The University of KwaZulu-Natal invites candidates nationally

to apply for the

CERTIFICATE IN ISLAMIC LAW

2010
Faculties of Law and Humanities
Howard College Campus
Durban

Corporate Sponsors

An authorised financial services

and credit provider

INTRODUCTION

History of the course

The Certificate in Islamic Law is a multi disciplinary programme of the Faculty of Law
and Faculty of Humanities. It commenced in 2004 at the former University of DurbanWestville. In 2002 Prof. Salman Nadvi the Dean of the Islamic Studies Department
and Prof. James Mowat the Dean of the Faculty of Law requested the course
coordinators Prof. Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim and Adv. Mahomed Vahed to devise a
course that would be of benefit to both the Ulama (theologians) and non-Ulama
alike. It should also cater for the needs of professionals and non-professionals from
various disciplines. After two years of research of the course content and having
gone through the stringent requirements of the Universitys quality control and
approval from the various forums at the university, the first intake of students was in
2004.
The first year saw an intake of 14 students. This number has grown steadily over the
years to its enrolment in 2009 of almost 92 students. The course was offered only in
Durban in 2004 and 2005. After the merger of the University of Durban-Westville and
the University of Natal to form the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZ-N), the law
faculty relocated to the Howard College Campus in Durban and lectures were held
there from 2006. In that year we also offered the course for the Northern Natal
students at our Pietermaritzburg campus.
National students
As this is the only course of its kind offered at any tertiary institution in the country,
there has been a huge demand for the course nationally. Many requests were
received to offer the course through correspondence. The course coordinators
approached the law faculty with such a request, which was declined as ours is not a
correspondence university. However, we were able to offer the course in 2007 to
national students who attended two-four days of consecutive lectures in Durban,
once in each semester. That year saw the first batch of twelve national students
enrolling for the course. Lack of finance prevented many more national students from
enrolling.
The highlight of the course in 2008 was that we were also able to offer it in
Ladysmith, Gauteng and Cape Town. This saw a huge spike in enrolment of
approximately 40 students from outside the greater Durban area. Lectures were also
held at Wits University in Gauteng and the Al-Quds Musjid auditorium in Gatesville,
Cape Town. Whilst many lecturers travelled from Durban, local experts were also
used as lecturers. 2008 also saw the first intake of a student from the Westville
Correctional Centre (Prison) who successfully completed the course.
In 2009 lectures were offered in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Gauteng, and Cape Town.
The students from outside the greater Durban area now numbered 52.In addition we
had 10 students registered from the Westville Correctional Centre with lectures
offered at the Centre once a week.
The course will be offered in 2010 in Durban, Gauteng and Cape Town in addition to
Correctional Centres in Durban and Cape Town.

Background of students
The course is not limited to lawyers. Students comprised Ulama, lawyers,
accountants, businessmen, bankers, social workers, NGO staff, lecturers, exteachers, home executives, matriculants, etc. We have also had two visually
impaired students of Madressah Al-Noor in Pietermaritzburg.
Who are the lecturers?
We have twelve core lecturers, all experts in their fields. Nine of them are Ulama,
many of whom have Masters or Doctorate degrees. In order to make the lectures
more interesting and provide a practical slant to the contents, we invite a guest
lecture for each of the modules. We have approximately eight guest lecturers,
including three sitting Judges, a CEO of an Islamic bank, a Chaplain from
Correctional Services, a psychologist and a medical doctor among others.
Contemporary issues discussed at lecturers
Students are provided with lecture material/books, which they are required to study
prior to the lectures. Every module commences with an overview of western law
followed by a detailed discussion of Islamic law. There are mature discussions at
lectures with the lecturers facilitating the discussions. Contemporary issues are
explored such as sex change and bisexualism, the banning of the burqa in France,
the Amina Lawal Zina case, the Khatif girl rape case in Saudi Arabia, the cartoon
cases involving the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well as the local Jacob
Zuma cartoons in the context of freedom of speech, the Muslim Personal Law Bill,
the global financial turmoil, etc.
Of what benefit is the course to students?
This is a frequently asked question. Not only will it benefit persons in their
occupations, be they social workers, accountants, lawyers, bankers, etc, but more
importantly it will make the student appreciate Islam in all its dimensions. It will
remove many doubts and stereotypes of Islam. It has also assisted in improving the
CV of students thereby enhancing their prospects of securing employment. Many
students have informed us that the course has changed their lives.
Is the course only for Muslims?
The contents of the course have had a wide appeal, across cultural, religious and
racial lines. The non-Muslim students have derived tremendous benefit from the
course. It has given them a better understanding of Islamic Law in particular and
Muslims in general. The comments of past students, which you will find in the section
under students comments speaks for itself.
Foreign Students
We have a number of students from African countries resident in South Africa who
have completed the course. 2009 also saw the first foreign student resident in South
Africa at the time of her registration writing her exams in her country of origin. A

number of foreigners have expressed interest in doing the course and the course
coordinators are investigating the possibility of enrolling them.

