The International Peace College of South Africa (IPSA) will this weekend launch an English translation of the works of Sheikh al-Sayyid Muhammad bin Alawi al-Maliki, entitled “The Way of the True Salaf”. The publication has been translated through a collaborated effort by IPSA and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Al-Maliki, a Saudi national who died in 2004, was considered amongst the most prominent Sunni scholars of his time. His lineage has been dated back to that of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). His written works covered everything from aqidah, tafsir, hadith, seerah and fiqh, amongst other areas of Islamic theology.

IPSA principal, Sheikh Ihsaan Taliep says al-Maliki provides the best representation of Islamic theology in Saudi Arabia, known to be the heartlands of a strict and rigid interpretation of the Holy Quran and the sunnah of the Prophet, in accordance with the Wahabi school of thought.

“Al-Maliki represents a bulwark against extremism and presents issues relating to aqidah and theology in a very balanced approach. We believed that in order to assure that this important work becomes available to a broader audience in the English speaking world, it would be an important project for us to embark on,” he explains.

Taliep says the book will give readers an insight into the thinking, understanding and interpretations of the author as far as the Quran and sunnah are concern, while presenting those topics through a very “middle path” viewpoint.

The scholar, according to Taliep has deep rooted relations within the Western Cape, in particular the Azzawiya Masjid in Walmer Estate. As such, the mosque will play host to the formal book launch, which has been made open for the broader public to attend.

Several guest speakers are scheduled to address the gathering, amongst them Dr. Wasif Kabli, a former student of al-Maliki. The event will also be marked by a thikr, as well as intense discussion on the book.

The launch takes place on Monday 7th December. Proceedings will commence shortly after the Maghrib salaah. The book itself will be on sale for R250 on the evening.

For more information please contact IPSA at 021 638 1121, or via email at info@ipsa-edu.org. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)