The National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa (Awqaf SA) was established in 2001 as an independent community based owned trust, solely focusing on establishing the institution of waqf (endowment funding) and the empowerment of communities within South Africa. Awqaf SA is a charitable community organisation aimed at investing endowment funds for various community development programmes. These programmes are aimed at promoting the concept of communities becoming self-reliant and sustainable through holistic development programmes. One of our programmes is the leadership development project where we assist young people to unleash their leadership potential. We believe that investing in the promotion of youth is critical to the development of a dream society for all. The objectives of the programme are to: Create/ provide opportunity to young people in the community through networking. Create a vibe/opportunity to be part of a Professional/winning Society and in the process create hope to others. Direct young people to a social & spiritual conscious future. Contribute to aspire to success and the deprivation of failure (failure of the community is not an option). Contribute to leadership development in the community. Fulfill our obligation/ objectives of establishing Waqf & giving back to the Community. Utilize the opportunity to revolutionise our Community & reiterate our relevance in South Africa & the Ummah at large. Inculcate a culture of social responsibility in our future leaders. Develop a youth that will have a sense of belonging and hope. It is in this light that Awqaf SA requests that you grace us ...

On Sunday the 25th of September, 5000 children from indigenous, traditional and expat Muslim communities celebrated 1400 years since the revelation of the Quraan to Islam’s most revered prophet, Mohammed SAW. The 2nd Children of Islam Jalsah echoed across the Johannesburg Ellis Park sports arena as about 60 bus-loads of school children participated in an interactive extravaganza of Quranic recitation, plays, historical stories and musical performances. Under the theme of Love, Learn and Live the Qur’an, the event celebrated the post apartheid heritage week, yet it focused on the most important heritage of a Muslim, the role and relevancy of the Quran in the 21st Century. Surprise guest Zain Bhika also made his appearance much to the applause of the crowd. A rendition of the SA National Anthem in Arabic by the Bosmont Muslim School was a crowd pleaser, as were various nasheeds and songs. However what got the attention of many was the recollection of the contribution of Muslim inventions inspired by the Qur’an,  to the advancement of mankind, aptly captured in the inspirational play From the Dark ages to the Golden age. The aim of the Jalsah also strengthened the bonds of friendship and unity between SA’s varied community of Muslims, reaching across all spectrums of society. One of the main organizers of the event was AWQAF SA. Deputy CEO Ismail Munshi told Lenasia Times that the aim of the event was to encourage children not only to read and learn the Qur’an, but to practice the message ...