellect.
Mechanisms: These institutions provide opportunities for education, critical thinking, and access to justice to protect individuals’ intellectual capacities.
Intellectual / Educational
Al Imdaad Foundation: Provides various educational programs, including relief for schools.
Islamic Relief South Africa: They offer a variety of initiatives, including education-related projects.
Madressah Ihya Uloom Ud Deen: An Islamic educational institution focusing on the holistic development of its students.
Islamic Research and Publications:
Examples: Al-Qalam Institute, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre, Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI)
Islamic Media and Broadcasting:
Examples: Channel Islam International (CII), Voice of the Cape Radio, Radio Islam South Africa
Preservation of Property (Hifz al-Mal):
Institutions: Economic systems, property rights, and legal frameworks for contracts and commerce are essential for the preservation of property.
Mechanisms: These institutions ensure property rights, enforce contracts, and provide a legal framework for economic activities.
Providing Economic Support to Needy Muslims Globally:
South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF): Extends financial support to needy Muslims, including international projects.
Promoting Ethical Trade and Economic Justice:
Muslim Consumer Forum (MCF) South Africa: Works to promote ethical consumption and trade within the Muslim community.
Engaging in Social Justice and Community Development:
Muslim Hands South Africa: Involved in community development projects in South Africa and beyond.
Awqaf SA: Invests in various community development and social justice initiatives.
Economic / Financial
Awqaf SA: Promotes the Awqaf (Islamic endowment) system for sustainable community development.
National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa: Similar to Awqaf SA, this organization is involved in the establishment and management of endowment funds for social good.