Course Objective
This course aims to equip students with knowledge on a wide spectrum of Islamic
legal issues in order to create a better understanding of the practicality of Islam in a
secular state.
Reference will be made to South African law as a comparison to Islamic Law. It will
thus be an enriching experience to both those with and without Shari`ah knowledge
and to both Muslim and non-Muslim students.
In the five years since the course has been offered approximately 310 students have
successfully completed the course and received the Certificate in Islamic Law from
the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZ-N).
Graduations
Students receive their certificates at official University certification ceremonies 2009
saw four such functions for the 2008 graduates at Durban, Gauteng, Cape Town and
Westville Correctional Centre. The same is planned for the 2009 students in January
2010.
Course Format
The course is offered over one year on a part-time basis. The course comprises eight
modules, with each module comprising of six to seven hours of lectures. Attendance
at lectures is compulsory. The following lecture delivery formats are offered:
1. For students from KwaZulu-Natal: lectures are held on alternate Saturday
mornings at the Howard College Campus, Durban (formerly Natal University)
from 09h00 to 13h00, with a tea break in between. On some Saturdays lectures
are from 09h00 to 16h30 with lunch provided.
2. For Gauteng students: four days of lectures are held in the first semester, two
consecutive days in February/March and two days in April and four days in the
second semester, two consecutive days in July/August and two days in October
from 09h00 to 16h30 at a central venue in Gauteng. Lunch and tea is provided.
3. For Cape Town students: Same as for Gauteng with lectures in the Athlone/
Gatesville/Rylands Estate areas of Western Cape.
Lectures in Gauteng and Cape Town are subject to there being a minimum of 15-20
students registered at each centre.
Successful candidates will receive their certificates at an official certification
ceremony in January/February of the following year. Students not wishing to do
the entire programme may register for selected modules. These candidates will
receive a certificate of attendance. Students may also register in the second
semester and complete the course in June of the following year. All the
modules are stand-alone modules.

Course Content
Eight modules are offered, four in the first and four in the second semesters. Topics
covered in each module are:
First Semester
1. Introduction to the Principles of Islamic Law (Mawlana/Prof. S.S. Nadvi
(PhD), Mawlana/Prof. A.F.M. Ebrahim (PhD), Mawlana M.I. Mulla and
Hafiz/Adv. M.A. Vahed (LLM))

Sources of Western Law a comparison

Meaning of Shari`ah and Al-Fiqh
Primary and Secondary Sources of Islamic Law and Ijtihaad
Development of Islamic Law and Schools of Jurisprudence
Objectives of Shari`ah and Legal Maxims
Differences between Western Law and Islamic Law
Criticism that Shari`ah is immutable and unchangeable and unable to
meet the needs of modern society

2. Judicial System of Islam (Mufti Z. Bayat (MA), Judge Mahomed Jajbhay

(Jhb. High Court), Judge Bashir Wagley (Cape High Court), Judge Naeem
Jappie (Durban High Court), Mawlana M.I. Mulla and Adv. M.A. Vahed (LLM))

Judicial System in Western Law a comparison

Qada and its scope in Islam
Qualifications, qualities and conduct of a Qadi (Judge)
Appointment of a Qadi
Court procedure in Western and Islamic Law
Islamic Law of Evidence
Arbitration and Mediation in Western and Islamic Law
Wakalah: Agency/Legal Representation

3. Family Law (Prof. S.S. Nadvi, Mufti Z. Bayat, Munira Osman-Hyder, Mawlana
M.I. Mulla, Nazeem Abdulrahman and Adv. M.A. Vahed)

South African Law a comparison

Domestic Violence and the Family Violence Act
Marriage (Nikah)
Divorce (Talaq)
Wills and Inheritance (Miraath)
Muslim Marriages & Related Matters Bill

