IMASA 44th Annual Convention 2026

Sheikh Sulaimaan M. Ravat hails from Lenasia, Johannesburg. He graduated from the Alim Fadhil course in 2004 and obtained an Honours Degree in Islamic Sciences from the University of Johannesburg in 2008. Shiekh is an award winning presenter at Radio Islam International where he has been hosting the breakfast drive-time show Sabaahul Muslim since 2004 and is also the Station Manager. His radio profile led Sheikh to the TV platform where he hosts weekly shows on Hilal TV and INX Prime. Apart from his role in Muslim media wherein he is now considered a foremost personality for his ability to speak and hosts programs on a broad spectrum of religious, political social and economic issues, Sheikh is extensively involved in public speaking and has travelled to various parts of the world for this purpose delivering talks at Masjids and conferences. Sheikh is an Executive Committee member of Jamiatul Ulama SA (Council of Muslim Theologians) the Deputy Secretary General of UUCSA (United Ulama Council of SA) and serves as the Chairman of the Nurul Islam Centre which hosts one of the largest Masjids in Southern Africa.

Who Controls the Global Narrative? Media Hegemony, Terminology and the Responsibility of Muslim Professionals

In today’s digital age, influence is increasingly determined not only by facts, but by who controls the narrative. Media platforms, algorithms and carefully crafted terminology shape how societies perceive justice, morality, faith and global events. The language used to describe an issue often determines how it is understood, remembered and acted upon.

This presentation examines how narratives are constructed, amplified and normalised, and how they influence public opinion and moral consciousness. Drawing upon Qur’anic principles and contemporary case studies, including Palestine, it explores how terminology can redefine reality, and why Muslims must reclaim the language of truth, justice and human dignity.

While scholars have a central role in preserving and articulating Islamic values, the responsibility extends to all Muslim professionals. Doctors, academics, scientists, educators and community leaders are among the most trusted voices in society and have a unique opportunity to shape public discourse with integrity, compassion and intellectual rigour.

The session will explore practical strategies for moving beyond reactive responses towards proactive narrative-building through ethical communication, principled media engagement and collaboration across disciplines. It challenges participants to view narrative not merely as a communications issue, but as a collective amānah, requiring Muslim professionals to become credible advocates for truth, justice and the common good in an increasingly contested information landscape.

Standing for Justice in Healthcare: An Islamic Ethical Perspective on Equity, Truth and Shared Humanity

Healthcare is more than the treatment of disease; it is a moral enterprise rooted in justice, compassion and the inherent dignity of every human being. In an era marked by widening inequalities, conflict, misinformation and growing social polarisation, healthcare professionals are increasingly called upon not only to heal individuals, but also to uphold ethical principles that protect the vulnerable and promote the common good.

This presentation explores the Islamic ethical foundations of justice (ʿadl), compassion (raḥmah) and human dignity (karāmah), and their relevance to contemporary healthcare. It examines the obligation to advocate for equitable access to healthcare, resist discrimination, and uphold truth in both clinical practice and public discourse.

The session will also reflect on the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to challenge narratives that dehumanise communities or justify injustice, recognising that silence in the face of oppression has consequences far beyond the consulting room.

Drawing on Qur’anic teachings, Prophetic guidance and contemporary examples, the presentation will highlight how Muslims can work alongside people of other faiths and convictions in advancing shared values of justice, mercy and service to humanity. Interfaith collaboration in healthcare offers an important platform for building trust, addressing societal challenges and affirming our common commitment to human dignity.

Ultimately, this session argues that standing for justice in healthcare is not an optional social responsibility but a religious and ethical imperative. It calls upon healthcare professionals to become principled advocates who combine clinical excellence with moral courage, ensuring that healing encompasses not only bodies, but also communities and society itself.