03 June 2026

Readings in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah

Readings in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah

Overview

Readings in Maqasid is an intensive six-week course into the science of Maqāṣid al-Quraniyyah (the higher objectives of the Qur'an). Designed for professionals and students of Din, this 24-credit module is rooted in the fundaments of Islamic legal studies and the intellectual discursive discourse of Ijtihad and the formation of Fatwa at its core. Moving from theory to application, the course tackles the modern epistemological discourses: training scholars and professionals to navigate critical discourses in Islamic scholarship such as Biomedical Ethics,  Education, etc.

Students in this course will study:

Part 1: Theological Theory: Establishing the epistemological foundations and the step-by-step matrix in Maqasid and Tajdīd (renewal) in contemporary times. This part of the course introduces a student to the introduction of Maqasid as a discipline and science within Islamic Law, framing theory, relevance and context as fundamental pillars in the development of Islamic legal opinions (or fatwa).

Part 2: Legal Adjudication: Students will examine how expert jurists (or Muftis), dissect, interpret, and balance textual authority with public welfare (Maṣlaḥah) to issue or form a legal ruling or Fatwa.

Part 3: Maqasid and Biomedical Ethics: In partnership with senior medical practitioners and Islamic Medical Association South Africa (IMASA), students will study real-life scenarios faced by Medical practitioners such as end-of-life care, life-sustaining treatments, and the clinical definition of death.

Part 4: Maqasid and Education: Students will study pedagogy through the lens of education and curriculum design to preserve the intellect.

About lecturer

Shaykh Mohammed Wahib Abdul Jabaar

Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah | Islamic Legal Theory | Ijtihād and Fatwā Formation

Shaykh Mohammed Wahib Abdul Jabaar is a scholar specialising in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah (the higher objectives of Islamic law), Islamic legal theory and contemporary Islamic thought. He serves as a Senior Lecturer at the International Peace College South Africa (IPSA), where he contributes to the development of Islamic scholarship rooted in tradition while engaging with contemporary realities.

As part of the Readings in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah module, Shaykh Mohammed Wahib guides students through the epistemological foundations of Maqāṣid, exploring how Islamic law moves beyond isolated rulings towards understanding divine wisdom, objectives and human welfare. His teaching focuses on the relationship between revelation, context, ijtihād (scholarly reasoning) and the formation of fatāwā (Islamic legal opinions) in addressing complex modern challenges.

Shaykh Mohammed Wahib began his traditional Islamic studies at Darul Uloom Zakariyya before furthering his studies internationally. He completed an intensive Arabic language programme at Ma’had al-Fath al-Islāmi in Damascus, Syria, together with specialised studies in Imāmah and Daʿwah at Ma’had and Kulliyyah Ahmad Kuftāru.

He later continued his advanced studies in Tarim, Hadhramaut, Yemen, where he studied the Shāfiʿī school of Islamic jurisprudence and various Islamic sciences at Ribāt Tarim and Dār al-Mustafā. During this period, he received ijāzāt (scholarly authorisations) in various Islamic disciplines.

In addition to his traditional training, Shaykh Mohammed Wahib holds a BA Honours specialising in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah and a Master’s degree in Applied Islamic Thought. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of the Western Cape.

Through his combination of classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary academic research, Shaykh Mohammed Wahib brings a unique perspective to the study of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, equipping students to critically engage with Islamic legal reasoning, ethical questions and the application of Sharīʿah in modern society

Guest lecturers of the Course:

Mufti Shakir Jakhura

Fatwā Formation | Islamic Legal Reasoning | Islamic Finance and Contemporary Applications

Mufti Shakir Jakhura is a specialist in Islamic legal opinion writing (iftā’), Islamic finance and contemporary applications of Islamic law. His scholarship combines traditional Islamic legal training with modern legal and financial expertise, allowing him to engage with complex contemporary questions through the framework of Islamic jurisprudence.

As part of the Readings in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah module, Mufti Shakir explores the science and methodology behind the formation of fatāwā (Islamic legal opinions). His sessions examine how scholars approach new realities by engaging with revealed texts, legal principles, context and the higher objectives of Sharīʿah.

Mufti Shakir completed his ʿĀlimiyyah degree and specialisation in Islamic legal opinion writing (Iftā’) at Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi, Pakistan, where he studied under leading scholars including His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Usmani.

