In an effort to pay homage to the senior members of the Cape ulema fraternity, VOC hosted a special luncheon at Barrons Estate on Sunday to reflect on the lifelong contributions of the elderly shuyookh. Sunday afternoon was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices many Cape based Islamic scholars, alive and deceased, have made to the upliftment and betterment of humanity at large. In this regard, VOC chose to hand over special awards to these senior ulema. People from different areas came to support the event and in doing, showed their gratitude to the elders.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The guests enjoyed their delicious 5 course meal whilst being entertained by live musicians.

The opening qiraa was conducted by a female reciter. Ayesha Laatoe then took the microphone and the official program began. The Golden Hour programme then kicked off with Yusuf Fisher.

One of the keynote speakers was the MJC deputy president Sheikh Igsaan Taliep, who spoke about the importance of heritage. He also addressed the poor conduct of Muslims around the world and touched on the importance of salaah and the renewal of intentions. He went on to stress the importance of knowledge and the spreading Islam.

“The ulema are the inheritors of the Prophet (SAW),” said Taliep.

One of the ulema that received an award was Imam Erefaan Joseph who has been the imam at the Noorul Mogamadiah masjid for nine years. He has also been a regular on VOC for the last 15 years with the Ahlan Wassahlan program.

“Alhamdullilah, I have a very close relationship with the Voice of the Cape,” said Imam Joseph.

Amongst the list of ulema receiving awards was Sheikha Mymoena Solomon, the only female to receive an award. Sheikha Mymoena said she felt honoured to be at the ceremony but maintained her modesty when receiving her award.

“To truly show appreciation to Allah is to be subservient to His rules and laws. And to say “We have heard, and we obey, In Sha Allah,” she said.

Sheikha is currently staying in Kensington and teaches at Al-Azhar Primary school whilst teaching part-time at Masjidul Hidaayatul Islaam in Kensington, Masjidul Quloobul Mumineen and Masjidul Mansur in Mountview.

Many agree that the ulema should receive more acknowledgment and recognition for the work that they do. They have played substantial roles in the development of the ummah and have worked hard to establish the Muslim community within Cape Town.

VOC marketing manager Sukayna Johaardien said the event was long overdue.

“We must not wait until the ulema have passed on to honour them,” Johaardien said.

The following ulema received awards: Sheikha Mymoena Solomon, Imam Abdul Ghakeem Raban from Ocean View and Simonstown Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Hamied Gabier, Imam Abdul Mou’tie Saban Jameah Mosque in Bokaap, Sheikh Abduraghmaan Salie, Sheikh Abduraoaf Abduraoaf from Highlands Estate Mosque, Imam Achmad Deen, Sheikh Achmad Naeem Moerat the father of Sheikh Mogamat Moerat, Imam Adam Philander from the Nurul Latief Mosque, Imam Adam Philander from Nurul Latief Mosque Faure, Imam Allie Bassier, Imam Allie Gierdien, Shseikh Ameerodien Du Toit, Imam Anwar Kamlie form Palm Street Mosque in Longstreet, Imam Cassiem Ismail, Imam Cassiem Zalgoanker Ahmedi Jamiah Mosque in Grassy Park, Imam Ebrahim Abrahams, Sheikh Ebrhaim Abrahams, Sheikh Ebrahim Gabriels from Al-Masjidur Rawbie in Portlands, Sheikh Ebrahim Manan Owal Mosque In Bokaap, Imam Erefaan Joseph Noorul Mogamadiah in Vos Street, Sheikh Faiek Gamieldien, Imam Faldie Cornelius, Sheikh Fuah Gabier, Imam Fuad Samaai, Sheikh Ganief Moos, Imam Gasan Moos from Shukrul Mubeen Mosque in Lansdowne, Maulana Ghoosain from Rhoda Jaavia and Nurul Anwar Masjid in Strand, Maulana Kutbuddien Kagee Habibia Mosque in Rylands, Imam Magadie Sadan, Sheikh Mogamat Armien Fakier form Siddique Mosque in Elsies River, Sheikh Mogamat Fadiel Latief, Imam Mogamat Ganief Slamang, Sheikh Mogamat Moerat Zeenatul Islam Masjid in Distrix six, Sheikh Moosa Goder from Masjidus Salaam in St Athens rd, Hon Sheikh Moutie Moerat form Majidul Nur in Paarl, Imam Mustapha Ahmed from Masjidul Jumu’ah in Delft, Imam Omar Slamang, Imam Rusdeen Kriel, Sheikh Seraj Johaa form Nuraul Islam Mosque in Bokaap, Imam Shakier Achmat from Masjidul Jumu’ah in Delft, Imam Yaseen Harris from Sluleimaneyah Mosque in Woodstock, Imam Yusuf Achmat, Professor Yusuf Da Costa and Imam Yusuf Pandie from Masjidarashideen in Mowbray. VOC