Bridging Faith and Society: Dr. Sami Ullah Zubairi’s Transformative Dawah Mission in South Africa
Mohammad Umar
Islamabad: In September 2024, Dr. Sami Ullah Zubairi, a highly respected scholar with a PhD in Quranic Tafseer, embarked on a significant mission to South Africa. Dr. Zubairi, who serves as an Assistant Professor at Allama Iqbal Open University, has a distinguished history in education and scholarship, having been honored with the UNESCO Best Teacher Award in 2013. His latest mission, however, went beyond academic recognition. This time, he sought to bridge faith and society through dawah (Islamic outreach), embarking on a transformative journey organized by the Islamic Circle of Southern Africa (ICSA).
Over 15 days, from September 11 to September 26, Dr. Zubairi traveled across several cities in South Africa, delivering lectures and engaging communities in discussions about the relevance of Islamic teachings in today’s world. His central theme, “Seerat and Society,” focused on how the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the teachings of the Quran provide a timeless guide for both personal development and societal harmony. His lectures covered a range of topics, including the challenges faced by Muslim youth, the spiritual purpose of life, and the Quran’s role in shaping societal values.
During his tour, Dr. Zubairi delivered 10 powerful lectures, each designed to address key social and spiritual issues. His deep understanding of Quranic Tafseer allowed him to connect the teachings of the Quran with contemporary challenges, offering practical solutions grounded in faith. One of his lectures centered on the importance of understanding one’s role in life as part of Allah’s grand design, while another emphasized the Quran’s role as a guide for creating peaceful and morally upright communities. His lectures resonated with audiences, many of whom struggle with the pressures of modern society while striving to live according to Islamic principles.
A significant aspect of Dr. Zubairi’s visit was his focus on the Arabic language and Quranic rhetoric. He highlighted the importance of teaching Arabic to Muslim children, so they could engage with the Quran in its original language, thus deepening their spiritual connection. In an interview with Islam Radio South Africa, Dr. Zubairi stressed that understanding the Quran’s language enhances the intellectual and spiritual engagement of Muslims with their faith. His emphasis on this subject struck a chord, particularly among communities with limited access to scholars of his caliber.
Beyond his formal lectures, Dr. Zubairi also connected with new Muslim families, particularly mothers and children, in informal sessions. These gatherings, organized by the Islamic Organization of Southern Africa, aimed to provide spiritual support to Muslim mothers, many of whom had recently converted to Islam. His message of faith and empowerment inspired the participants, and the emotional impact of his words was profound. During one such event, 30 non-Muslim relatives of these new Muslim families embraced Islam, a testament to the transformative power of dawah.
Dr. Zubairi’s time in South Africa offered him valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by African Muslim communities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. In his discussions with local leaders and scholars, he identified a pressing need for more Islamic education and outreach programs on the African continent. He called on scholars and ulema from around the world to focus on Africa, highlighting the immense potential for dawah efforts to bring about positive social change. He also urged the South African government to support peaceful initiatives that promote social cohesion and community building through faith-based programs.
Dr. Zubairi’s visit, organized by the ICSA, aligned with the organization’s mission to address social challenges such as poverty, drug abuse, and violence in South Africa’s Muslim communities. His lectures offered faith-based solutions to these pressing issues, particularly focusing on empowering Muslim youth to resist negative influences and take responsibility for their role in society. His message of linking spiritual growth with social responsibility left a lasting impression on his audiences, offering a path forward grounded in Islamic teachings.
The impact of Dr. Zubairi’s South African tour was far-reaching. His emphasis on the transformative power of Islam, both on an individual and societal level, sparked intellectual and spiritual awakening across the region. As South Africa and other African nations continue to face complex social challenges, his call for sustained efforts in dawah, education, and peace-building serves as a beacon of hope. Dr. Zubairi’s mission was not just a journey of faith, but a call to action for continued efforts to uplift communities, strengthen ties of brotherhood, and foster harmony through the teachings of Islam. His visit left an indelible mark, inspiring individuals and communities alike to pursue a brighter, more harmonious future.