He has served as a research assistant to Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Usmani, contributing to scholarly research, fatāwā, legal reviews, agreements and Islamic legal projects. He continues to contribute to an ongoing initiative focused on the codification of Islamic law into model codes. He also serves as co-editor of Al Balagh International, the monthly publication of Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi under the patronage of Shaykh Muhammad Taqi Usmani.

Professionally, Mufti Shakir serves as Senior Manager within the AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards Development Department, contributing to the development of global standards in Islamic finance. He is also the Director of the Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance in South Africa and serves as a part-time member of the Darul Ihsan Fatwa Department.

In addition to his traditional Islamic qualifications, Mufti Shakir holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Finance from INCEIF University, Malaysia and an LLM in Commercial Law from the University of London. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies in law, focusing on a comparative analysis between English contract and sale of goods legislation enacted in Pakistan and Islamic law.

His unique combination of classical training, fatwā expertise and contemporary legal scholarship provides students with insight into how Islamic legal principles are applied to emerging ethical, financial and societal challenges.

 Dr Zaheer Essop

Biomedical Ethics | Medical Fiqh | Maqāṣid and Contemporary Healthcare

Dr Zaheer Essop is a medical doctor and anaesthetist based in Johannesburg, whose work bridges the fields of healthcare, Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary medical ethics. His expertise focuses on the application of Islamic legal principles to complex medical realities faced by healthcare professionals and communities today.

As part of the Readings in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah module, Dr Essop explores the relationship between Maqāṣid, medical decision-making and biomedical ethics. His sessions examine how the higher objectives of Sharīʿah provide a framework for engaging with contemporary healthcare questions, including the preservation of life, human dignity and ethical responsibility in medical practice.

Dr Essop completed his Hifdh al-Qur’an before pursuing his medical studies at the University of Pretoria. Alongside his medical career, he has developed a specialised interest in the intersection between medicine and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), studying medical fiqh through Al Balagh Academy in the United Kingdom.

He has completed specialised studies in various areas of medical fiqh, including intensive care (ICU), organ transplantation and reproductive medicine, engaging with the ethical and legal questions that emerge from advances in modern healthcare.

Dr Essop currently serves as President of the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA), where he contributes to discussions on healthcare, ethics and the role of Islamic guidance within the medical field. He is also the National Coordinator of the FIMA Lifesavers Project, an initiative dedicated to teaching CPR and lifesaving skills within masājid and communities across South Africa.

Through his combined background in medicine, Islamic studies and community healthcare, Dr Essop offers students practical insight into how Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah can guide ethical reflection and decision-making in contemporary medical practice.

Professor Nuraan Davids

Islamic Philosophy of Education | Ethics | Maqāṣid and Human Development

Professor Nuraan Davids is a leading scholar in Philosophy of Education and serves as Chair of the Department of Education Policy Studies in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University. She is an NRF-rated researcher whose work explores democratic citizenship education, Islamic philosophy of education and the philosophy of higher education.

As part of the Readings in Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah module, Professor Davids explores education through the lens of ethics, human formation and the preservation of intellect (ḥifẓ al-ʿaql). Her sessions examine how Islamic educational thought engages questions of knowledge, moral responsibility and the purpose of learning within contemporary society.

Her academic work contributes to critical conversations on education beyond the transfer of information, focusing on how education shapes individuals, communities and ethical engagement with the world.

Professor Davids was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (2020–2021). She is Co-Editor of the Routledge book series World Issues in the Philosophy and Theory of Higher Education, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Education in Muslim Societies, Associate Editor of the South African Journal of Higher Education and serves on the Editorial Board of Ethics and Education.

Her contributions to teaching and research have received national and institutional recognition, including the NRF Research Excellence Award for Female Emerging Researcher, the Stellenbosch University Distinguished Teacher Award, the CHE/HELTASA National Excellence in Teaching and Learning Commendation, multiple Stellenbosch University Research Excellence Awards, the Media Thought Leader Award and the Stellenbosch University Chancellor’s Award for Research.

Through her expertise in Islamic philosophy of education, democratic citizenship, cosmopolitanism and pluralism, Professor Davids brings a critical educational perspective to understanding how Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah informs knowledge, ethical development and the cultivation of responsible societies.

To register click below :

https://forms.office.com/r/YDcjebQ2md?origin=lprLink

For further information :

Aisha Adjiet

Application and Intake Officer

Contact : 0621232900

Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Visit : www.ipsa-edu.org

20 January 2026

IPSA 2026 Orientation and Open Days

01 December 2025

Vacancy: Receptionist

Vacancy: Receptionist

Institution: International Peace College South Africa (IPSA)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Position Type: Fixed-term contract (2 years)

Remuneration: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience

The International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) invites applications for the position of Receptionist. This role provides professional front-line support to students, academic staff, parents, service providers and the public. The successful candidate will support student administration, academic operations and institutional communications. The position forms part of IPSA’s commitment to ethical conduct, academic excellence and student-centred service.

