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The event was widely deemed a great success in educating the community about the lives of the Khulafa of Islam, their vital contributions to the Islamic faith, and their inspiring legacies.
By SAYED RIDHWAAN MOHAMED
The history and enduring legacy of the early leaders of Islam took centre stage on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as the Cape Town Islamic Educational Centre (CTIEC) and the Cape Town Ulama Board (CTUB) hosted a deeply insightful public event.
Titled ‘The Fantastic Five – Discussing the 30-year Prophetic Caliphate of the Most Superior Companions after Rasulullah ﷺ’, the event was dedicated to illuminating the lives and contributions of the five Khulafa (caliphs) who completed the prophetic period of righteous leadership: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, and Hassan.
The Ebrahim Kareem Hall in Eagle Park was filled with a diverse and eager audience when the event began with a warm welcome from the master of ceremonies and a melodious recitation from the Quran. The event’s spiritual atmosphere was set by a moving dhikr session led by CTIEC learners.
The principal of CTIEC, Allama Moulana Sayed Imraan Shah Ziyaee, officially welcomed the guests and delivered a key opening address. He stressed the ‘importance of the Sahaba and Ahlul Bayt’, emphasising that a proper understanding of the companions and the family of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is foundational to Islamic belief and practice. This sentiment paved the way for the day’s discussions, which sought to bring the principles of early Islamic governance to a contemporary context.
Honouring the rightly-guided leaders
Five esteemed scholars took the stage throughout the day to deliver comprehensive lectures on the five figures who collectively established the 30-year Prophetic Caliphate.
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Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari, Head of the Cape Town Ulama Board, began the talks with a focus on Sayyidina Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the closest companion and first Caliph. Mufti Al Azhari highlighted that the ‘love and respect for the Sahaba, especially Sayyidina Abu Bakr, is a fundamental part of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah belief’. He provided a well-reasoned defence of the status of the first Caliph, drawing from the Quran, authentic Hadith, and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt.
Shaykh Moegamad Amien Jardine discussed the powerful life and enduring legacy of Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph. His lecture focused significantly on the themes of social justice and accountability during Sayyidina Umar’s rule. Drawing parallels with the present day, the speaker noted the contemporary challenges of corruption and inequality, asserting that Sayyidina Umar’s legacy is a ‘call to action to embody his principles of justice, accountability, and commitment to the public good in the 21st century.’ He concluded with a call for Muslims to ‘hold themselves and their leaders accountable, just as Umar did.’
Shaykh Yaseen Katona delivered a lecture on Sayyidina Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph, encouraging the audience to strive for spiritual growth, selflessness, and commitment to the faith, following the inspiring example of the great companion.
The fourth Caliph, Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib, was the subject of Shaykh Nazeem Khan’s presentation. Shaykh Khan delved into the exceptional qualities of the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, such as his immense knowledge, bravery, and profound devotion to Islam, emphasising the closeness of his relationship with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Completing the caliphate: The sacrifice of Imam al-Hassan
A crucial part of the event was the academic emphasis on recognising the final link in the 30-year Prophetic Caliphate. Shaykh Zaid Fataar Al Azhari spoke on the life of Sayyidina Imam al-Hassan, the grandson of the Prophet and the fifth Caliph, whose brief tenure marked the end of this prophetic era.
Shaykh Fataar highlighted Imam al-Hassan’s exemplary character and the immense importance of honouring the Ahlul Bayt. The core lesson from his life, the speaker detailed, was his ultimate act of sacrifice for the sake of unity. Shaykh Fataar powerfully stated: ‘If Hasan wanted, he could have gone forth with the war against Sayyidina Muawiyah, but he did not. He protected and prioritised the blood of the followers of Muhammad ﷺ.’ This momentous act of selflessness, the speaker concluded, serves as a key lesson in preserving the cohesion of the Ummah (global Muslim community).
The organisers stressed that it is ‘academically incorrect to only mention that there were four Khulafa when we know Imam Hassan makes number five that concludes the 30 years.’
The day concluded with a collective dua and salawaat session, followed by a communal lunch for all attendees. Guests were effusive in their praise, lauding the organisers for hosting such an ‘insightful and informative event’ that provided a significant opportunity for the audience to clarify their doubts and gain a deeper understanding of the Khulafa’s lives.
The event was widely deemed a great success in educating the community about the lives of the Khulafa of Islam, their vital contributions to the Islamic faith, and their inspiring legacies.
Local resident Mr Moegamad, who has attended every year, remarked on the commitment of the hosting bodies: ‘The commitment shown by the organisers to this theme is not new; the CTIEC and CTUB have been hosting events in honour of the Sahaba at Masjidul Kareem for the past 14 years. They remain focused on this theme, recognizing the love and reverence for the companions as a fundamental part of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah belief, and they have pledged to continue this important educational tradition. I will even bring my children and grandchildren yearly.’
The organisers expressed deep gratitude to everyone who attended and pledged to continue hosting similar educational events on the teachings of Islam in the future.
