September 2026

ULAMA GUIDANCE: A RELATIONSHIP ROOTED IN KNOWLEDGE, TRUST AND SERVICE 

SANHA pays tribute to the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa on the occasion of its Annual General Meeting 

Institutions are established by people, but enduring institutions are built upon principles. 

As the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) convenes its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 6 September 2026, the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) acknowledges and pays tribute to an institution whose more than a century of service has left an indelible imprint on the religious and communal landscape of Muslims in South Africa. 

For over a hundred years, JUSA has carried the responsibility of religious guidance, education and community service through changing times. The essential responsibility of the Ulama remains constant: to preserve the Deen, transmit authentic Islamic knowledge and provide principled guidance to the Ummah. 

The Ulama: Custodians of a Sacred Trust 

The Ulama are distinguished not by title or office, but by the sacred knowledge they inherit, preserve, practise and transmit. The Prophetic description of the Ulama as the inheritors of the Prophets captures both the honour and responsibility of this trust. It is an inheritance of knowledge, guidance, service and accountability before Allah Ta’ala. 

It is within this tradition that JUSA’s contribution must be appreciated. 

From Scholarship to Halaal Institution Building 

As South Africa entered a new era in the early 1990s and the food industry became increasingly industrialised and complex, Halaal assurance required more than examining finished products. Sophisticated ingredients, processing aids, additives, enzymes, supply chains and shared facilities demanded a professional system firmly anchored in Islamic jurisprudence. 

Through the foresight of JUSA’s leadership, together with other Ulama, Muslim organisations, professionals and community structures, this need was recognised. From these efforts emerged the foundations upon which SANHA was established. 

Three decades later, SANHA acknowledges with gratitude JUSA’s formative contribution and the vision that safeguarding Halaal required both religious scholarship and professional institutional capacity. 

A Shared Commitment 

The relationship between SANHA and JUSA reflects a shared commitment to service and the recognition that Halaal administration cannot be separated from the Shari’ah. 

Audits, documentation, traceability, scientific expertise and technology are essential tools, but the ultimate compass must remain the Shari’ah. SANHA’s model therefore brings together Shari’ah scholarship, technical competence, professional administration and independent oversight. 

Ulama involvement is integral to this model. Ulama serve within SANHA’s leadership and senior management structures and constitute more than 80% of its audit team. Their presence reinforces the understanding that Halaal supervision is ultimately an Amanah, a sacred trust. 

Honouring the Past, Serving the Future 

SANHA extends sincere appreciation to JUSA’s leadership, Ulama, officials, members and supporters, past and present, for their service to Islam and the Muslim community and for the valued relationship shared with SANHA over the past three decades. 

We remember with gratitude the pioneers and senior Ulama who have returned to their Creator. May Allah Ta’ala accept their sacrifices, forgive their shortcomings and grant them the highest stages of Jannatul Firdaus. Aameen. 

To those who presently carry this Amanah, we extend our respect and best wishes. 

On the occasion of its 2026 AGM, SANHA congratulates Jamiatul Ulama South Africa on its distinguished legacy and prays that Allah Ta’ala grants its leadership hikmah, ikhlaas, istiqaamah and strength. 

May Allah Ta’ala preserve JUSA, strengthen its Ulama and leadership, accept the sacrifices of all who serve it, and enable it to remain a source of knowledge, guidance and benefit to the Ummah for generations to come. 

Aameen Ya Rabbal ‘Aalameen. 

South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) 

Serving the Ummah through Halaal integrity, scholarship and trust