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By MUSLIM VIEWS REPORTERS
Muslim Views journalist Anwar Omar was the top performing Master’s graduate at the International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) graduation ceremony. He achieved a cum laude with an overall mark of 86%.
Omar achieved distinctions in every module of the Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Thought programme, including his dissertation. He delivered a valedictory address on behalf of his cohort.
The ceremony, held at the Nedbank Auditorium at the V&A Waterfront, marked IPSA’s 21st anniversary. A total of 72 students graduated: 44 with Higher Certificate, 11 with Bachelor’s degrees, 11 with Honours degrees and six with Master’s degrees.
Photo: Yaseen Bardien
Inequality at the heart of food insecurity
Omar’s dissertation, titled “A Maqasidi Perspective on Inequality as the Central Domain for Food Insecurity”, used a Maqasidi methodology to examine food insecurity.
Rather than focusing mainly on food production and supply, his research examined structural inequality and argued that equitable access and distributive justice should be central to how food insecurity is understood within Islamic thought.
Omar completed the degree while working as a journalist.
There is no secular
When Omar applied for the Master’s programme, he was asked to justify his place because he did not have a formal Islamic Studies background, despite already holding three Master’s degrees.
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He said the experience made him question the division between what is considered religious and what is considered secular. He described the tendency to separate life into “a small ‘religious’ component and a much larger component called the ‘secular’”.
Drawing on more than three decades as a senior executive in the oil industry, Omar said the boardrooms he worked in were never neutral ground. They were either spaces of halaal conduct or haram exploitation. He applied the same principle to politics, science, law, economics and personal relationships.
Omar argued that separating the secular from the sacred was not part of the Islamic tradition.
Balancing motherhood, careers and academia
Fatima Khan-Wise, a mother of three, and professional banker Shamiela Abrahams also graduated cum laude. Both completed their Honours and Master in Applied Islamic Thought at IPSA while continuing with their professional and family responsibilities.
Khan-Wise’s dissertation examined gender-based violence through a Maqasidi perspective. Her research looked at the causes and consequences of GBV and considered how an Islamic ethical framework could inform South Africa’s response. Khan-Wise described the experience as a “total paradigm shift” in how she viewed life and academia. She said her time at IPSA changed how she approached her studies and understood her role as a mother and her place in society.
Abrahams’ dissertation, titled “Reframing Financial Behaviour in South Africa: A Psychological Model for Enhancing Participation in Islamic Banking”, examined the psychological and behavioural factors that influence participation in Islamic banking. She proposed a psychological model aimed at addressing those barriers and increasing participation in the sector.
Other graduates
The Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Thought cohort also included Yusuf Khan Dalwai, Sayed Noor Mohamed, who graduated cum laude and Sayed Imraan Mohamed.
Among the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Islamic Studies graduates was Shaykh Ismail Londt, who graduated cum laude. Londt is the imam of Auwal Masjid in Bo-Kaap, South Africa’s oldest mosque.
In the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies programme, Muzzammil Charles and Raadiyah Soeker graduated Summa cum laude, IPSA’s highest academic honour. Zakkiya Dramat, Iqan Fakier, Rasheedah Khan and Raadiyyah Pastor graduated cum laude.
In the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Islamic Studies programme, Mohammad Omar Carrim graduated Magna cum laude. Londt, Faateemah Jassiem, Nomfundo Amina Magwaza, Raadia Razack and Yumna Yusaf graduated cum laude.
Special Recognition
Two special awards were also presented during the ceremony. Shaykh Irfan Abrahams received a Lifetime Achievement Award, while the late Taj Akleker received a posthumous award for his contribution to IPSA.
