The Garden Social Services brought together Ulama serving at its masaajid and makaatib for an Ulama Workshop held at the TGSS Shaft 17 Centre on 5 September 2026.
The workshop was organised to provide an open platform for the Ulama to share feedback from their respective centres, discuss challenges being experienced within their masaajid and maktabs, and collectively work towards practical solutions together with TGSS management.
More importantly, the gathering sought to reinforce a simple message: although each Aalim may serve in a different community, they are not working alone. They form part of one team with a shared responsibility of serving Deen and uplifting their communities.
The programme commenced with an introduction and words of advice from Ml Abubakir Chouglay, who reminded those present about the importance of having the correct intention in their work. He spoke about the great responsibility that accompanies possessing Islamic knowledge, the position of the Ulama as the heirs of the Ambiyaa (AS), and the need to maintain unity amongst themselves and with the communities they serve.
The floor was thereafter opened for discussion, giving each participant an opportunity to raise issues and challenges experienced at their respective centres. Rather than focusing only on the problems, the Ulama and management were encouraged to contribute ideas and possible solutions, allowing everyone to benefit from one another's experiences.
Following a tea break, the programme resumed with targheeb by Ml Umar Chouglay.
Ml Uthman Chouglay then provided feedback from visits conducted to some of the madaaris, including observations made while assessing students and their progress. This provided an opportunity to discuss areas requiring attention and ways in which the standard of Islamic education across the centres could continue to be strengthened.
Brother Ahmed thereafter addressed the gathering and shared words of advice with the Ulama.
The formal programme concluded with closing remarks from Ml Abubakir Chouglay, followed by a du'a rendered by Ml Mustapha of Block GG, one of the teachers serving at the TGSS madaaris.
The gathering was also honoured by the presence of religious guests from Durban, who joined the programme and were given a tour of the Shaft 17 Centre.
Following the workshop, lunch was served, giving the Ulama an opportunity to spend time together in a more informal setting, strengthen relationships and continue exchanging ideas. They also had an opportunity to spend time with residents of the TGSS Frail Care Centre and Home for the Visually Impaired situated at Shaft 17.
The workshop ultimately reinforced the importance of unity and collective responsibility. While the Ulama may serve at different masaajid, makaatib and communities, each forms part of a wider team that can draw on the knowledge, experience and support of the others.
Through continued communication, cooperation and mutual support, TGSS hopes to strengthen its masaajid and madaaris and work collectively towards bringing Deen alive within the communities it serves.
