Ethical collaboration the underlying theme at inaugural Ummah Tech Conference

HASANAIN ABDULLAH

The first Ummah Tech Conference, under the theme ‘Where Faith Meets Technology’, brought together technology professionals, community leaders and entrepreneurs in an effort to create a sustainable framework within an Islamic environment.

Participants from across the country, including Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha and Johannesburg engaged in sessions covering critical fields such as software development, fintech, AI, ethical leadership and digital marketing.

The conference was held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on Sunday, November 23.

A platform for collaboration and growth

Hosted by a group of technologists from diverse backgrounds the conference was designed to foster collaboration among Muslim technology professionals.

Event director, Ismail Dhorat, set the tone emphasising the importance of addressing global challenges affecting the Muslim community from a technology perspective. The event also underscored the Quranic principle of ‘cooperating in goodness and righteousness’, cited in Surah al-Ma’dah, to reinforce the need for ethical collaboration.

News radio presenter and driver of the Champion South Africa campaign, Ashraf Garda, anchored the event and ensured an engaging conversation between the participants and the speakers.

The comfort breaks at the conference served as a valuable networking opportunity, allowing participants to connect, share insights and exchange ideas about their projects. These interactions not only fostered meaningful professional relationships but also sparked potential collaborations that could drive innovation within the community.

Highlights from key sessions

Dawood Patel: In his talk, ‘Our role to a self-reliant Ummah’, Patel stressed the importance of building infrastructure and fostering self-reliance within the Muslim community. He urged leaders in the field to navigate the complex technological landscape with integrity.
Ridwaan Babamia: Focusing on ‘Bridging Islamic leadership principles with ethical innovation’, Babamia highlighted the impact of dysfunctional leadership on productivity and family life. He advocated for adaptive leadership – flexible, responsive leadership that promotes continuous learning.
Tasneem Mohammed: As Smart Cities’ Social Innovation Director, Mohammed spoke about inclusive social innovation, emphasising collaboration among all stakeholders – ward councillors, small businesses and residents – to build smart, user-centric communities.

Digital marketing insights

Rafiq Philips, chief technology officer at ad-tech startup, Nat1ve, explained how Islamic principles such as niyah (intention), sabr (consistency) and shura (consultation) can be embedded in digital marketing strategies to ensure ethical practices and sustained success.
Nabeelah Shaikh, managing producer at Seen TV, addressed the viral content phenomenon. She detailed how compelling storytelling – through visual hooks, suspense, and audience relevance – can captivate audiences and drive engagement.
Abdullah Haydar illustrated the development process of a user-centric Quran-learning app, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse user needs, from early adopters to latecomers.
Cybersecurity expert, Haroon Meer, founder and researcher at Thinkst, challenged the community to shift from consumerism to content creation. With access to the best devices, high-speed internet and educational resources, professionals were urged to strive for excellence and produce world-class software.
Naweed Khan, an AI researcher, cautioned against premature technology deployment, advocating for ethical guardrails aligned with Islamic values. He emphasised that AI tools should enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
Aasif Bulbulia’s poetry provided a refreshing interlude after the breaks, adding inspiration and energy that resonated with the themes of the Ummah Tech Conference.

A vision for the future

The conference concluded with a resolution to establish regional chapters in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. These chapters will host quarterly events, fostering a robust ecosystem where technology serves the greater good.

Looking ahead