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The project commemorates a 1500-year legacy of a man who is a holistic model of excellence for all mankind and his message remains a comprehensive way of life.
By NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI
It was 1500 years ago that the greatest man on earth was born in the ancient city of Makkah.
Known as the Honest One, the mercy to the worlds and the walking Qur’an, the world into which Prophet Muhammed ﷺ was born was trapped in an Age of Ignorance (jahiliyyah).
Arabia at the time was plagued by tribalism, inequality and moral collapse. Women had no status. The weak were trampled by the powerful. Idolatry was common. Slavery, poverty and corruption were part of daily life. It was a time of spiritual and social darkness.
In the midst of the chaos, he ﷺ brought light, standing for justice, peace, mercy and compassion. He uplifted women, defended the oppressed, united divided communities and restored human dignity.
Yet, fifteen centuries later, the world is facing the re-emergence of similar challenges, and humanity needs his ﷺ light even more today. Broken families, crime, corruption, drug and alcohol abuse, disunity, inequality and oppression have become normalised. The moral crisis remains deeply embedded in our homes, communities and society.
As we mark 1500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the Cape Muslim community is seizing this moment to reflect, draw inspiration and to revive the timeless values he ﷺ stood for in order to create a better future for all,
This was reflected during the official launch of The Legacy Project 1500, which took place yesterday, Wednesday July 9, in Rylands, Cape Town. The occasion marked the beginning of a year-long programme which will feature a rich tapestry of local and international events.
The chairperson and convenor of the commission, Sataar Parker, said, ‘It is an absolute honour and privilege to be given this task to chair the 1500 Legacy Project Commission. The members are from very diverse groups and organisations but their love for our beloved Rasool ( saw) is beyond any other consideration.
‘That, to me, is the most remarkable aspect of this commission. Our motivation comes from the adage “For the pleasure of Allah and the love of the Rasool ﷺ.”
‘It is my fervent wish that this project will be embraced by everyone from all walks of life, In Sha Allah,’ said Parker.
Speaking at the launch, Shaikh Sa’dullah Khan, who is one of the members of the Legacy 1500 Commission, noted that this project commemorates a 1500-year legacy of a man who is a holistic model of excellence for all mankind and his ﷺ message remains a comprehensive way of life.
‘When we speak about the legacy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we are referring to the lasting impact of the life of the best of creation, who transformed the world, changed the course of history and remains the ultimate benefactor of humanity. The Prophet’s legacy is the epitome of compassion, moral integrity and human values,’ said Shaikh Sa’dullah.
He added that this project focuses on the universal message of Islam rooted in the civilisational values of faith, peace, mercy, justice, environmental awareness and social consciousness, all of this as conveyed by the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
He also emphasised that this project aims to foster unity not only in South Africa but across the globe through highlighting the relevance of teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in today’s world. This project also seeks to particularly commemorate the unique history of Muslims who have thrived in non-Muslim majority contexts.
Echoing Shaikh Sa’dullah’s sentiments, Dr Elias Parker, one of the convenors of the initiative, noted that while other Prophets where sent to specific nations, he ﷺ was sent to all mankind regardless of tribe, race, nation.
He also highlighted that as this commemoration unfolds it becomes necessary for Muslims, especially those who are minority, to reflect on their individual effort to spreading the Prophetic message.
‘Today, we must ask ourselves: what have we done with this amanah (trust)? While visiting South Africa in 1994, Tunisian political activist and intellectual leader, Rached Ghannouchi, said: “The message of Islam was never meant to be in the coffers of a few privileged.” Yet, in South Africa Islam has existed over 300 years but we as Muslims remain a minority that is too often inward looking,’ said Dr Parker.
He also affirmed that The Legacy Project 1500 will be taking steps further in reaching everyone because the Prophet ﷺ was sent to the oppressed, powerful, rural as well as the urban, and to those who believe and those who don’t.
‘Today, we must make a bold claim and, more importantly, bold action needs to be taken. And through Legacy 1500, we will reach out to the majority population in our country who are often excluded or forgotten in such initiatives. This initiative is not about just preaching; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and walking side by side with our fellow South Africans and showcasing, through action, the authentic values of our Prophet Muhmmed ﷺ.’
He further added that this initiative is not just a series of events but a call to join a movement.
‘It’s time we break the barriers of silence, to engage not just in charity but in compassion, not just in dawah but in dignity. Let us be the ones to take Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ message to our homes, campuses, government, townships, media and the world at large.’
In an interview, Shaikh Ismail Gqamane, who is also commission member, expressed the view that this project was an opportunity for self and collective reflection in emulating the true character and values of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
‘Black people who have not embraced Islam, and who make up the majority population in South Africa, interact with Muslims every day in every sphere of life. They see Muslims but the real question is do we show them Islam? Do we smile, speak kind words, show them love and care? Do they see the character of Rasulullah ﷺ in the way we treat them? Do they feel Prophet Muhammed’s justice, mercy, humility when they interact with us? Or have we reduced Islam to rituals while leaving the noble akhlaq of the Prophet ﷺ behind?’ declared Shaikh Gqamane.
He added that the world, including South Africa, is grappling with moral degradation and it is through us emulating and sharing the teachings of Prophet Muhamed ﷺ that people can learn that Islam is a solution and a restorer of morals.
While responding to the question of how the public can support this project, Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, the convener of the Legacy 1500 Commission, said that this initiative was not for a few but for everyone because the message of Prophet Muhammed ﷺ needs to reach all corners of the world.
‘It’s not just an initiative; it’s a call to action, an invitation to individuals, institutions, and organisations to participate actively by taking ownership, becoming ambassadors, volunteering skills and time. It is an opportunity to take part in sponsoring events and programmes, promoting the initiative within every space, contributing to publications and artistic projects that have a potential to touch many lives and be a source of change,’ said Moulana Allie.
Programme of events
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The Legacy Project 1500 has also rolled out a powerful lineup of upcoming events for everyone and these are some of the highlights:
- A Night of Light and Sacred Sounds: An electrifying, multi-dimensional live performance using storytelling, Qur’anic recitation, poetry, spoken word and zikr to bring the Seerah to life.
- Islamic Art and Calligraphy Exhibition: A celebration of sacred creativity, showcasing Islamic visual heritage in its most elegant forms.
- Ladies Presentation: Honouring the strength and sacrifice of the women of Islam, the unseen pillars who shaped our faith.
- Major Public Exhibition: A large-scale showcase of Islamic history, culture and heritage, including models of sacred sites and a rare display of the relics of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- International Conference: Hosted by Awqaf SA and the Research Centre For Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the event gathers top global minds under the theme: ‘The Image of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Islamic Literature and Scholarship in Africa’.
- Scholarly Journal: A publication featuring critical reflections from respected scholars, linking Prophetic teachings to Africa’s past, present and future.
- Youth and Community Programmes: Speech, essay and nasheed competitions, new school materials, and a national youth retreat to inspire future leaders grounded in Prophetic character.
- 1500-Year Legacy Waqf: A long-term fund for education and development in marginalised communities, turning celebration into sustainable change.
For more information visit https://legacy1500.com/ or email: info@legacy1500.com
