AL-WASAṬIYYAH: IPSA Journal of Islamic and Arabic Studies

Sustainable Development: Islamic Perspectives and Implementation

Suleman Dangor — 2023-11-29

While humankind’s well-being is the major goal of most forms of development, it is now universally acknowledged that it cannot be at the expense of exhausting the earth’s natural resources. The unconditional utilisation of these resources will not only affect the sustainability of current industrial development but also leave future generations with lesser resources for their own development. This concern has given rise to the concept of sustainable development. Many countries have committed themselves to the implementation of sustainable development goals. The Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022 prompted me to consider the approaches of Muslim environmentalists and select Muslim states that have factored in sustainable development issues. My research findings indicate that while some Muslim environmentalists work within the framework of the standard definitions of sustainable development, others suggest alternative definitions based on primary Islamic texts. They also refer to several institutions in early Muslim history to demonstrate that many sustainable development principles are found in Islamic teachings. This article presents the Islamic approach to sustainable development by Muslim environmentalists and identifies Muslim states that have adopted Islam-specific charters; these are in addition to United Nations resolutions on sustainable development. It concludes with recommendations by Muslim environmentalists on the implementation of sustainable development goal.

Food Security: The Critical Discourse on Gelatine for Muslims in South Africa

Dawood Terblanche — 2023-11-29

The Muslim Judicial Council SA (MJC SA) is the central Muslim religious institution in the Western Cape and has pioneered the consumer discourse on ḥalāl (permissible) consumption in South Africa. The discursive discourse of what constitutes ḥalāl and ḥarām (not permissible to consume) has provoked a variety of responses and was the cause of the establishment of other ḥalāl certifying authorities in South Africa, like the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA). The genres of fatāwā (singular fatwᾱ, refers to the formation of a legal opinion) constitute the distinctive nature of twentieth century discursive discourses and debates within the ḥalāl industry in South Africa. Contentious fatāwā such as the beef saga in 1970, mechanical slaughtering, the recital of the basmalah, and the discourse on gelatine were the cause of many controversies which had a direct impact upon the ḥalāl industry in the country. These fatāwā were the outcomes of exploring new methods within Islamic legal frameworks on how ḥalāl is viewed, thereby shifting the discourse into a realm of robust debates. This was preceded by the discursive traditions of previous fiqh scholars. This discursive discourse relied on reframing classical fiqh by adding a contemporary character to it. This article explores the critical debates of gelatine fatāwā between the MJC and SANHA which has divided the ḥalᾱl industry in South Africa and Muslim consumers over the past three decades. The gelatine fatāwā discourse is considered one of the most contentious issues today amongst leading ḥalᾱl certifying authorities in South Africa. This article provides a historical background which traces the formation of the gelatine fatwā, and offers clarity and insight to some of the key issues in this debate.

Exploring the Da’wah Discourse: A Maqāṣidī Perspective on Challenges and Receptivity in the Western Cap

M. Wahib Abdul-Jabaar — 2023-11-29

This article approaches the discourse of da’wah from an Islamic thought Maqāṣidī̄ approach, using the known Maqāṣidī cycles of reflection. The purpose is to address pertinent questions when examining the state of da’wah within contemporary South African society. It further examines the reasons for a lack of receptivity by the public from the `ulamā fraternity, referred to as lughah al-khiṭāb.1 Adopting a Maqāṣidī approach to this overarching theme, a survey was constructed and distributed to 137 anonymous persons throughout the Western Cape Province of South Africa, using social media platforms as the main medium of distribution. This case study surveyed Western Cape inhabitants to ascertain the concerns of youth and to further understand the elements that play an integral part in their receptivity to da’wah within the Western Cape, particularly in terms of the uses and effects of social media. The
outcome of this study was aligned with the null hypothesis, which states that there is no relationship between the levels of knowledge of participants and their interaction with the survey. Secondly, this study proposes an alternative hypothesis which states that there is a relationship between knowledge and interaction. However, since the results of the survey aligned with the null hypothesis, it is evident that our society has a major concern with its da’wah discourse.

Educational Support and Parental Involvement for Immigrant Learners at Islamic Schools in South Africa: A Maqāṣid Al-Sharī’ah Approach

Lamees Peters — 2023-11-29

Little is known about how immigrant parents in South Africa view education and how they contribute to their children’s educational growth. This research study indicates that these parents provide their school-aged children with a wide range of support; most of which is of a physiological nature, such as providing food and clothing. This study investigates immigrant parents’ understanding of educational support for their school-aged children and the challenges they experience in South Africa. An interpretive paradigm informs the setting of this basic qualitative research investigation. Six families were chosen for the study using a purposive sample method. Participants are from the Indian and Pakistani communities in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, and from the Somali community in Mitchells Plain in the Western Cape. Content analysis was conducted on the data after it was gathered through semi-structured interviews and observations. The challenges that the participants encounter are amongst others; educational, cultural, and
linguistic. It is evident that the maqaṣid Al- Sharī’ah principle is applied as part of the parenting of children in these immigrant families. As such, the findings of this study suggest that the participants are involved in both their children’s secular and Islamic education.

The Structure of Place in the Narrative Discourse of the Corona Pandemic: A Genetic Structuralist Approach to the “The Orchid Keeper” by Jaafar Yaqoub

المصطفى السعيدي — 2023-11-29

This study investigates the concept of "structure of place" within the context of the pandemic, utilizing Jaafar Yaqoub's novel "Hāris Zahrat Al-Orkīdah" (The Orchid Keeper, 2020) as a model for analysis. By examining the narrative discourse of this novel, we aim to define and explore the multifaceted dimensions of the "structure of place," a concept that resonates across various literary disciplines, particularly narrative studies. This analysis empowers readers to consciously perceive and interpret the intricacies of place within fictional texts, comprehending its characteristics, types, forms, and semantic and symbolic significance. The study further unravels the interconnectedness of the "structure of place" with other narrative elements, employing analytical description to elucidate its literary, artistic, and aesthetic value. Utilizing Lucien Goldmann's genetic structural approach (1913-1970) as a theoretical framework, the study delves into the textual content of the novel, exploring the internal structures of place, including their cultural and social dimensions. The findings reveal that place setting plays a pivotal role in understanding the emotional dynamics of characters, reflecting the depth of their connection with their surroundings and the profound impact of the pandemic on their lives. The author's skillful portrayal of place, guided by his ideology, serves as a conduit for illuminating the cultural, social, and psychological realities of Arab society in general and Bahraini society in particular.

Exploring the Attitude of the Foundation Phase Learners toward Learning Arabic as a Second Additional Language

فاطمة الشيخ — 2023-11-29

This study investigated the attitude of children towards Arabic and the psychological factors that affected the learning of Arabic. The Descriptive Analytical method was employed in this study by collecting data through a semi-structured interview with ninety foundation phase learners at Al Ghazali College. The sample group, comprised of learners studying Arabic as a foreign language, demonstrated notable motivation, even in facing challenges such as anxiety and diminished self-confidence. Learners were driven to acquire Arabic by factors such as recognizing the significance of learning the language, experiencing a pleasurable learning environment, and benefiting from a supportive teacher-student relationship. The study's findings highlighted a positive and informed attitude among learners towards Arabic and its acquisition. Learners possessed an extent of knowledge about Arabic and a desire to improve the approved Arabic curriculum of their school.