Zakah Month
SANZAF’s Zakah Month: Educating, Inspiring and Preparing for the Auspicious Month of Ramadan
In the lead-up to the sacred month of Ramadan, SANZAF dedicated the month of Sha’ban to embracing and amplifying the spirit of Zakah, a very important pillar of our Deen. Recognising the importance of both spiritual readiness and community upliftment, Zakah Month was introduced as a meaningful platform to prepare hearts and minds for the month of Ramadan.
Throughout Sha’ban, SANZAF channelled its efforts into creating greater awareness around Zakah’s transformative power, both for individuals and the broader community. A series of impactful initiatives unfolded across the country, including Zakah seminars, educational webinars, readings from SANZAF’s 40 Hadith Book on Zakah, Thikr gatherings and a stream of thoughtful communications designed to enlighten and empower.
From local Masajid to community organisations, each engagement was an opportunity to deepen the collective understanding of Zakah’s role in fostering social justice, compassion and economic balance. Zakah Month not only inspired reflection but also reaffirmed SANZAF’s unwavering commitment to education and advocacy in service to humanity.
Launch of Hadith Book on Zakah and Charity
In a celebration of Islamic scholarship and community upliftment, the historic Auwal Masjid in Cape Town played host to the launch of The Noble Prophetic Hadith Concerning Zakah and Charity, a newly compiled collection by respected scholar Sheikh Majal. The event formed part of SANZAF’s broader Zakah Month efforts to foster awareness and understanding around the pivotal role of charitable giving in Islam.
The compilation, the result of Sheikh Majal’s dedicated research and curation over time, gathers authentic Prophetic Hadith that highlight the spiritual, social and moral dimensions of Zakah and voluntary charity. These teachings provide readers with both timeless guidance and practical insights into the foundational Islamic principles of wealth distribution and social justice.
The setting of Auwal Masjid the oldest Masjid in South Africa, added depth and meaning to the launch. Attendees included local ulama, community leaders and SANZAF representatives, all united in their appreciation for Islamic scholarship and its power to inspire transformative action.
The launch also served as a platform to promote SANZAF’s Zakah advocacy work, encouraging attendees to reflect on their own contributions and commitments to societal welfare. Copies of the book were distributed to local madrassahs and Islamic institutions to aid in teaching and spreading awareness.
SANZAF Hosts Empowering Pre-Ramadan Zakah Workshops
In preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, SANZAF hosted a series of spiritually enriching Zakah workshops at Masjidul Quds in Gatesville, Cape Town. The first session, held on Saturday, focused on fostering awareness and understanding of Zakah among the broader community, featuring insights from Moulana Mogamat Hassiem Cassiem, Showkat Mukadam, Fayruz Mohamed and Yasmina Francke. The following day, a special Ladies Zakah Workshop provided a nurturing space for spiritual rejuvenation, guided by prominent speakers including Shaykha Basheerah Hendricks Gamliedien and Shaykha Rukayya Samsodien. The session was elevated by a beautiful recitation from Qaari'ah Ghanan Philander and a Nasheed performance by Kadimaat.
Youth Engage in Dynamic Zakah Quiz
In an effort to create a deeper awareness of Zakah among the youth, SANZAF hosted a dynamic and educational Zakah Quiz at Islamia Auditorium in Cape Town as part of its Zakah Month activities. The event, aimed at madrassah children and youth groups, brought together participants from across the region in a spirited competition rooted in Islamic principles and community empowerment.
The Zakah Quiz was structured to accommodate varying levels of Islamic education, with participants grouped into beginner, intermediate and expert categories. The beginner level catered to part-time madrassah learners, while intermediate and expert categories included students with progressively more advanced knowledge, culminating in those from full-time Islamic institutions.
In the weeks leading up to the quiz, SANZAF facilitated a series of preparatory meetings with madrassah coordinators and educators. These sessions ensured that each madrassah was equipped with a clear understanding of the rules, expectations and educational goals behind the initiative. Each participating madrassah selected representatives to compete in all three levels, forming well-rounded teams ready for the challenge.
The quiz itself was held in a series of fast-paced rounds, with points awarded after each segment. Audiences of peers and educators cheered as youth showcased not only their knowledge but also their enthusiasm for understanding the principles of Zakah, its purpose, calculations and impact on society. After four intense rounds, winners were announced for each category, celebrating the efforts and dedication of the students while reinforcing the value of Zakah as a pillar of faith and social justice.
