Photo Instagram / @artby.aiesha
South Africa – Within Islam, a core tenet is the importance of reading and acquiring knowledge. Nontobeko Aisha Mkhwanazi, a journalist at Muslim Views, emphasises that for individuals and society, instigating substantial transformation relies on engaging with literature which reflects current events.
By immersing themselves in reading and comprehending the issues they face, individuals gain the capacity to make enlightened choices about how to tackle these challenges. As a result, Mkhwanazi is dedicated to crafting narratives which foster optimism and education within South African communities.
“The first word revealed in the Quran was Iqra. Iqra is a broad concept. It means to read. Now you cannot read what is not written. For me, it’s a matter of, if people are able to read about things that are happening around society, they will then be inspired to change.”
Spreading Islam Through the Written Word
Renowned for its diversity, South Africa embraces the concept of a Rainbow Nation, where a shared sense of connection binds people despite the distinctions in their customs, traditions, and beliefs. However, this intricate tapestry is not fully comprehended by all.
Reflecting on unfamiliarity, Mkhwanazi recounted her experiences growing up in Soweto. There, her choice to wear the Hijab garnered peculiar looks due to the scarcity of Muslims in the vicinity.
Motivated by these circumstances and leveraging her platform, she directs her attention towards narratives which enlighten and acquaint individuals with the teachings and essence of Islam.
“I remember when I first started wearing my Hijab, it was a struggle because I was looked at as a foreigner or an alien because there’s not many Muslims. For me, being in the media would allow me to write stories to explain Islam to people.”
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Divine Talents for Good
Like an inherent talent, Mkhwanazi perceives writing as a blessing meant to be harnessed for benevolence and optimism. By recounting other individuals’ narratives and expressing their experiences, struggles, and remedies, she holds the conviction that, as a journalist, she contributes to the betterment of society.
“I’m in a space now where to some people, it might come as a shock. It might feel uncomfortable, but my job is to make them feel comfortable and acknowledge that my job and my role in society is very important. So getting their voice and interviewing them is also an integral part of me giving back.”