Minimum Requirements

• National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent (NQF Level 4).
• A Certificate or Diploma in Office Administration, Business Administration, Customer Service or related qualification (NQF Level 5 or higher) will be advantageous.
• At least two years’ administrative, receptionist or front-office experience. Experience in a school, college or university environment will be an advantage.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. An additional South African language will be advantageous.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and comfort working with information systems, emails and basic data capturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for telephone, email and walk-in enquiries.

• Provide accurate and professional information regarding academic programmes, admissions processes and institutional procedures.

• Direct calls and enquiries to relevant academic and administrative departments.

• Assist with admissions and student registration processes, documentation and enquiry handling.

• Maintain front-office records such as visitor registers, student query logs and appointment schedules.

• Support academic events and administrative activities such as orientation, examinations and graduations.

• Provide basic document administration, filing and distribution of internal communication.

• Handle front-office logistics including mail receipt, deliveries and access control for visitors.

• Assist with meeting preparation and take minutes where required.

• Uphold professional standards, confidentiality and institutional values in all communication and conduct.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills suitable for students and the public.
• Professional telephone manner and confident written communication.
• Ability to manage busy periods calmly, especially during registration and examinations.
• Time management, accuracy in documentation and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information with discretion.
• Friendly, service-oriented attitude aligned with an academic institution.
• Ability to work collaboratively with administrative, academic and support units.

Additional Advantages

• Knowledge of student management systems or CRM platforms.
• Experience with student admission cycles, records or examination logistics.
• Basic knowledge of customer service principles in an academic setting.
• Understanding of ethical conduct and institutional policies.

Why Join IPSA?

• Serve at a specialist academic institution that blends Islamic intellectual heritage with contemporary higher education.
• Work within a collaborative student-centred administrative team.
• Gain opportunities for professional development in academic administration.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A comprehensive CV
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• A cover letter
• Names and contact details of three referees

Closing Date: 5 December  2025
Applications should be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disclaimer: If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

For more information contact: IPSA CEO, Dr Dawood Terblanche, 074 151 4951.

30 November 2025

Vacancy: Librarian

Vacancy: Librarian

Institution: International Peace College South Africa (IPSA)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Position Type: Contract (2 years)

Remuneration: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Working Hours: Full-time

The International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) invites applications for the position of Librarian. The role is vital to strengthening IPSA’s academic environment by providing access to quality information resources that support teaching, learning and research. The successful candidate will contribute to IPSA’s vision of revitalising the intellectual and spiritual dynamism of the Muslim community through the principle of wasatiyyah, nurturing authentic South African Islamic scholarship and supporting learners who will help build a just society locally and globally.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric, Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) in Library and Information Science or equivalent qualification.
• Background in Arabic and Islamic Studies
• Minimum 3 years, experience in academic library services, research support and information management.
• Knowledge of library cataloguing standards, classification systems and digital library tools.
• Ability to train students and staff in information literacy, research skills and referencing.
• Experience in managing digital collections, academic databases and journals will be an advantage.
• Understanding of higher education library needs and academic ethics.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily library operations, library assistants and student support services.
• Develop and maintain print and digital collections with strong focus on Islamic Studies, Humanities and South African scholarship.
• Catalogue and classify resources using accepted international standards.
• Provide research support, information literacy training, referencing guidance and library orientation to students and lecturers.
• Administer borrowing systems, track overdue materials and ensure ethical use of resources.
• Manage subscriptions to journals, databases and other electronic sources.
• Develop policies that support library management, resource security and academic integrity.
• Compile library usage statistics, development plans and reports for management.
• Promote a research culture through workshops, displays, information sessions and academic resources.
• Ensure preservation, conservation and security of library holdings.
• Liaise with academic departments to align library resources with curriculum needs.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication, interpersonal and advisory skills.
• Excellent organisational ability with strong attention to detail.
• Competence in academic referencing systems such as APA, Harvard or Chicago.
• Ability to work independently, manage resources and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with library software, research databases and digital cataloguing tools.
• Commitment to service excellence, academic ethics and institutional values.

Why Join IPSA?