The Zakah Quiz served as both an educational tool and a community-building exercise, aligning with SANZAF’s broader mission of Zakah advocacy and youth development. By reaching students at different levels of Islamic learning, the event ensured that the message of responsible giving and collective care resonates across the next generation.
Pre-Ramadan Thikr
As part of its Zakah Month activities and in honour of 50 years of service to humanity, SANZAF in Partnership with Khuddamul Islam hosted a spiritually uplifting Pre-Ramadan Thikr at Al-Furqaan Masjid in Lansdowne, Cape Town, bringing the community together in remembrance and reflection.
Family Fun Weekend
As part of our Zakah Month initiatives, SANZAF was honoured to be part of an unforgettable Family Fun Weekend at Schoenmakerskop in Gqeberha, hosted by IFM Radio. The event was a vibrant celebration of togetherness, reflecting the values of compassion, community and charity that lie at the heart of Zakah.
The Launch of “The Journey of Kindness” Children’s Book
We launched a very special project designed to nurture empathy and understanding in the youngest members of our community.
Hosted at the Islamia College Library in Cape Town, the launch of The Journey of Kindness children’s book was more than just a literary milestone; it was a celebration of values that lie at the heart of Zakah, kindness and compassion.
Special reading sessions of The Journey of Kindness children’s book was hosted at Muhammadeyah Primary School and Islamia Primary School. This heart-warming initiative aimed to instil the timeless values of charity, compassion and generosity in the minds of young learners.
Through the inspiring adventures of Hamaad and Asma, the children explored the meaning and impact of small acts of kindness, learning that giving, no matter how small, can transform lives and uplift communities. The reading sparked lively conversations and deep curiosity, as pupils connected with the story and reflected on the ways they, too, can practice generosity in their daily lives. Teachers and students expressed enthusiasm for continuing these lessons both at school and at home, helping to shape future generations of compassionate givers.
These events highlighted the importance of starting charitable education at a young age, planting the seeds of generosity in the hearts of our youth.
Zakah Month Pre-Ramadan Ladies Programme
As part of its ongoing commitment to community upliftment and spiritual readiness during Zakah Month, SANZAF hosted a heartfelt Pre-Ramadan Ladies Programme at the serene Rosehurst Gardens.
The gathering welcomed 40 wonderful ladies, all eager to prepare both heart and mind for the arrival of Ramadan. The programme featured uplifting and insightful talks delivered by two respected Muallimas from Pietermaritzburg, who shared wisdom on the spiritual significance of Ramadan, the role of Zakah in purifying wealth and the transformative power of intentional giving.
The morning concluded with a delightful brunch where attendees shared heartfelt conversations and strengthened the bonds of sisterhood, setting a tone of unity and generosity for the month ahead. The programme inspired participants to enter Ramadan with renewed purpose and understanding of their spiritual and charitable responsibilities. Guests left with practical knowledge on the importance of Zakah and a deeper sense of community solidarity. The event served as a reminder that meaningful preparation for Ramadan begins not only with personal reflection but also with coming together to uplift and support one another.
Empowering Communities Through Zakah Knowledge
As part of SANZAF’s ongoing efforts during Zakah Month to deepen understanding and encourage meaningful giving, an insightful Zakah Workshop was held in collaboration with Auwal Masjid, the oldest Masjid in South Africa and a cherished symbol of faith and resilience.
The session was led by SANZAF’s National Chairperson, Moulana Mogamat Hassiem Cassiem, alongside CEO Yasmina Francke, who together unpacked the principles of Zakah and highlighted its transformative role in addressing poverty and fostering social justice. Attendees left the workshop equipped with both knowledge and renewed purpose, understanding how their Zakah contributions serve not just as an obligation but as a powerful tool to uplift and empower communities.
Zakah In Focus Radio Segments Inspire Community Connection
During Zakah Month, SANZAF’s radio segment “Zakah In Focus” went live across leading community stations, Radio 786, The Voice of the Cape and Al Ansar, with the aim of strengthening the spiritual connection to Zakah and broadening understanding of this vital pillar of Islam.
These broadcasts offered listeners insightful discussions on the principles, impact and spiritual significance of Zakah, encouraging communities across South Africa to reflect on their role in uplifting those in need. The segments not only served to educate but also inspired a collective commitment and compassion through Zakah.