4. Criminal Law (Adv. M.A. Vahed (LLM), Imam Khatib, Mawlana Shabir Asmal)

South African Law a comparison

Classification and theories of crime
Crimes and their punishments in the Shari`ah: Hudood, Qisas/Diyat,
Tazir.
Rights of criminals and victims
Criticism of Shari`ah Punishments and the Shari`ah response
Success of Muslim Prison Board in reforming prisoners in South Africa

Shari`ah solution to crime problem

Second Semester
1. Constitution and Human Rights in Islam (Prof. S.S. Nadvi, Attorney S.
Jazbhay (LLM), Mufti Z. Bayat, Ml. I. Mulla and Adv. M.A. Vahed)

S.A. Constitution and the Constitutional Court

How the Constitutional Court interprets the Constitution
Constitutional cases involving Muslims
Human Rights and Duties in Islam
The Madnah Charter the first written constitution in the world
Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa and in Islam

2. Commercial Law: Contracts and Waqfs (Charitable Endowments)

(Mawlana A.C. Mahomedy (MA), Anwar Ballim (CA), Zeinoul Abideen Cajee
(CA), Ml Musa Zuma (MA), Ml. Fahim Hoosen and Ml. M.I. Mulla)

Western and Islamic economic systems a comparison

Business Ethics in Islam
Shari`ah Contracts: General Principles
Waqf Endowment in Islam: Its Meaning and Implications
Phases and Roles of Islamic Waqf Endowment
Waqf Endowments nationally and internationally
Waqf: Its Development, Dimensions and Future Prospects

3. Commercial Law: Islamic Banking (Mawlana Bilal Jakhura (Certified Islamic

Professional Accountant), Ml. Fahim Hoosen and Mr. Shabir Chohan (CA))

Comparison between Islamic and Conventional Banking

Challenges facing Islamic Banking in South Africa

Shari`ah compliance in an Islamic bank and the Islamic

Accounting
Standards (AAIOFI)

Islamic Banking Instruments

Application of Shari`ah Principles in the development of an

Islamic Banking offering

Differences between an Islamic bank and an Islamic window

Takafol as an alternative to conventional Insurance

Sukuks as an alternative to conventional Bonds

4. Islamic Medical Jurisprudence (Prof. A.F.M. Ebrahim (PhD))

Western medical practice a comparison

Islamic Reproductive Control
Contraceptives and Islamic Biotechnical Parenting
Abortion in Islam
Blood Transfusion and Organ Transplantation
Death and dying and Euthanasia in Islam
Aids Pandemic

Assessment
Students are expected to prepare an assignment for each module, which will carry
50% of the total marks. There will be two examinations, one at the end of each
semester carrying a further 50% of the total marks. As far as possible, students will
write exams in their own areas. Candidates not wishing to submit assignments and
write exams will receive a certificate of attendance.
Admission requirements
Prospective students will hold at least a matriculation certificate. Students may be
accepted into the programme through recognition of prior learning (RPL) or an
Alim/Alima (Theology) qualification.
Course fees
There is an application fee of R205.00 and a registration fee of R800.00 per module
(R6 400 i.e. 8 X R800). Half the fees of R3 200.00 (i.e. 4 X R800.00) + the R205.00
application fee are payable upon registration. The balance of R3 200.00 is payable
by April. Students could register for one semester at a time and pay R3 405.00 (i.e.
R205.00 + R3 200.00). Students could also register for selected modules at R800
per module (plus the once off application fee of R205). Limited bursaries are
available to deserving students.
Registration
Registration will be closing on Friday 31 January 2010 and Friday 23 July 2010 for
the first and second semesters respectively.
The application and registration forms can be downloaded from the website
islamiclaw.ukzn.ac.za (no prefix www). They must be completed and returned
together with the following to reach University of KwaZulu-Natal at P.O. Box
19753, Dormerton, 4015, by Thursday 30 January 2010 (first semester registration)
or Thursday 23 July 2010 (second semester registration):
(1) A copy of ID;
(2) Either matric, tertiary or Alim/Alima certificate; and
(3) A cheque for R3 405.00 (minimum) to be made payable to The University of
KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and crossed not transferable. (No payments to be made
directly into UKZ-N account until student has been registered and issued with a
student number).
Enquiries

Enquiries may be directed to the course coordinators:

