The Ummah Tech Conference 2025 brought together innovators, scholars and community builders in Cape Town to explore how Islamic values can shape ethical, purpose-driven technology.
By HASANAIN ABDULLAH
Following the inaugural event in Johannesburg in 2024, the much-anticipated second Ummah Tech Conference was hosted at the Kirstenbosch Gardens Conference Centre on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Community-driven technology events such as this create a platform for industry experts to share insights, providing guidance on how to use technology ethically in an ever-evolving digital landscape. They also highlight how technology can be harnessed for the greater good and what the most effective business cases may be for its application.
This year’s theme centred on ‘Building Madinah – Uniting Faith and Technology for Community Impact’, inspired by Nabi Muhammad (SAW)’s blueprint for establishing a just and purpose-driven society. Speakers and attendees from across the country gathered to explore how faith can guide innovation that serves humanity.
The Madinah Operating System: A framework for impact
The conference programme was structured around seven archetypes drawn from key figures who contributed to the building of Prophetic Madinah: the Visionary, the Leader, the Architect, the Connector, the Creator and the Storyteller.
Drawing from the Sirah, the examples included:
• Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) – the visionary, financer of the early mission and leader after the passing of the Prophet (SAW).
• Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) – renowned for governance, justice and accountability; a model for ethical public leadership.
• Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) – the architect who compiled the Quran into a unified volume, safeguarding the community’s ‘source of truth’.
• Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA) – a leading teacher of scholars and a primary source of spiritual insight and knowledge.
• Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (RA) – the connector and protector who was the first to draw his sword in defence of the Ummah.
• Ka’b ibn Zuhayr (RA) – the creator and poet whose art helped heal divisions and inspire redemption.
• Mus’ab ibn Umair (RA) – the storyteller and first ambassador to Yathrib, whose eloquence won hearts before the Hijrah.
In his opening address, convener Ismail Dhorat introduced the concept of the ‘Madinah Operating System’, emphasising the need to embed Islamic values into the DNA of the technology being built. ‘An Ummah is defined as a group of people that come together for a common purpose,’ he stated. ‘In a similar fashion, the Ummah Tech Conference aims to unite the community.’
Reclaiming the Muslim mind in the digital age
In the keynote talk titled ‘The Digital Madinah: Reclaiming the Muslim Mind in the Age of Algorithms’, Moulana Sulaiman Ravat, Radio Islam Station Manager, cautioned that digital media platforms are largely owned by Western corporations. He argued that because Muslims do not own these platforms, they do not control the narrative, and therefore should develop media ecosystems built with their own purpose in mind. This, he said, would help counter censorship affecting Muslim communities globally.
Leadership, youth empowerment and technological convergence
During the session ‘Crisis Leadership: Context and Diversity in Decision-Making’, Dr Rashid Toefy reflected on the importance of inclusive leadership, noting how women often provide stability during crises. He referenced Sayyidah Khadija (RA) as a pillar of support during the most challenging early years of Islam.
Ayesha Bayat, co-founder of Digi Youth Africa, presented on tackling youth unemployment through technology, AI and skills training.
In his talk ‘Technology as an Enabler’, Ziaad Suleman highlighted that society is living through an age of technological convergence, where intelligence systems are increasingly hyper-personalised. He emphasised that tech vendors must develop solutions relevant to the evolving needs of their customers.
Focusing on community-centred innovation, Huzaifa Khan shared his commitment to driving social impact through technology and education, equipping communities with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive world.
Digital media, activism and storytelling
During the session ‘Digital Media & Activism: Amplifying the Voice of Justice’, Seen TV’s Yusuf Omar discussed the power of storytelling in setting the agenda, raising awareness and elevating issues that matter to the community.
Looking ahead, regional Ummah Tech chapters will facilitate quarterly meet-ups for tech professionals to connect, network and share ongoing projects. The growing talent pool will feature in mainstream public talks, fireside chats and conferences hosted by business and community organisations.
For more information about the event, including the speaker line-up, visit: www.ummahtech.net
Hasanain Abdullah was the convenor of Ummah Tech Conference 2025 in Cape Town.
