ARRIVAL AND HOSTS
The honourable Shaykh arrived in Johannesburg early on Saturday morning, 18 July 2026. He visited Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town during his two week stay in the country. He was invited jointly by the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa, Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre and Madrassa An-Noor for the Blind, and hosted jointly by all three organisations.
Historic Ulama Programme at Darul Ihsan Centre
The highlight of the Durban stay was Shaykh's visit to Darul Ihsan Centre for an Ulama programme and Ijazat-ul-Hadith conferment to Ulama and students. The historic programme was held on Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at the Darul Ihsan Centre Head Quarters, Sea Cow Lake, Durban.
A huge tent structure was erected in the parking area of Darul Ihsan Centre, at which an estimated number of 800 participated. The Shaykh spent a short while in the Darul Ihsan building, where senior Ulama and scholars were afforded the opportunity to meet and greet him. Some of those present have known him for decades.
This programme brought together senior scholars from across the KwaZulu-Natal province and other parts of South Africa. Hazrat Mufti Taqi Uthmani (Damat Barakatuhum) addressed the Ulama on preserving the legacy of the scholars of the past, the etiquette of differences, the way our pious forbears managed their differences and the responsibility of transmitting sacred knowledge with sincerity and integrity. The programme attracted a large audience of mainly Ulama, Imams, teachers, students of knowledge and community leaders. This was indeed a historic gathering and was perhaps the largest Ulama gathering in the province in recent times.
After the Shaykh completed his address, the Ameer of Darul Ihsan Centre, Mufti Zubair Bayat (Hafizahullah), presented him with a 'Sipas Nama' (Laudatory Award) as a token of appreciation for his decades of service to Islam as well as a special appreciation for visiting Darul Ihsan Centre. This was followed by a book launch of four books in the presence of the honourable Shaykh – Fatawa Al Ihsan (3 Volumes), 'Two Profound messages on Unity of the Ummah', 'The Compilation of Advices of Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullah) to his students and 'A Collection of Tributes and Advices of Shaykhul Islam.' The Shaykh expressed his happiness and congratulations on these publications and later also presented his sentiments and good wishes for the organisation in a beautiful message of support, encouragement and duas.
Public Programme at Musgrave - Durban
On Thursday, 23 July 2026, hundreds of faithful adherents gathered for a public address at Masjid us Salaam in Musgrave, Durban. Here again, Shaykhul Islam Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani encouraged the Muslim community to become practical adherents of Islam and rectify areas of their lives that were deficient and neglected. The lecture concluded with heartfelt duas for South Africa, the Ummah and the oppressed Muslims throughout the world.
Pre Jumuah Talk, Khutba and Salah at Westville - Durban
On Friday, 24 July 2026, Mufti Taqi Uthmani delivered the Jumuah address at Masjid Mu'adh bin Jabal in Westville, Durban. In this short discourse, the Shaykh conveyed a pragmatic and impactful message, presenting an easy formula for reformation and consistency upon good deeds. Muslims thronged to attend and to get a glimpse of this noble servant of Islam. Mufti Taqi Uthmani delivered the pre khutba discourse in Urdu, followed by an English summary by Mufti Zubair Bayat (Hafizahullah), followed by the Khutbah and Salaah performed by the Shaykh himself. This was a memorable Jumuah for many, who appreciated the opportunity to be led in Salah by such a great luminary of our time.
Gathering of Scholars
Among the most significant aspects of the visit was the gathering of multitudes of scholars from across South Africa. The opportunity to interact directly with one of the leading jurists of the Muslim world provided invaluable experience, guidance and encouragement. The Shaykh's presence provided South African Muslims with a rare opportunity to benefit directly from decades of scholarship rooted in the classical Islamic tradition.
A Platform for Unity
The Shaykh's discourses attracted Muslims from all walks of life and were centred on the simplicity of Islam, strengthening one's relationship with Allah; adherence to the Sunnah; sincerity in worship; and preserving Islamic values amidst modern challenges. The visit served as an important platform for unity. Scholars representing numerous diverse backgrounds and institutions participated together, demonstrating the importance of co-operation for the greater benefit of Islam in South Africa. The Muslim community expressed their sincere appreciation to all organisations, volunteers, well-wishers and individuals whose dedicated efforts ensured the success of this historic visit.
A Memorable Chapter in the History of South Africa
In conclusion, the visit of Shaykh ul Islam Hazrat Moulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani to South Africa will forever remain a memorable chapter in the country's history. Beyond the lectures and public programmes, it reaffirmed the enduring value of authentic scholarship, spiritual refinement and unity within the Ummah.
His words of wisdom, humility and unwavering commitment to the Qur'an and Sunnah left a lasting impression on scholars, students and the wider Muslim community. The visit strengthened the bonds between South Africa and the broader Muslim world and served as a reminder of the vital role of the Ulama in preserving the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Islam for future generations.
Culmination of 25 Year Commemoration – 2000 to 2025
The visit of Shaykh ul Islam Hazrat Moulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani to Darul Ihsan Centre served as a memorable and befitting culmination to the commemoration programme of a quarter century of service of the organisation.
May Allah Ta'ala preserve Hazrat Mufti Taqi Uthmani, grant him good health and keep his shade upon the Ummah for a long time.