The Legacy 1500 Project is a global initiative commemorating 1500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

As the world marks 1,500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), a global initiative is calling hearts and minds to pause, reflect and renew. The Legacy 1500 Project is more than a commemoration, it is a movement to reawaken the timeless lessons of the Prophet (SAW) and to place them at the centre of our modern lives.

From mercy and compassion, to social justice and environmental consciousness, the values the Prophet (SAW) embodied continue to offer answers to the challenges of today. The project is a reminder that the Prophetic legacy is not bound to the past, it is a living guide, shaping how we live, lead and serve in the present.

Rooted in Islamic Civilizational Values

Legacy 1500 highlights the extraordinary contributions Muslims have made across centuries and across continents. For communities like South Africa’s Muslim minority, it offers a chance to reflect on how our presence, rooted in faith, has enriched the broader society. It is also a call to continue playing an active role in building justice, fairness and harmony in a diverse world.

A Global Vision with Local Resonance

Through events, publications and community initiatives, the project seeks to inspire a new generation. It encourages young Muslims to see their faith as both anchor and compass guiding them to tackle pressing global issues with courage and creativity. It also opens a space for interfaith dialogue, reminding us that the Prophetic mission was universal in scope, a mercy to all of humanity.

SANZAF’s Role in the Journey

As an organisation committed to upliftment, service and social transformation, SANZAF is proud to support this campaign. For SANZAF, the Prophetic legacy resonates deeply: the care for the poor, the pursuit of justice and the unwavering commitment to mercy are not abstract ideals, but guiding principles that underpin our work daily.

By standing with the Legacy 1500 Project, SANZAF reaffirms its mission to embody these teachings in a modern context, whether through welfare initiatives, education programmes or platforms that amplify voices of dignity and fairness.

Looking Forward: Building on Timeless Teachings

The commemoration of 1,500 years since the birth of the Prophet (SAW) is not simply about memory. It is about responsibility. It calls us to carry the Prophet (SAW)’s message into every space we occupy: in our families, our workplaces and our communities.

The Legacy 1500 Project is a call to live the Prophetic way, not just in devotion, but in how we care for the earth, how we stand up for justice and how we serve humanity.

As SANZAF joins this global initiative, we invite our community to walk with us in honouring the Prophet (SAW) by striving to live his message in our times. For it is in applying timeless Prophetic teachings to contemporary issues that we truly keep the Prophet (SAW)’s legacy alive.

SANZAF’s Islamic Business & Finance (IBF) Women’s Forum 2025 Sponsored by Al Baraka Bank

On Saturday, 23 August 2025, the Century City Conference Centre came alive with the voices, energy and aspirations of Muslim women from across Cape Town. Hosted by SANZAF and proudly sponsored by Al Baraka Bank South Africa, the Islamic Business & Finance (IBF)

Women’s Forum was an inspiring morning of wisdom, reflection and powerful conversations that left every attendee motivated to embrace their potential while staying firmly rooted in Islamic values.

The atmosphere was warm yet electric, as women gathered to connect, learn and share. From the very start, the tone was one of upliftment: a reminder that empowerment, whether spiritual, financial or personal, begins within and flourishes when nurtured by community.

With Raghma Carr guiding as MC, the room carried an energy that was both professional and heartfelt, a rare balance that left participants feeling welcomed and inspired. The panel discussions flowed seamlessly under the graceful moderation of Shaykha Basheera Hendricks Gamieldien, whose calm wisdom wove the different strands of the day together.

Panel Discussion 1: Journeying Towards a Better You

The morning opened with a focus on self-betterment, setting a strong foundation for everything that followed:

Il-haam Ahmed grounded the audience with a reminder that health and wellness encompasses all aspects of being not just physical health.

Yumna Petersen shifted the lens to financial well-being, reminding us that being intentional with our money is not only empowering but also an act of faith and responsibility.

Yasmina Francke invited attendees to reflect deeply on purposeful living, to pause and reflect on what truly matters.

Panel Discussion 2: Growing Your Influence & Impact

Nazeema Ahmed shared powerful insights on spirituality in the workplace, affirming that faith and career need not be separate but can be harmoniously aligned.

Fayruz Mohamed spoke with passion on leadership and career empowerment, encouraging women to claim their space and embrace their role in shaping change.

Faruz Jabaar closed with a moving call to remain authentic, even in challenging spaces, reminding us that integrity is our most powerful influence.

Each voice added depth to a bigger truth: that women have the power to shape, influence, and lead with authenticity and purpose

Listening to Women: Insights from SANZAF’s Women’s Empowerment Survey

In the months leading up to the forum, SANZAF conducted a Women’s Empowerment Survey to hear directly from those at the heart of these conversations: women themselves. The findings were eye-opening. More than 70% of respondents expressed eagerness to actively join task teams, lead initiatives and contribute to community programmes. At the same time, respondents highlighted real challenges: limited career growth, lack of mentorship and the struggle to balance faith, work and family. Many voiced the need for entrepreneurship support, networking opportunities and professional pathways grounded in Islamic values.

Perhaps most telling was the strong call for mentorship, over half the women surveyed sought role-model guidance while others spoke of barriers to equity and discrimination in the workplace.

For SANZAF, these findings are not statistics, they are a call to action. They shape the vision for programmes that are informed by women, for women, from structured mentorship networks to entrepreneurship incubators, to Islamic values-based workplace training.

A Closing Filled with Gratitude

As the event drew to a close, the vote of thanks delivered by Fadheela Akoojee wrapped the event in gratitude for the inspiring panellists, the engaged audience and the sponsors who made it possible. Special heartfelt gratitude goes to Al Baraka Bank South Africa, whose partnership ensured that this vision could come to life.