Prof. A.F.M. Ebrahim
School of Religion and Theology
Howard College Campus, UKZN
Tel: 031 260 7303 or 079 751 3718
E-mail ebrahima@ukzn.ac.za

Adv. M. A. Vahed
Institute of Professional Legal Training - Faculty of Law
Howard College Campus, UKZN
Tel: 083 640 9054
E-mail: islamiclaw.ukzn@gmail.com or mvahed@albaraka.co.za

Ms. Alisha Ramsunder

Institute of Professional Legal Training - Faculty of Law
Howard College Campus, UKZN
Tel: 031 260 1620

The following are some of the students who have attended the course in the past five
years:
ALIMS/ALIMAHS (RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS)
Mawlanas/Muftis:
A. Shabeer Asmal
Abduragmaa Alexander
Twaibuh Bonamali
Shameem M. Dawood
Qasim Sader
Igshan Fortune
A.R.E. Goga
M. Isara Busakorn
Ismail M. Ali
Faysel Lillah
M.A. Maker
Sayed I. Mohamed
Igsaan Abrahams
Moegammad Colbie
M. S. Maharoofdeen
Mugammad Rhoda
Siraaj A. Sithole
Abdul Z.A. Mohamed

M. Ismail Mulla
Mufti Shahid Hasan
Abbas Sigwili
Rashid A. Moosajee
Yusuf Sader
Salim Desai
M. Arshad Desai
Yusuf Sadien
Yusuf Bheekoo
Ebrahim Johnson
Ierfaan Lakay
Feizel Jhetam
Moggamat Y Abrahams
Moegamat A. Francis
Saleem J. Milanze
Yusuf Sayed
B. K. Suluwale

Abdur Rahman Laily

Dr Abbas Khan
Rafiek I. Mohamed
Farouk Saloojee
Nazeem Hunter
Salim Hoosen
Ashraf Peer
Toyer Leak
Sharief Stoffels
Abu Bakr Jardien
Ibrahim H. Mohamed
Hamid Mulla
M Barendse
Hashem Hendricks
N.N. Ndlovu
I.S. Faziri
Mufti Mohammed Rawat

Saadiya Deenat
Fatima Sheik
Aarifa Vawda

Mariam Mahomed
Fatima Paruk

Muallimas:
Yasmeen S. Patel
Aziza Hathurani
Fatima Motala
Priests:
Walter Ludwick

Perumal S Naidoo

PROFESSIONALS
Attorneys/Magistrates:
Rayisa Sirkhot
Fatemah B. Shaikh
Reshma Kassie
Aysha Osman
Sumaya Norgot
A.R. Kazi
Ahmed Kader
Rashid Patel
Nasreen Motala
Nasreen Rasool

Ziyaad Minty
Tar Mohamed Omar
Yasmin Lorgat
Fatima Cachalia
Samira Cassimjee
Shahin Mia
Zarina Loonat
Ahmed Saadiwalla
Rabia Suleman
Abdul R Reheman

Adv. Saabera Ally

Yasmin Ansari
Fahima Moola
Aarifa Nakooda
Nasima Ameen
Asiya Khan
Rumana Mohamed
Ashraf C. Mather
Adv. Saabera Ally

Munira Osman

Bilal Jeebhai

Fathima E. Kajee
Munira Gangat
Tasneem Moolla
Hajra E. Patel
Abdul Majid Carrim
Faiza Essack
Yunus Mahomed
Nasrin Ismail
Fathima E. Kajee

Sheriff of Court:
Shiraaz Dawood
Lecturers:
Preesha Seetal
Accountants/CAs:
Zaheera Aboo
Ahmed Latiff
Azhar Y. Panchbhai Ziyad Sonpra
Naeem Paruk
Raeesa Omarjee
Abdullah Ameed

Fatima Moosa
Naeem AC Asvat
Nasreen Vawda

Rashid M. Ismail
Salem Jhavary
Mohamed Kaka

Social Workers:
Tasnim Abdul

Rashida Patel

Rehana B. Karrim

Doctors:
Yacoob A. K. Vahed Mariam Ahmed
Suleiman Ebrahim
Ahmed Bhigjee
Shamshad B. Amod Mohammed I. Mulla

Ismail Ameen
Rahim Ebrahim

Teachers/Principals:
Ayesha Agjee
Roobana Soni
Ayesha E. Moolla

Fazida Aysen
Razia BA Ebrahim

Fatima Shaik
Fatima Malek

Financial Services:

