It started, as these things often do, with two videos and a lot of noise.
One clip showed a PA member removing “Ramadan Mubarak” billboards. The other featured a Christian man standing outside the Northcliff Masjid, praising its cleanliness and calm, only to pivot into disparaging remarks about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
In a country like South Africa, where faith sits close to the bone, these moments don’t just trend. They unsettle communities. Especially in Ramadan.
The month is meant for reflection, fasting, and spiritual growth. When external criticism arises during this period, it can be particularly jarring. Moulana Uwais Dockrat provided insight into understanding these situations, responding wisely, and equipping the community to navigate similar challenges in the future.
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This is not about evidence
“From the beginning… he sets his stage… this is not about evidence…rather about how he feels.”
That distinction matters.
The visitor to the mosque admitted his rejection of Islam was emotional. Not factual. Not historical. Emotional.
We are living in an era where feelings are treated as facts. But faith traditions are not built on vibes. They are built on scripture, jurisprudence, and centuries of scholarship.
If someone opens a conversation by saying this is about how they feel, then we must be honest about what kind of conversation it is.
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Secular standards for religious spaces
One of the man’s complaints was that his sister was not allowed into the mosque space as he expected. He used this to criticise Islam broadly.
Moulana described this as “a very interesting perspective… especially since he’s a Christian,” pointing out that many critics “take a secular viewpoint and then they use that to project it onto their own religion.”
This is where the discussion becomes much more intensive.
Religious spaces are not neutral public halls. They operate within their own frameworks. Islamic jurisprudence around gendered spaces in worship is not something that can be changed for the convenience of everyone else.
Similar practices exist in other faith communities, demonstrating that rules about participation, speaking, and access are part of maintaining communal and spiritual integrity. The broader lesson is that engaging with a religious community requires understanding its own framework rather than applying external expectations.
“This is the house of Allah subhana wa ta’ala,” Moulana stressed. Muslims do not have to move to liberal values to understand their own religion.
Principles of marriage in Islam
Questions were raised about marriage and ethics in Islam. Moulana clarified that eligibility for marriage is based on maturity, including physical, mental, and emotional readiness.
The focus is on ensuring that the relationship is ethically sound and that both parties are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities. Islamic ethics operate within their own framework, which has guided generations. Moulana stressed that Muslims do not need to adopt external standards to define what is right, instead Islamic principles provide consistent guidance across time and context.
This emphasis on ethical principles and maturity highlights that discussions about sensitive topics can be approached calmly and respectfully, rather than through sensationalised debate.
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Responding with wisdom
Moulana highlighted the importance of hikma, or wisdom, in any response to criticism. Hikma involves discernment, knowing the appropriate response for the situation.
He explained that sometimes this means patiently providing explanation and context. At other times, when confronted with disrespect, it may require a firm stance to uphold the dignity of one’s faith.
“Hikma means in that particular situation what is best to do, sometimes with people like these we have to be hard and we have to be harsh and we have to call them out,” he said.
The key takeaway is that wisdom does not mean to be passive, but to engage in a thoughtful manner. Ramadan, a month of spiritual reflection, provides the ideal backdrop to cultivate this clarity, to know when to speak, when to clarify, and when restraint serves the greater purpose.
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Equipping the community
One of the most important lessons Moulana shared is the role of education in responding effectively.
Structured learning, such as online courses offered by Markaz Manarul Fikr and The Guardian Da’wa Institute, helps community members understand their own faith, anticipate questions, and respond confidently. These courses focus on comparative religion, providing context for commonly asked questions and helping participants give accurate and thoughtful answers.
Moulana emphasised that comparative religion is a niche field, not everyone needs to master it. However, having informed individuals in each community ensures that knowledge is available when needed.
As Muslims, responding wisely and thoughtfully to criticism is not just about defending our beliefs, it is part of a lifelong journey of learning. Seeking knowledge equips us to engage with the world confidently, with clarity and composure.
As the Prophet ﷺ reminded us:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” – Ibn Majah.
This Ramadan, let us not only reflect on our personal growth, but also commit to learning, understanding, and responding with wisdom to those around us. Knowledge is a shield, a guide, and a path toward righteousness.
Image via EHL Insights.
