Cape Town will be hosting its first Islamic Comedy Festival “Laughing with Laagoe” on the 24th October at Country Manor in Schaapkraal, organized by Dar al-Turath al-Islami (DTI). Some of the local talent headlining the show include comedians; Tashriq Ahmed, Yaseen Barnes, Moenier Jacobs AKA Mojo, Irshaad Mohamed, Shoukard-Allie Rawoot ,Toufeeq Warrington and Cape town’s own comedic son, Waseef Piekan.  The show will feature both established comedians as well as up and coming talent.

“This is the first time I am doing formal comedy and this show will determine whether I will pursue this as a career,” says comedian, Shoukard-Allie Rawoot.

“I think people will be able to relate to the issues I will be bringing up in my set.”

Included in the program, leading up to the main feature and keeping with the theme of the evening, audiences will be treated to an opening play on “The Seerah of the Prophet (PBUH)” performed by the students of DTI, followed by a short naseeha presented by leading scholars.

Khudaamul Islam, nasheed group will also make an appearance before the comedians take to the stage. The idea for the event was conceived by the directors of Dar al-Turath al-Islami, Moulana Ikraam Buksh and Moulana Abdurragman Khan after identifying a need to establish a permanent premises for DTI . Although billed as a comedy showcase, the event will also leave its audience with something to reflect on from an islamic perspective.

“The main aim is to give a form of da’wah and to attract those who do not regularly go to Islamic gatherings.” says Luqman Najib, a teacher at DTI.

“The comedy festival is a reminder that Allah SWT is the Creator and that we should listen to Him as well as the history of the beloved Prophet SAW,” Najib added.

It seems that comedy would also be used as a tool to inspire young people with regards to various aspects of deen. Comedian, Shoukard-Allie Rawoot points out that there is a da’wah aspect to his comedy and a positive message behind his jokes.

Rawoot believes that in order to attract the youth to Islam there should be different dawah platforms which they will be able to enjoy and learn from. Therefore he intends to entertain and give the crowd a laugh but leave them with valuable lessons. Rawoot will be addressing three different topics, one of which is tolerance.

“Being a Muslim, there is a certain manner that we bring across a certain message. In stand-up comedy with the right intention, you can take a very serious topic, a very contentious question within society, and bring it over in a light hearted manner,” says Rawoot.

With the date of the event fast approaching, tickets are selling fast according to Luqman Najib.

“Tickets are flying out the door but we are currently keeping up with demand and supply.”

“Laughing with Laagoe” kicks off at 8pm. There will be separate seating for males and females and an age restriction of 14. Refreshments will be on sale on the night and salaah facilities will be made available. VOC