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INTRODUCTION
Background of students
The course is not limited to lawyers. Students comprised Ulama, lawyers,
accountants, businessmen, bankers, social workers, NGO staff, lecturers, exteachers, home executives, matriculants, etc. We have also had two visually
impaired students of Madressah Al-Noor in Pietermaritzburg.
Who are the lecturers?
We have twelve core lecturers, all experts in their fields. Nine of them are Ulama,
many of whom have Masters or Doctorate degrees. In order to make the lectures
more interesting and provide a practical slant to the contents, we invite a guest
lecture for each of the modules. We have approximately eight guest lecturers,
including three sitting Judges, a CEO of an Islamic bank, a Chaplain from
Correctional Services, a psychologist and a medical doctor among others.
Contemporary issues discussed at lecturers
Students are provided with lecture material/books, which they are required to study
prior to the lectures. Every module commences with an overview of western law
followed by a detailed discussion of Islamic law. There are mature discussions at
lectures with the lecturers facilitating the discussions. Contemporary issues are
explored such as sex change and bisexualism, the banning of the burqa in France,
the Amina Lawal Zina case, the Khatif girl rape case in Saudi Arabia, the cartoon
cases involving the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well as the local Jacob
Zuma cartoons in the context of freedom of speech, the Muslim Personal Law Bill,
the global financial turmoil, etc.
Of what benefit is the course to students?
This is a frequently asked question. Not only will it benefit persons in their
occupations, be they social workers, accountants, lawyers, bankers, etc, but more
importantly it will make the student appreciate Islam in all its dimensions. It will
remove many doubts and stereotypes of Islam. It has also assisted in improving the
CV of students thereby enhancing their prospects of securing employment. Many
students have informed us that the course has changed their lives.
Is the course only for Muslims?
The contents of the course have had a wide appeal, across cultural, religious and
racial lines. The non-Muslim students have derived tremendous benefit from the
course. It has given them a better understanding of Islamic Law in particular and
Muslims in general. The comments of past students, which you will find in the section
under students comments speaks for itself.
Foreign Students
We have a number of students from African countries resident in South Africa who
have completed the course. 2009 also saw the first foreign student resident in South
Africa at the time of her registration writing her exams in her country of origin. A
number of foreigners have expressed interest in doing the course and the course
coordinators are investigating the possibility of enrolling them.
Course Objective
This course aims to equip students with knowledge on a wide spectrum of Islamic
legal issues in order to create a better understanding of the practicality of Islam in a
secular state.
Reference will be made to South African law as a comparison to Islamic Law. It will
thus be an enriching experience to both those with and without Shari`ah knowledge
and to both Muslim and non-Muslim students.
In the five years since the course has been offered approximately 310 students have
successfully completed the course and received the Certificate in Islamic Law from
the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZ-N).
Graduations
Students receive their certificates at official University certification ceremonies 2009
saw four such functions for the 2008 graduates at Durban, Gauteng, Cape Town and
Westville Correctional Centre. The same is planned for the 2009 students in January
2010.
Course Format
The course is offered over one year on a part-time basis. The course comprises eight
modules, with each module comprising of six to seven hours of lectures. Attendance
at lectures is compulsory. The following lecture delivery formats are offered:
1. For students from KwaZulu-Natal: lectures are held on alternate Saturday
mornings at the Howard College Campus, Durban (formerly Natal University)
from 09h00 to 13h00, with a tea break in between. On some Saturdays lectures
are from 09h00 to 16h30 with lunch provided.
2. For Gauteng students: four days of lectures are held in the first semester, two
consecutive days in February/March and two days in April and four days in the
second semester, two consecutive days in July/August and two days in October
from 09h00 to 16h30 at a central venue in Gauteng. Lunch and tea is provided.
3. For Cape Town students: Same as for Gauteng with lectures in the Athlone/
Gatesville/Rylands Estate areas of Western Cape.
Lectures in Gauteng and Cape Town are subject to there being a minimum of 15-20
students registered at each centre.
Successful candidates will receive their certificates at an official certification
ceremony in January/February of the following year. Students not wishing to do
the entire programme may register for selected modules. These candidates will
receive a certificate of attendance. Students may also register in the second
semester and complete the course in June of the following year. All the
modules are stand-alone modules.
