The 12th Southern Africa Ulama Forum Opens in Johannesburg

This year's SAUF has been themed The Role of 'Ulamā' in Preserving Islamic Identity in an Era of Rapid Social, Political and Technological Change. The theme reflects an acknowledgment of the important challenges facing Muslim communities in a world marked by rapid technological disruption, political turmoil and social transformation.

First convened in Magaliesburg, South Africa, on 14 October 2001, SAUF has grown over 26 years into a premier platform for networking and intellectual engagement of the Ulama of the region, and in the process, uniting scholars drawn primarily from the nations of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). This year's edition follows the one of 2024 in Zambia, was successfully organised in Lusaka. SAUF 2026 marks a significant milestone, with an expanded international dimension bringing together Ulama and scholars from 32 countries, underscoring the SAUF's growing stature as a platform not only for regional cooperation but for wider global scholarly dialogue.

SAUF 2026 will feature approximately 45 speakers and presenters across at least forty individual session topics, including specialised breakaway tracks covering education, masjid leadership, youth engagement, social issues and general community concerns. The programme opens this evening with a welcome session, followed by a session on 'Ulamā' and Contemporary Issues, featuring addresses on leading the Ummah in the digital age, the state of the Muslim world, and responses to global crises affecting Muslims.

Over the following two days, delegates will engage with a wide range of themes, including Islam in Africa; spreading the message of Islam; mental health, and marriage counselling within Islamic frameworks; the halaal industry; the Islamic system of endowments [awqaf], and the re-integrating of formerly incarcerated citizens into society. A dedicated panel discussion, A World on Fire: How should the 'Ulamā' Respond? will address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and other parts of Africa, the global migrant and refugee crisis, and rising anti-Islam sentiments. The SAUF gathering will also honour the legacies of respected scholars through a series of profile sessions.

Meanwhile, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA), as co-host warmly welcomes all participants to SAUF 2026. JUSA sees the value of SAUF in the opportunity it creates for scholars, senior and junior alike, to exchange ideas, build relationships and work towards shared positions on issues of common concern to the Ummah. JUSA prays for a blessed gathering of 'Ulamā' and outcomes that advance the Cause of Allah, the Almighty.

The event whose other co-hosts and sponsors are Absa Islamic Banking and Ashraful Aid, concludes on Sunday, 4 October 2026, with sessions dedicated to preparing the next generation of 'Ulamā' and also featuring contributions from distinguished international scholars. Hosts of the next gathering in 2028, in-sha-Allah, will also be nominated just before the close.

For media queries, please contact:

Moulana Abdur Rahmaan Bhamjee Cell: +27 83 786 7414

Qari Muhammed Adamjee Cell: +27 82 210 2124