Ruchsana Bhayat

Engineer:

M.T. Toffa

Electrical Technician: Tawfik Rasool

Psychologist:

Sarah GM Hoosen

Sociologist:

Rehana Paruk

Mumtaz Banu Motala

Mahmooda N.Mohamed

Physiotherapist:

Shanaaz Essop

MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

Sanaa Peterson

Fatima Manjra

Mymoena Arnold

Sameerah Dhorat

Yunus M.S. Paruk

Mukthar H. Khan
Yunus Nakhooda
Yasmin Khan
Mohammed Dadabhay
Ebrahim Boomgard
Mohamed Y. Soomar
Abdulla Sardiwalla
Naushaad Khan

AM Khan
Farzeen Rawat
Razia Mahomed
Nadia Brown
Abdulla Ameed
Zain Patel
Aisha Allie
Ebrahim Galant
Ahmed Kader

BANKERS
Ismail Vahed
M. Adeeb Abrahams
Ashraf Seedat
Anwari Akoob
Camilla Trenor
Mujahid Levy
Fatima Samaria
Mujeeb Arnold
Fatima Ballim
Langton Wolhuter

Ziyaad Mahomed
Pandu Kumble
Dawood Desai
Shaouna Adams
Munira Khan
Mohain January
Fatima Vaid
Shaheen Majiet
Aysha Ebrahim
Ebrahim M. Hassan

BUSINESSPERSONS
M.Saeid Desai
Faizel Kajee
Feroza Paruk
Fathima Hatia
Farhad Coovadia
Gutta A. Gerbisha
Mohamed Moola
Mohamed O Yousuf
Zakariya AS Moola

Humza Desai
Iqbal M Cassim
Fathima Desai
Shirene Vanker
Narriman Hartley
B.K. Techema
Abdul Hamid Moosa
Safiya M. Sonpra
MP Pakati

Shabier Omar
Fatima Yuseph
Mohamed S. Assamo Ismail Khan
Zulekha E. Paruk
Hawa Bibi Jamal
H.E. Suleman
Hawa Doda
Aarifa Ahmed
M.R. Halim
M.R. Shukur
Mohamed Onia
M.A.Y.A. Aziz
Adam M. Bashir
M. Azhar Moolla
Imraan Moosa
M.A. Hamid
Zubair Banoo

FROM NGOS
Yacoob E. Vahed
Shamila Francis
Farieda Ibrahim

Zohra Suliman
B. Mokgweetsi
Feroza S. Ismail

Ebrahim Solomons
Fathima Imam
Goolam HI Khan

Sameer Essa
Mariam Chigamba
Sureya Yusuf

Salwa Isaacs
Shameera Carrim
Hajra Bibi Essa

Mariam C. Moosa
Firoza Patel
Razieya Mahomedy

HOME EXECUTIVES
Fatima Sader
Shaihaam Francis
Mariam A.I. Motala

Shaida Essa
Femida Tayob
Razia Haffajee

PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANTS
Shenaaz Moosa

Katija Kader

DEFENCE FORCE
Isabella Holtzhausen

10

PARLIMENTARIAN
Mumtaz A. Lall
STUDENTS
Humayda Murchee
Fatima Mangera
Shakira Allie
Fareed Tarmahomed

