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World-renowned Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali’s January 2026 South Africa tour united communities and inspired a renewed love for the Quran.
By SAYED RIDHWAAN MOHAMED
The spiritual landscape of South Africa was profoundly enriched this past month as the world-renowned reciter, Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, completed a historic tour spanning January 22 to January 29, 2026. As the legendary student of the distinct and famous Shaykh Qari Abdul Basit Abdus Samad, his visit served as a bridge between the golden era of Quranic recitation and the next generation of South African huffaz.
The tour commenced with scenes of jubilation as Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali touched down on South African soil. At O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, a massive crowd of admirers, students and community leaders gathered to offer a resounding welcome. Similar scenes unfolded days later at Cape Town International Airport, where the arrival hall echoed with salawat and takbeer, underscoring the deep affection the local community holds for the man whose voice has been a staple in their homes for decades.
Between public acclamations, the tour featured moments of high diplomatic honour. On January 25, 2026, Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali was feted at a special dinner hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Malik Muhammad Farooq, in Pretoria. The gathering celebrated the illustrious career of a national icon, highlighting his decoration with Pakistan’s highest civilian honours: the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz and the Pride of Performance. This diplomatic reception, combined with a spiritual opening at Darul Uloom Pretoria, set a reverent tone for the nationwide visit.
The tour’s emotional core was found in the Mother City, hosted by the Cape Town Islamic Educational Centre (CTIEC) and the Cape Town Ulama Board. The itinerary included two flagship events that drew capacity crowds to CTIEC Masjidul Kareem (Eagle Park) and Masjidul Quds (Gatesville).
A defining moment was the impassioned welcome by Shaykh Ismail Londt. In a tribute that resonated with thousands, Shaykh Londt articulated the nostalgic bond South Africans have with the guest. ‘Long before the digital age, it was the voice of Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, the distinct echo of his teacher, Qari Abdul Basit, that filled our homes through the South African airwaves,’ he remarked. ‘He taught us the love of the Quran before we ever saw his face, and VOCFM annually played the Khatam ul Quran recited by Qari Syed Sadaqat.’
The events were a masterclass in unity, supported by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) Quranic Affairs Department, Ahlus Sunnah Media Network, Sunni Ulama Council Cape and Quraan Union South Africa. The presence of Mufti-e-Azam South Africa, Hazrat Mufti Mohammad Akbar Hazarvi, added profound spiritual weight to the occasion.
Beyond the public grandeur, the tour’s true legacy lay in its focus on the youth. Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali dedicated significant time to visiting local hifz schools. Far from a mere ceremonial walk-through, these visits were deeply spiritual. Students were granted the rare privilege of sitting on the floor with the master reciter. While he recited, members of the Cape Town Ulama Board delivered poignant nasiha (advice) to the students on the honour of connecting with the Quran. Qari Sadaqat Ali took moments to offer personal counsel to teachers and select learners, sharing wisdom on the discipline required to carry the Quran in one’s heart, a discipline he learned directly at the feet of Qari Abdul Basit.
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Following the emotional highs of Cape Town, the tour circled back to Johannesburg for a spectacular conclusion at the Sultan Bahu Centre in Mayfair, where the community bid a fond farewell to the Qari.
In a closing statement, the Cape Town Ulama Board extended its heartfelt gratitude to all those involved. ‘We thank every organisation, volunteer and community member who played a role in this beautiful tour,’ a spokesperson stated. ‘You have helped plant seeds of love for the Holy Quran that will grow for generations to come.’