• Support a unique blend of Islamic scholarship and academic excellence.
• Contribute to developing a vibrant research and learning culture in higher education.
• Work within a collaborative, student-centred environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training and research engagement.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A comprehensive CV
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• A cover letter
• Names and contact details of three referees

Closing Date: 5 December 2025
Applications should be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disclaimer: If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

For more information contact: IPSA CEO, Dr Dawood Terblanche, 074 151 4951.

15 November 2025

Vacancy : Quality Assurance Officer

Institution: International Peace College South Africa (IPSA)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Position Type: Fixed-term contract (2 years)

Remuneration: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Working Hours: Full-time position

The International Peace College South Africa (IPSA) invites applications for the position of Quality Assurance Officer. This role is central to maintaining and enhancing the IPSA’s academic standards and compliance with national higher education regulations. The successful candidate will contribute to IPSA’s vision of revitalising the intellectual and spiritual dynamism of the Muslim community through the principle of wasatiyyah (the middle way), promoting an authentic South African Islamic heritage and preparing graduates to play a meaningful role in building a just society locally and globally.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Education, Curriculum Studies, Higher Education Management, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in higher education quality assurance, accreditation processes, and programme development.
• Proven track record in drafting, submitting, and reviewing academic programmes in line with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).
• Solid understanding of Council on Higher Education (CHE), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and SAQA
• Experience in drafting and implementing institutional quality assurance policies and frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development & Accreditation: Lead the development, review, and accreditation of new and existing programmes in line with HEQSF.
• Quality Assurance Systems: Establish, monitor and refine quality assurance systems across academic and administrative units.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure full institutional compliance with CHE, DHET, and SAQA standards. Compile, analyse, and submit reports to management and regulators.
• Policy Development: Draft, review and implement policies that align with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.
• Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops and ongoing support to academic and administrative staff on quality assurance processes.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Conduct internal audits, programme reviews, student feedback analysis and evaluation processes to maintain high academic standards.
• Strategic Input: Support the Academic Board and Executive Management in institutional planning, risk management and academic excellence initiatives.
• Research and Benchmarking: Engage in benchmarking best practices locally and internationally to enhance IPSA’s academic offering.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and excellent communication skills.
• Analytical thinking with excellent report-writing abilities.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Familiarity with digital quality assurance tools and data management systems.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, ethical standards and institutional values.

Why Join IPSA?

• Be part of a growing institution that blends Islamic scholarship with modern academic excellence.
• Contribute to shaping higher education that is relevant to South Africa’s socio-cultural context.
• Collaborate with dynamic academic and administrative teams.
• Opportunities for professional growth and research engagement.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A comprehensive CV
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• A cover letter
• Names and contact details of three referees.

Closing Date: 30 November  2025
Applications should be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information contact IPSA CEO, Dr Dawood Terblanche 0 74 151 4951.

02 December 2022

Bearing Witness to Justice Against Gender Based Violence

Dawah Exhibition Notes

18 April 2022

IPSA GRADUATION 2022, for Class of 2021 was a Grand Affair!

HAFIZ MUZZAMMIL FAROOKI received the IPSA College Award for most outstanding student. May Allah bless him in his future studies & activities!

THE IPSA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:

In recognition and honour of individuals who significantly contribute/d to the South African Muslim community, in the field of Islamic Education. In this regard IPSA has instituted an “IPSA Lifetime Achievement Award” to pay tribute to the role played by such selfless individuals. The award is a token of appreciation in acknowledgment for their services rendered. As the hadith says: “Whosoever is not thankful towards human beings is not thankful towards Allah.”

IPSA proudly presented its Eighth Lifetime Achievement Awards to

SHAYKHAH MYMOENA SOLOMON

AL-MARHOOM SHAYKH NAZEEM TALIEP (posthumously), which were received by his SON MU’MIN TALIEP.

19 March 2022

IPSA hosted its annual Mawlid al-Nabi ﷺ program

IPSA hosted its annual Mawlid al-Nabi ﷺ program with students from all levels presenting Nashids & Nasihahs. Guest speaker Shaykh Abdur-Rahman Sadien spoke about the importance of prioritizing the love of Rasul-Allah ﷺ & following his Sunnah.

see more here

04 March 2022

IPSA STUDENTS hosted a Webinar with students from Gaza University

IPSA STUDENTS hosted a Webinar with students from Gaza University, on Israeli Apartheid Week.

see more here

10 February 2022

R100m redevelopment plan for Ipsa

The International Peace College South Africa (Ipsa) is embarking on a R100m redevelopment of its building in Rylands, and it has entered into an academic partnership with another international institution. Read More