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Madina Institute South Africa marked a milestone graduation ceremony in Cape Town, conferring its first Master of Arts in Islamic Studies qualifications.
By USTAADHA TASLEEMA ALLIE
Madina Institute South Africa proudly celebrated a historic and momentous graduation ceremony at the historic Cape Town City Chambers in the presence of its Founder and President, Shaykh Dr Muhammad al-Ninowy, alongside the President of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), Shaykh Riaad Fataar; the mashaaikh of the Alawi Hussaini Ninowy Zaweya: Shaykh Mukhtar Ahmed, Shaykh Muhammad Caloo and Shaykh Omar Masud. In attendance were also distinguished scholars, dignitaries, staff, parents, students, principals, peers and donors.
The programme seamlessly guided attendees through both the ceremonial and academic proceedings, with CEO Haji Faizel Edroos Royker leading the formal addresses, while Ustaadha Tasleema Allie facilitated the conferral and confirmation of qualifications.
The graduation commenced with a moving recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafidh Mudaththir Abrahams, who rendered verses from Sura Taha and Sura Al-ʿAlaq. The recitation included the profound divine command, ‘My Lord! Increase me in knowledge’ (Sura Taha, 20:114), together with the very first revealed verses commanding humanity to ‘Read in the Name of your Lord.’ The selection set a deeply spiritual tone for the graduation, reminding attendees that the pursuit of knowledge remains among the noblest acts of devotion and transformation in Islam.
The convocation marked another significant chapter in the Institute’s ongoing commitment to sacred scholarship, academic excellence, and community upliftment through Islamic higher education.
The programme featured a moving commemorative tribute rendered by the widely appreciated naat reciter Moulana Ahmed Taahir together with BA graduating student Br Shuaib Salie, adding a deeply spiritual and reflective dimension to the celebration.
This year’s graduation ceremony celebrated students who successfully completed the following programmes:
- Foundations in Islamic Studies
- Usul al-Din Programme
- Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies
- Master of Arts in Islamic Studies
It was especially historic as Madina Institute conferred, for the very first time, its Master of Arts in Islamic Studies qualifications, a milestone representing the growth and maturation of accredited Islamic higher education in South Africa. The BA, Honours and Master’s programmes are fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
Madina Institute further took the opportunity to honour its Dean, Prof Khadija Moloi, who was unable to attend the graduation ceremony as she continued overseeing the submission process for the Institute’s forthcoming PGCE accreditation. The Institute also acknowledged the top graduate of the inaugural Master of Arts in Islamic Studies programme, Shaykh Muaaz Kalla, as his wife went into labour during the graduation proceedings, a memorable and joyful moment warmly shared by the Madina Institute community.
In his keynote reflections, Shaykh Dr Muhammad al-Ninowy reminded graduates that sacred knowledge is not merely academic attainment, but a trust that carries with it responsibility, humility, service, and sincere devotion to Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
The ceremony also honoured exceptional individuals through a distinguished series of awards recognising perseverance, service, Quranic excellence, and lifelong contribution to humanity and community upliftment.
Awards of Excellence and Service
- The Shaykh Abd al-Rasheed Brown Award, presented to a student who demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and resilience in the pursuit of sacred knowledge despite personal challenges and obstacles, was awarded to Hafidh Abdul Rahim Moideen.
- The Shoaib Moosa Award was presented to students who exemplified exceptional khidmah (service), humility, and selfless contribution to the Institute and community initiatives. The 2026 recipients were:
- Br Ahmad Davids
- Shaykh Zaid Fataar al-Azhari
- The Shaykh Ganief Moos Award is a newly introduced award recognising exceptional devotion to the Holy Quran through recitation, embodiment, and service to the Book of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. The inaugural recipient was Hafidh Mudaththir Abrahams.
- The Madina Institute Lifetime Achievement Award: In one of the graduation’s most moving moments, Madina Institute conferred its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award upon Hajji Akbar Moosa of the Willowton Group. The award recognised a lifetime dedicated to ethical leadership, philanthropy, institution-building, humanitarian upliftment, and service to communities both locally and globally. Due to ill health, the award was received on his behalf by his brother, Hajji Abdur Razak Moosa.
The programme further featured addresses and tributes by respected scholars and academics, including Professor Abdullah Bayat, valedictory addresses by Shaykh Zaid Fataar al-Azhari and Ustaadha Hodan Faarah, as well as a concluding dua by Shaykh Omar Masood.
Madina Institute also announced with optimism the continued growth of its academic offerings, including the development of its Honours in Islamic Studies cohort, further reflecting the institution’s expanding vision for advanced Islamic scholarship in South Africa.
Reflecting on the occasion, the Founder of Madina Institute, Shaykh Dr Muhammad al-Ninowy, remarked:
‘Sacred knowledge is not simply information to be acquired; it is light entrusted to the heart. The true student of knowledge is one who carries mercy, humility, service, and prophetic character into the world.’
As the institution celebrates another graduating class, Madina Institute extends an open invitation to the broader community to engage with the transformative power of sacred knowledge, encouraging individuals and families alike to explore programmes that nurture faith, scholarship, purpose, and service to humanity.
The graduation concluded in gratitude, reflection, and hope, honouring not only academic achievement, but the enduring legacy of knowledge in service of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and society at large.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
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‘Whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.’ (Sahih Muslim)
Graduation Video:
https://youtube.com/live/X532pOL6PTU?feature=share
Madina Institute South Africa is an accredited institution of higher Islamic learning committed to cultivating scholarship, spiritual development and service to humanity through transformative education.