Course Content
Eight modules are offered, four in the first and four in the second semesters. Topics
covered in each module are:
First Semester
1. Introduction to the Principles of Islamic Law (Mawlana/Prof. S.S. Nadvi
(PhD), Mawlana/Prof. A.F.M. Ebrahim (PhD), Mawlana M.I. Mulla and
Hafiz/Adv. M.A. Vahed (LLM))
3. Family Law (Prof. S.S. Nadvi, Mufti Z. Bayat, Munira Osman-Hyder, Mawlana
M.I. Mulla, Nazeem Abdulrahman and Adv. M.A. Vahed)
4. Criminal Law (Adv. M.A. Vahed (LLM), Imam Khatib, Mawlana Shabir Asmal)
Second Semester
1. Constitution and Human Rights in Islam (Prof. S.S. Nadvi, Attorney S.
Jazbhay (LLM), Mufti Z. Bayat, Ml. I. Mulla and Adv. M.A. Vahed)
Assessment
Students are expected to prepare an assignment for each module, which will carry
50% of the total marks. There will be two examinations, one at the end of each
semester carrying a further 50% of the total marks. As far as possible, students will
write exams in their own areas. Candidates not wishing to submit assignments and
write exams will receive a certificate of attendance.
Admission requirements
Prospective students will hold at least a matriculation certificate. Students may be
accepted into the programme through recognition of prior learning (RPL) or an
Alim/Alima (Theology) qualification.
Course fees
There is an application fee of R205.00 and a registration fee of R800.00 per module
(R6 400 i.e. 8 X R800). Half the fees of R3 200.00 (i.e. 4 X R800.00) + the R205.00
application fee are payable upon registration. The balance of R3 200.00 is payable
by April. Students could register for one semester at a time and pay R3 405.00 (i.e.
R205.00 + R3 200.00). Students could also register for selected modules at R800
per module (plus the once off application fee of R205). Limited bursaries are
available to deserving students.
Registration
Registration will be closing on Friday 31 January 2010 and Friday 23 July 2010 for
the first and second semesters respectively.
The application and registration forms can be downloaded from the website
islamiclaw.ukzn.ac.za (no prefix www). They must be completed and returned
together with the following to reach University of KwaZulu-Natal at P.O. Box
19753, Dormerton, 4015, by Thursday 30 January 2010 (first semester registration)
or Thursday 23 July 2010 (second semester registration):
(1) A copy of ID;
(2) Either matric, tertiary or Alim/Alima certificate; and
(3) A cheque for R3 405.00 (minimum) to be made payable to The University of
KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and crossed not transferable. (No payments to be made
directly into UKZ-N account until student has been registered and issued with a
student number).
Enquiries
Adv. M. A. Vahed
Institute of Professional Legal Training - Faculty of Law
Howard College Campus, UKZN
Tel: 083 640 9054
E-mail: islamiclaw.ukzn@gmail.com or mvahed@albaraka.co.za
The following are some of the students who have attended the course in the past five
years:
ALIMS/ALIMAHS (RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS)
Mawlanas/Muftis:
A. Shabeer Asmal
Abduragmaa Alexander
Twaibuh Bonamali
Shameem M. Dawood
Qasim Sader
Igshan Fortune
A.R.E. Goga
M. Isara Busakorn
Ismail M. Ali
Faysel Lillah
M.A. Maker
Sayed I. Mohamed
Igsaan Abrahams
Moegammad Colbie
M. S. Maharoofdeen
Mugammad Rhoda
Siraaj A. Sithole
Abdul Z.A. Mohamed
M. Ismail Mulla
Mufti Shahid Hasan
Abbas Sigwili
Rashid A. Moosajee
Yusuf Sader
Salim Desai
M. Arshad Desai
Yusuf Sadien
Yusuf Bheekoo
Ebrahim Johnson
Ierfaan Lakay
Feizel Jhetam
Moggamat Y Abrahams
Moegamat A. Francis
Saleem J. Milanze
Yusuf Sayed
B. K. Suluwale