Farzanah Rahman
Zaakir Omar Fareed
Mariam Seedat
Tasnim Y. Vahed

PRISON INMATES

15 inmates

Dolan Walied
Irshaad Vawda
Feroza Sayed
Mohamed A. Hassen

Muneera Isaacs
Yasmin Toffie
Anisa Osman
Ahmed Essop

SOME COMMENTS FROM PAST STUDENTS

It was an exciting experience to learn both the Islamic Law and South African Law in
the various areas that affect us daily such as Marriage, Divorce, Succession, Islamic
banking and Medical Science. I strongly recommend that all Muslims should equip
themselves in these fields and take full advantage of the opportunity that is being
provided by the experts in their fields. (Mawlana Rashid Ahmed Moosajee Imam,
Stanger Jaame Masjid)
I really enjoyed the insight it provided about my own religion that I did not even know
of. (Raeesa Sirkhot attorney, Dundee)
This course has been a journey in discovery to say the least. For me personally it has
removed a great deal of mental anguish with regard to my own personal experiences,
past and present. The course has been extremely enriching, educational, food for the
soul questions that I always wanted to ask but perhaps embarrassed by my own
lack of knowledge. Importantly it brings you closer to Deen and nourishes the notions
of Taqwa and strengthens Iman. I strongly re commend the course to all.
(Mohammed Onia businessman and former banker, Gauteng)
I received a tremendous amount of education and enjoyed the lectures and lecturers
and have met an interesting group of friends. The most important fact Ive learnt is
how little I know. I will certainly continue recommending this course to
acquaintances. (Salim Jhavary CA, Durban)
An exiting and innovative yet spiritually uplifting course. Never could have made a
better choice. (Fathima Motala Muallima, Pietermaritzburg)
I appreciate how, as a non-Muslim, I was well received and accepted. I thoroughly
enjoyed learning a different word view from my own. I have gained great insight and
have been challenged in my thinking. I have learnt how to better approach and talk
with Muslims. I enjoyed the lecturers insight as well as my fellow students
discussions, both in and outside class. The course was very well put together and so
professionally taught. I am so glad to take the course. I may not have agreed with
everything taught in class but I have learnt how to disagree agreeably. (Walter
Ludwick priest, Durban)
The presentation of the modules was extremely thorough, brilliantly co-ordinated.
Apart from the content being so interestingly arranged, lecturers kept students
thinking by encouraging debate and questions. The interactive approach was very

11

effective. The assignment questions in the first semester dealt significantly with the
role, status and position of women in Islam. This has equipped me personally to
defend the stereotypes and criticism levelled against Muslim women. This knowledge
could not have come at a better time, and served, above all, to instil a sense of pride
in all the Muslim women present at the lectures. (Anonymous, Pietermaritzburg)
As a non-Muslim person it is very informative and eye-opening. From the perspective
of a legal officer I can definitely use the knowledge I have gained in practice to find
more diverse ways of solving problems. The course was extremely well coordinated.
(Reshma Kassie- formerly a practicing attorney currently in banking, Durban)
I was always fearful of engaging with the Shari`ah its only for learned people. I
discovered that Islam is quite easy to understand. I am definitely studying Arabic next
year. I also loved that the lecturers encouraged us to look beyond our insular
learning and engage with the diverse opinions and many fatawa. (Sanaa Petersen
journalist, Cape Town)
I, being a visually impaired person, found that I had no difficulty with the course
material as it was made available in electronic format and the universitys disability
unit provided me with tremendous support. It was an excellent opportunity to meet
students from all walks of life. I urge people to do this course to gain knowledge and
to use this information to benefit the Ummah. (Zakariya AS Moola businessman,
Durban)
It was very enlightening. All my sacrifices were definitely worthwhile. I started the
course when my baby was only a few months old. The times were convenient and it
is easy for everyone to do the course, even mothers. (Nafeesa Ismail home
executive, Durban)
Insightful and rewarding. It should be taken to the people with firm marketing.
(Rehana Paruk sociologist, Durban)
This course has activated a whole lot of things that were locked in my mind and
added value to my life. I have built up confidence to propagate the Deen and to teach
people the beauty of Al-Islam and give back to my local community. (Walid Dolan
student, Cape Town)
I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the lecturers and the other participants.
I also found the assignments to be very rewarding and informative and I really had to
think laterally in order to fully appreciate the absolute purity of the Islamic Law
System. As a non-Muslim, however, fellow human being, the course made me more
aware of the absolute necessity of working under God's guidance in everything we
say and do. People so often tend to forget this. I unreservedly recommend it to
everyone who would like to improve their insight and understanding of this
remarkable subject. (Langton Wolhuter banker, Gauteng)
The course is not only for scholars, or professionals, but rather a course that will
enlighten every Muslim or non-Muslim on the religion of Islam. The course material is
well researched, simple to understand, yet thought provoking. The level of knowledge
by the presenters and their lecturing style brings about discussions that will intrigue
every participant. The research required for the assignments will bring an unknown
enjoyment to the student. Every Muslim, male or female, if presented with the
opportunity should grab it and embrace the knowledge learnt and impart it to others.
(Mohammed Kaka CA, Gauteng)

