In the Friday Bulletin, we have so far hosted guests from the continents of Australia, Europe, and Asia, but this week, we travelled to Africa to speak with one of the active and dedicated cultural missionaries and learn more about the conditions of Islamic centres, the Shia community, and Friday prayers in this vast continent.

For our first feature in this mysterious and diverse continent, we chose South Africa and invited Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sayyed Mostafa Daryabari, who has undertaken various short trips to Europe and other parts of the world over the years. However, this time, he has embarked on a long-term mission with the aim of further expanding and utilizing his international experiences and knowledge in a more effective and beneficial way.

1- Friday Prayer in South Africa

Friday prayer is an integral part of the Muslim culture in South Africa, and many individuals, even those who do not regularly perform daily prayers, place special importance on attending Friday prayers. The significance of Friday in this country is so great that schools and workplaces usually provide facilities for Muslims to participate in this religious obligation.

Currently, there are approximately 715 mosques across South Africa, which are in good condition in terms of construction quality and facilities. Among them, around 35 to 40 Shia Islamic centres are active throughout the country, with significant potential for revitalizing existing centres and establishing new ones.

Schools in South Africa close earlier on Fridays to allow Muslim students to attend Friday prayers. Similarly, many Muslim-owned businesses temporarily close during Friday prayer time so that both employees and business owners can participate.

Friday prayer serves as an opportunity for social gatherings, and mosques, in addition to providing a place for worship, offer services such as religious lessons and spiritual support, which even impact non-Muslims. Many Friday sermons in the country are delivered mainly in English, while some are conducted in local languages to ensure accessibility for different segments of society.

In this regard, I have personally delivered several Friday sermons, focusing on spiritual topics as well as contemporary issues in the Muslim world and international affairs.

Women do not typically participate in Friday prayers in large numbers, but a small percentage do attend. Those who remain at home create an opportunity for family gatherings, thereby strengthening the valuable tradition of family unity.

2- How is the Holy Month of Ramadan Observed in South Africa?

Participation during Ramadan is remarkably high, and many people welcome the opportunity to gather for prayers and iftar meals.

One of the beautiful customs in this country is the exchange of food among neighbours before iftar. People share the meals they have prepared, fostering a spirit of cooperation, generosity, and social solidarity. This tradition strengthens the bonds between families and neighbours.

During this month, mosques are filled with worshippers, and the Tarawih prayer is held in all Sunni mosques. However, women usually perform the Tarawih prayer at home. Sunnis break their fast immediately after the Maghrib call to prayer before performing the Maghrib prayer, while Shias first perform the Maghrib prayer and then break their fast. Instead of the Tarawih prayer, Shia communities recite Du’a Al-Iftitah.

A new and commendable tradition initiated by Iran is the organization of unity iftars, where Islamic scholars from various sects come together.

3- Religious Home Gatherings (Majaalis) in South Africa

This tradition is quite prevalent in South Africa, where family gatherings are centred around Islamic activities. These gatherings typically include Quran recitation, mourning ceremonies, supplications, lectures, and religious discussions. They provide a meaningful way to commemorate religious occasions while strengthening faith and social bonds.

Du’a Kumayl is among the supplications frequently recited in these gatherings. Often, each night, a different family or neighbour hosts the prayer sessions, reinforcing a sense of connectedness and spiritual engagement among community members.

In addition to the year-round activities of home-based religious circles, the month of Ramadan further enhances family visitations and reunions, alongside participation in mosque-hosted iftar meals. Moreover, during Ramadan, the invitation of international Quranic reciters from Iran leads to exceptional Quranic recitations in many mosques and Islamic centres.

4- Conversion to Islam in South Africa and Support Strategies for New Muslims

In recent years, an increasing number of indigenous South African youth have embraced Islam. However, many of these individuals perceive Islam as a means of resisting apartheid and oppression.

Within the Shia community, there is a need for better support structures for new Muslims. More efforts are required to create a welcoming environment, provide educational resources, and offer guidance to new converts so they can integrate comfortably into their new religious community.

In some communities, converts from underprivileged backgrounds may face family rejection after embracing Islam. In such cases, members of the Muslim community step in to support them, especially focusing on children and young families.

Muslims assist new converts both financially and socially to ensure that they feel a sense of belonging and solidarity during their transition.

5- New developments and Creative Initiatives for the Promotion of Islam

Any accomplishments in my career are due to God’s grace, the love of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them), and the collective effort of teamwork. Some notable achievements include:

Digital platforms play a significant role in spreading and promoting Islam. These platforms provide access to books, lectures, articles, and religious educational resources for both Muslims and non-Muslims. I have had some successes in this field.

The internet and digital media enable the organization of discussion forums, online seminars, and interfaith interactions, fostering mutual understanding and expanding Islamic knowledge. These opportunities are utilized daily or weekly for progress in Islamic outreach.

For promoting Islam through cultural innovation and creative initiatives, the following methods have proven effective or are being considered for implementation:

Islamic Art and Architecture Projects:

Designing Islamic cultural centres that blend traditional Islamic art with contemporary architecture, creating spaces for cultural exchange.

Organizing Islamic art exhibitions showcasing calligraphy, geometric patterns, and Islamic paintings to convey themes of unity, peace, and beauty while highlighting the rich heritage of Islamic civilization.

Music and Performing Arts:

Islamic music and poetry: Presenting traditional and contemporary Islamic music rooted in spirituality, including Quranic recitations accompanied by artistic elements.

Conducting educational workshops and providing academic support for youth, enhancing their analytical skills, fostering responsibility, and preparing them for leadership roles in the future.

6- The Most Unique and Engaging Quranic Program in South Africa That Can Inspire Other Parts of the World

“Al-Qalam” Quran Project by the South African Deen-Arts Foundation (DAFSA)

This project was launched in March 2023 with the goal of teaching Islamic calligraphy alongside personal development.

Under the guidance of internationally renowned calligrapher Haji Nuruddin Mi Guang Jiang, students receive training in Eastern Arabic script and ultimately produce a handwritten copy of the Holy Quran.

Beyond calligraphy instruction, this program emphasizes Islamic etiquette and ethics, helping participants progress on their spiritual journey.

Additionally, interfaith programs where scholars from different religions study Quranic verses provide valuable opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding. These programs allow religious scholars to present their interpretations of Quranic teachings to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Such initiatives foster respectful discussions, enabling participants to explore the profound meanings of the Quran while comparing and discussing similarities and differences among religious texts.

The outcome of these programs includes interfaith harmony, the elimination of misunderstandings, and a greater appreciation of Islamic teachings, ultimately strengthening cooperation among diverse religious communities.