Saadiya Deenat
Fatima Sheik
Aarifa Vawda
Mariam Mahomed
Fatima Paruk
Muallimas:
Yasmeen S. Patel
Aziza Hathurani
Fatima Motala
Priests:
Walter Ludwick
Perumal S Naidoo
PROFESSIONALS
Attorneys/Magistrates:
Rayisa Sirkhot
Fatemah B. Shaikh
Reshma Kassie
Aysha Osman
Sumaya Norgot
A.R. Kazi
Ahmed Kader
Rashid Patel
Nasreen Motala
Nasreen Rasool
Ziyaad Minty
Tar Mohamed Omar
Yasmin Lorgat
Fatima Cachalia
Samira Cassimjee
Shahin Mia
Zarina Loonat
Ahmed Saadiwalla
Rabia Suleman
Abdul R Reheman
Munira Osman
Bilal Jeebhai
Fathima E. Kajee
Munira Gangat
Tasneem Moolla
Hajra E. Patel
Abdul Majid Carrim
Faiza Essack
Yunus Mahomed
Nasrin Ismail
Fathima E. Kajee
Sheriff of Court:
Shiraaz Dawood
Lecturers:
Preesha Seetal
Accountants/CAs:
Zaheera Aboo
Ahmed Latiff
Azhar Y. Panchbhai Ziyad Sonpra
Naeem Paruk
Raeesa Omarjee
Abdullah Ameed
Fatima Moosa
Naeem AC Asvat
Nasreen Vawda
Rashid M. Ismail
Salem Jhavary
Mohamed Kaka
Social Workers:
Tasnim Abdul
Rashida Patel
Rehana B. Karrim
Doctors:
Yacoob A. K. Vahed Mariam Ahmed
Suleiman Ebrahim
Ahmed Bhigjee
Shamshad B. Amod Mohammed I. Mulla
Ismail Ameen
Rahim Ebrahim
Teachers/Principals:
Ayesha Agjee
Roobana Soni
Ayesha E. Moolla
Fazida Aysen
Razia BA Ebrahim
Fatima Shaik
Fatima Malek
Financial Services:
Ruchsana Bhayat
Engineer:
M.T. Toffa
Sarah GM Hoosen
Sociologist:
Rehana Paruk
Physiotherapist:
Shanaaz Essop
Fatima Manjra
Mymoena Arnold
Sameerah Dhorat
AM Khan
Farzeen Rawat
Razia Mahomed
Nadia Brown
Abdulla Ameed
Zain Patel
Aisha Allie
Ebrahim Galant
Ahmed Kader
BANKERS
Ismail Vahed
M. Adeeb Abrahams
Ashraf Seedat
Anwari Akoob
Camilla Trenor
Mujahid Levy
Fatima Samaria
Mujeeb Arnold
Fatima Ballim
Langton Wolhuter
Ziyaad Mahomed
Pandu Kumble
Dawood Desai
Shaouna Adams
Munira Khan
Mohain January
Fatima Vaid
Shaheen Majiet
Aysha Ebrahim
Ebrahim M. Hassan
BUSINESSPERSONS
M.Saeid Desai
Faizel Kajee
Feroza Paruk
Fathima Hatia
Farhad Coovadia
Gutta A. Gerbisha
Mohamed Moola
Mohamed O Yousuf
Zakariya AS Moola
Humza Desai
Iqbal M Cassim
Fathima Desai
Shirene Vanker
Narriman Hartley
B.K. Techema
Abdul Hamid Moosa
Safiya M. Sonpra
MP Pakati
Shabier Omar
Fatima Yuseph
Mohamed S. Assamo Ismail Khan
Zulekha E. Paruk
Hawa Bibi Jamal
H.E. Suleman
Hawa Doda
Aarifa Ahmed
M.R. Halim
M.R. Shukur
Mohamed Onia
M.A.Y.A. Aziz
Adam M. Bashir
M. Azhar Moolla
Imraan Moosa
M.A. Hamid
Zubair Banoo
FROM NGOS
Yacoob E. Vahed
Shamila Francis
Farieda Ibrahim
Zohra Suliman
B. Mokgweetsi
Feroza S. Ismail
Ebrahim Solomons
Fathima Imam
Goolam HI Khan
Sameer Essa
Mariam Chigamba
Sureya Yusuf
Salwa Isaacs
Shameera Carrim
Hajra Bibi Essa
Mariam C. Moosa
Firoza Patel
Razieya Mahomedy
HOME EXECUTIVES
Fatima Sader
Shaihaam Francis
Mariam A.I. Motala
Shaida Essa
Femida Tayob
Razia Haffajee
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANTS
Shenaaz Moosa
Katija Kader
DEFENCE FORCE
Isabella Holtzhausen
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PARLIMENTARIAN
Mumtaz A. Lall
STUDENTS
Humayda Murchee
Fatima Mangera
Shakira Allie
Fareed Tarmahomed
Farzanah Rahman
Zaakir Omar Fareed
Mariam Seedat
Tasnim Y. Vahed
PRISON INMATES
15 inmates
Dolan Walied
Irshaad Vawda
Feroza Sayed
Mohamed A. Hassen
Muneera Isaacs
Yasmin Toffie
Anisa Osman
Ahmed Essop
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effective. The assignment questions in the first semester dealt significantly with the
role, status and position of women in Islam. This has equipped me personally to
defend the stereotypes and criticism levelled against Muslim women. This knowledge
could not have come at a better time, and served, above all, to instil a sense of pride