12

Being part of the only Islamic Bank in the country and committed as I have always
been, I had the urge to learn all about Islam and Shari`ah. The Course topics were
apt, very relevant and covered the subject in depth. However, completing these
assignments was an experience! It made me aware that there was so much of
information available on these topics. As a result, my knowledge has expanded
vastly. To put it in a nutshell, the course has helped me as follows:
I am now familiar with Islamic traditions.
I gained greater understanding, insight and knowledge of Islam, Muslims and the
Quran
I can confidently interact with all the clients of the bank irrespective whether a
Muslim or a non-Muslim client, a male or a female, with confidence and a stamp of
authenticity.
I feel proud in having acquired such knowledge that makes me at ease while
working with people both inside and outside the Bank.
I know where and whom to refer to when in doubt.
I am now a confident Executive of the bank distributing Islamic Banking products
in the market. I have read the Holy Quran (English translation) 3 times and I now
at least know to refer to Holy Quran for any issue or subject. (Pandu
Suryanarayana Kumble corporate banker, Durban)
I was blessed with in depth knowledge and growth in Islam, especially having a nonMuslim background. The resources available are absolutely mind blowing and
everything makes so much sense of what was covered. Thank you for this year of
wonderful opportunity and huge impact to me. (Shanaaz Moosa PA, Durban)
The course is an absolute necessity for every Muslim in todays age. It has certainly
made me a better person. (Yunus Nakhooda Risk and Shari`ah Manager of Islamic
Bank, Durban)
Comprehensive and illuminating. (Ahmed Sadiwalla attorney, Pietermaritzburg)
Easy, friendly rapport between lecturers and students with healthy discussion. Pity I
did not register earlier. Gives me a clear, insightful idea of Shari`ah. (Razia Haffajee
home executive, KZN)
Invaluable! Increase and offer course to businessman and Islamic workers. Consider
offering it at degree level. It has certainly guided and enriched my perspective and
knowledge of Shari`ah. Most importantly I have used and disseminated the
knowledge acquired. Vukani Bafazi thanks the organisers. (Shamiela Francis NGO,
Durban)
It was very interesting. For me it was very challenging as it meant studying after 20
years. I enjoyed it thoroughly. (Farieda Ibrahim NGO, Durban)
Enjoyed very much. The research that I needed to do required me to read quite a bit
books that I would not normally have read and thus increased the knowledge of my
religion substantially. I especially found family law and medico legal issues
informative. (Anonymous)
I gained a lot of inspiration from this course especially in pursuing my career in
nursing.
(P. Mokgweetsi student/NGO)

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The course has provided me with the basis of understanding the dynamism of
Shari`ah i.e. it has given me the tools to contextualize Islamic principles in
contemporary times and has assisted me in my personal growth and development.
The course has enabled me to understand the principles of Islamic Banking and
Economics. Furthermore, when a comparative analysis with the Western system was
done, I could clearly understand the benefits of the Islamic system. The course has
created zeal within me to further my studies in the field of Islam. However, to
date UKZN has not finalised a "follow-on" to the course - a request I humbly and
sincerely ask you to vigorously consider. (Faizel Kajee director, Textrim)
Initially my intention was to do the course hoping that it would benefit me in my
Islamic Banking career. Whilst I achieved this aspect I think there was a greater and
broader benefit in light of the various topics covered which benefited me spiritually
and has created a desire to educate myself further due to the limited knowledge I
realise that I have had of my religion. (Ashraf Seedat Bank Manager Gauteng)
The course encouraged open and comprehensive debate and provided an
opportunity to hear other viewpoints. At no time were the views that may have been
contrary, stifled. The comparison between western and Islamic viewpoints gave me a
good comparative point of departure and the ability to understand the Islamic point of
view more clearly. (Fathima Ussuph Retired Executive, Durban)
Increasing my knowledge on issues that I never ever knew before is what I enjoyed
most of the course. It is not about getting a certificate but how I can implement what I
learnt into my daily life. (Anonymous, Gauteng)
The knowledge obtained from the course enhanced my understanding of many
aspects of Islam and will stay with me forever. I enjoyed the fact that lecturers were
open to debate, even questions that scholars sometimes shy away from. The
knowledge and preparation of the lecturers impressed. Subject matter was well
thought out and explained. The guest speakers are at the top of their game and well
acquainted with the subject matter. (Anonymous Gauteng)
When I researched the assignment topics it always opened up other topics that made
me read up which ordinarily I would not have done. It was interesting and made
many concepts clear from an Islamic perspective. I would like to continue the
research and readings to increase my knowledge about Islam. (Zohra Sooliman
NGO, Pietermaritzburg)

(V3-MAV-30/11/09)

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