For anyone seeking to enhance their Ramadaan experience, The Forgotten Treasures of Ramadan is a must-have. Whether used at home or in the masjid, it serves as a spiritual companion that enriches worship and connects Muslims to the enduring legacy of Cape Town’s dhikr traditions.
NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI
WITH a few weeks until Ramadaan, Muslims around the world are preparing their hearts and homes for the blessed month.
In Cape Town, the arrival of Ramadaan is marked not only by fasting and prayer but also by unique spiritual traditions that have shaped the identity of the Cape Muslim community for generations.
Among these cherished traditions are the rhythmic recitations of dhikr,duahs and poejies (supplicatory hymns). These spiritual expressions are now carefully preserved in the book The Forgotten Treasures of Ramadan, compiled and translated by Shaikh Abdul Talieb Baker.
This inspirational book is a result of years of meticulous effort, born from an observation made by senior lecturer at Madina Institute and Cape Muslim historian, Shaikh Baker at Ocean View Mosque. He noticed that many congregants were reciting poejies with incorrect pronunciation. Since these hymns were largely transmitted orally, the words had become distorted over time.
In an effort to restore the correct recitation, Shaikh Baker initially distributed pamphlets containing the Arabic text, transliteration and translation of these supplications. Over time, this effort expanded to include other Ramadaan-related adhkaar, eventually culminating in the publication of The Forgotten Treasures of Ramadan, now in its second edition.
The significance of this book extends beyond being a mere collection of prayers. It serves as a record of the spiritual identity of Cape Muslim dhikr and supplications that have echoed through mosques across the country for centuries.
Shaikh Bakers’s research for this book led him to a rare handwritten Arabic copy of the poejies, penned down by an Imam of Bosmont Mosque in Johannesburg.
‘I was fascinated to find that many of our Cape Malay traditions, including the Raatib al-Haddad, Moulood and Ramadaan hymns, are still being preserved in Johannesburg’s Cape Muslim community. This confirmed to me that our traditions have deep historical roots and are not just confined to Cape Town,’ notes Shaikh Baker.
A distinct feature of this book is its pocket-sized format, making it convenient for daily use. Designed for ease of use, this collection features essential Ramadaan prayers, including the duah for the 15th of Sha‘baan (Ruwah), dhikr and duah after salah, the Khatam al-Quran supplications, Al-Widaa (Farewell Prayer), Qunoot, duah for the deceased, the Takbeer and Iqaamah for Eid, and Talqeen for the deceased.
The poejies, each with a unique melody (laago), brighten Cape Town’s Ramadaan nights, drawing people to the masjid for taraweeh and fostering a deep sense of communal devotion.
In an interview with Shaikh Fakhruddin Owaisi, lecturer at International Peace College South Africa and Madina Institute, he highlights the importance of preserving these traditions.
‘These duahs sustained Cape Muslims through colonialism, slavery and Apartheid. During times of struggle, they kept hearts firm in faith,’ says Shaikh Fakhruddin.
He explains that while minor pronunciation corrections were made, the original texts remain unchanged.
‘We have preserved the adhkaar as they were received. Some recitations contained errors due to oral transmission, which we rectified, but the traditional essence remains intact,’ says Shaikh Fakhruddin.
The book also addresses the historical challenge of accessibility.
‘For years, these supplications were only available in handwritten form, making them difficult to obtain. Now, these supplications are accessible to everyone, and every masjid and imam can have a copy,’ notes Shaikh Fakhruddin.
He also mentions that this book is a bridge between generations.
‘The older generation upholds these adhkaar, but the youth are keen to pronounce them correctly and understand their meanings. With the growth in the interest of the Arabic language among the youth, it is crucial that they grasp the spiritual and linguistic significance of these supplications,’ shares Shaikh Fakhruddin.
Beyond Cape Town, this book offers insight into the rich dhikr traditions of the Cape Muslim community.
‘In many parts of the world, and even within South Africa, these Ramadaan adhkaar are rare. While they are a Cape tradition, they benefit every Muslim, as many of the du‘aas are rooted in the Sunnah,’ explains Shaikh Fakhruddin.
In addressing the importance of balancing linguistic accuracy with readability, Shaikh Fakhruddin also notes that proper pronunciation is crucial when reciting these duahs and adhkaar. He emphasises that they are sacred and must be recited correctly.
‘In Cape Town, many have been mispronounced due to a lack of tajweed and understanding. Hence, the book includes Arabic script, English translation and transliteration to ensure accuracy,’ he adds.
For anyone seeking to enhance their Ramadaan experience, The Forgotten Treasures of Ramadan is a must-have. Whether used at home or in the masjid, it serves as a spiritual companion that enriches worship and connects Muslims to the enduring legacy of Cape Town’s dhikr traditions. As the blessed month approaches, this book provides the perfect resource to prepare, reflect and fully embrace the sacred atmosphere of Ramadaan.
The Forgotten Treasures of Ramadan is available for purchase at various bookstores and Islamic centres in Cape Town, including Madina Institute, Academia Library at Islamia College, and Masjid Al-Quds in Gatesville. The book is priced at R75, making it an affordable Ramadaan gift for family and friends.
- This article was first published in the 21 February 2025 print edition of Muslim Views.