in all the Muslim women present at the lectures. (Anonymous, Pietermaritzburg)
As a non-Muslim person it is very informative and eye-opening. From the perspective
of a legal officer I can definitely use the knowledge I have gained in practice to find
more diverse ways of solving problems. The course was extremely well coordinated.
(Reshma Kassie- formerly a practicing attorney currently in banking, Durban)
I was always fearful of engaging with the Shari`ah its only for learned people. I
discovered that Islam is quite easy to understand. I am definitely studying Arabic next
year. I also loved that the lecturers encouraged us to look beyond our insular
learning and engage with the diverse opinions and many fatawa. (Sanaa Petersen
journalist, Cape Town)
I, being a visually impaired person, found that I had no difficulty with the course
material as it was made available in electronic format and the universitys disability
unit provided me with tremendous support. It was an excellent opportunity to meet
students from all walks of life. I urge people to do this course to gain knowledge and
to use this information to benefit the Ummah. (Zakariya AS Moola businessman,
Durban)
It was very enlightening. All my sacrifices were definitely worthwhile. I started the
course when my baby was only a few months old. The times were convenient and it
is easy for everyone to do the course, even mothers. (Nafeesa Ismail home
executive, Durban)
Insightful and rewarding. It should be taken to the people with firm marketing.
(Rehana Paruk sociologist, Durban)
This course has activated a whole lot of things that were locked in my mind and
added value to my life. I have built up confidence to propagate the Deen and to teach
people the beauty of Al-Islam and give back to my local community. (Walid Dolan
student, Cape Town)
I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between the lecturers and the other participants.
I also found the assignments to be very rewarding and informative and I really had to
think laterally in order to fully appreciate the absolute purity of the Islamic Law
System. As a non-Muslim, however, fellow human being, the course made me more
aware of the absolute necessity of working under God's guidance in everything we
say and do. People so often tend to forget this. I unreservedly recommend it to
everyone who would like to improve their insight and understanding of this
remarkable subject. (Langton Wolhuter banker, Gauteng)
The course is not only for scholars, or professionals, but rather a course that will
enlighten every Muslim or non-Muslim on the religion of Islam. The course material is
well researched, simple to understand, yet thought provoking. The level of knowledge
by the presenters and their lecturing style brings about discussions that will intrigue
every participant. The research required for the assignments will bring an unknown
enjoyment to the student. Every Muslim, male or female, if presented with the
opportunity should grab it and embrace the knowledge learnt and impart it to others.
(Mohammed Kaka CA, Gauteng)
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Being part of the only Islamic Bank in the country and committed as I have always
been, I had the urge to learn all about Islam and Shari`ah. The Course topics were
apt, very relevant and covered the subject in depth. However, completing these
assignments was an experience! It made me aware that there was so much of
information available on these topics. As a result, my knowledge has expanded
vastly. To put it in a nutshell, the course has helped me as follows:
I am now familiar with Islamic traditions.
I gained greater understanding, insight and knowledge of Islam, Muslims and the
Quran
I can confidently interact with all the clients of the bank irrespective whether a
Muslim or a non-Muslim client, a male or a female, with confidence and a stamp of
authenticity.
I feel proud in having acquired such knowledge that makes me at ease while
working with people both inside and outside the Bank.
I know where and whom to refer to when in doubt.
I am now a confident Executive of the bank distributing Islamic Banking products
in the market. I have read the Holy Quran (English translation) 3 times and I now
at least know to refer to Holy Quran for any issue or subject. (Pandu
Suryanarayana Kumble corporate banker, Durban)
I was blessed with in depth knowledge and growth in Islam, especially having a nonMuslim background. The resources available are absolutely mind blowing and
everything makes so much sense of what was covered. Thank you for this year of
wonderful opportunity and huge impact to me. (Shanaaz Moosa PA, Durban)
The course is an absolute necessity for every Muslim in todays age. It has certainly
made me a better person. (Yunus Nakhooda Risk and Shari`ah Manager of Islamic
Bank, Durban)
Comprehensive and illuminating. (Ahmed Sadiwalla attorney, Pietermaritzburg)
Easy, friendly rapport between lecturers and students with healthy discussion. Pity I
did not register earlier. Gives me a clear, insightful idea of Shari`ah. (Razia Haffajee
home executive, KZN)
Invaluable! Increase and offer course to businessman and Islamic workers. Consider
offering it at degree level. It has certainly guided and enriched my perspective and
knowledge of Shari`ah. Most importantly I have used and disseminated the
knowledge acquired. Vukani Bafazi thanks the organisers. (Shamiela Francis NGO,
Durban)
It was very interesting. For me it was very challenging as it meant studying after 20
years. I enjoyed it thoroughly. (Farieda Ibrahim NGO, Durban)
Enjoyed very much. The research that I needed to do required me to read quite a bit
books that I would not normally have read and thus increased the knowledge of my
religion substantially. I especially found family law and medico legal issues
informative. (Anonymous)
I gained a lot of inspiration from this course especially in pursuing my career in
nursing.
(P. Mokgweetsi student/NGO)
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The course has provided me with the basis of understanding the dynamism of
Shari`ah i.e. it has given me the tools to contextualize Islamic principles in
contemporary times and has assisted me in my personal growth and development.
The course has enabled me to understand the principles of Islamic Banking and
Economics. Furthermore, when a comparative analysis with the Western system was
done, I could clearly understand the benefits of the Islamic system. The course has
created zeal within me to further my studies in the field of Islam. However, to
date UKZN has not finalised a "follow-on" to the course - a request I humbly and
sincerely ask you to vigorously consider. (Faizel Kajee director, Textrim)
Initially my intention was to do the course hoping that it would benefit me in my
Islamic Banking career. Whilst I achieved this aspect I think there was a greater and
broader benefit in light of the various topics covered which benefited me spiritually
and has created a desire to educate myself further due to the limited knowledge I
realise that I have had of my religion. (Ashraf Seedat Bank Manager Gauteng)
The course encouraged open and comprehensive debate and provided an
opportunity to hear other viewpoints. At no time were the views that may have been
contrary, stifled. The comparison between western and Islamic viewpoints gave me a
good comparative point of departure and the ability to understand the Islamic point of
view more clearly. (Fathima Ussuph Retired Executive, Durban)
Increasing my knowledge on issues that I never ever knew before is what I enjoyed
most of the course. It is not about getting a certificate but how I can implement what I
learnt into my daily life. (Anonymous, Gauteng)
The knowledge obtained from the course enhanced my understanding of many
aspects of Islam and will stay with me forever. I enjoyed the fact that lecturers were
open to debate, even questions that scholars sometimes shy away from. The
knowledge and preparation of the lecturers impressed. Subject matter was well
thought out and explained. The guest speakers are at the top of their game and well
acquainted with the subject matter. (Anonymous Gauteng)
When I researched the assignment topics it always opened up other topics that made
me read up which ordinarily I would not have done. It was interesting and made
many concepts clear from an Islamic perspective. I would like to continue the
research and readings to increase my knowledge about Islam. (Zohra Sooliman
NGO, Pietermaritzburg)
(V3-MAV-30/11/09)
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