Zakariyah Philander is a prominent Islamic scholar, educationist, and community leader whose life has been deeply shaped by his passion for the Qur’an. Through decades of teaching and public service, Philander has dedicated his expertise to enriching Islamic knowledge in South Africa and beyond, engaging audiences from high school students to scholarly circles. His new book, The Story of the Qur’an, represents a culmination of his years of scholarship and service, weaving together his unique insights and experiences.
Building a Foundation in Education
Philander’s journey in Islamic education began in the classroom, where he spent years teaching various aspects of the Qur’an. His approach combined a blend of traditional and critical Islamic discourse, yet he remained grounded in imparting the fundamentals of reading and understanding the Qur’an. Philander’s teaching career spans several institutions, including a foundational role at Islamia, a lecturing position at Darun Naim, and as a tutor for the Study of Islam honors program at the University of Johannesburg.
Zakariyah Philander Leadership and Community Involvement
From teaching, Philander expanded his role in the community. He has served as an Imam in several Cape Town communities, including Wynberg, Retreat, and Mitchells Plain. His leadership extended to his time as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, where he applied his educational vision to foster a deeper understanding of Islam in diverse communities. His role as Vice Principal at Radhwa American International School in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, further exemplified his commitment to international Islamic education.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Philander stated:
“My leadership and management experience was gained as project co-coordinator, assistant director, and finally Director. I also launched and ran two education/training companies – Equilibrium and AQSA.”
This background in project management and leadership gave Philander the foundation to manage complex educational programs and community initiatives. His involvement extended beyond the classroom; he served as co-Imam at the Darun Naim Mosque, supporting the Wynberg community. Through public speaking engagements, he addressed audiences at notable academic institutions, including the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Johannesburg. Philander also shared his insights with government representatives, speaking at the Council Chambers to members of the Western Cape City Council, as well as at countless community gatherings.
Contributions to Teacher Development
With experience teaching at both high school and tertiary levels in both Islamic and secular contexts, Philander has made significant contributions to educational program development. He played an instrumental role in the design and implementation of a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) accredited teacher development course. His work aimed to enhance the skills of educators, particularly those teaching in township and impoverished communities, who often lack access to formal training opportunities.
As a professional counselor and life coach, Philander has offered guidance to hundreds of individuals and families, focusing on marriage, family dynamics, and personal growth. His counseling work stems from his belief that strong family and community bonds are foundational to a healthy society. Speaking of his work in this field, he remarked:
“I am a professional marital and family counselor and life coach. I have literally counseled and coached hundreds of people via organizations I worked for and through my own company known as Equilibrium.”
Zakariyah Philander Research and Scholarship
In addition to his extensive experience in teaching and counseling, Philander is also a seasoned researcher, understanding that research is “the life blood of any good scholar or businessman.” His research endeavors have included studies on pressing issues such as HIV & AIDS within the context of Islam, as well as the relevance of the Qur’an in contemporary society. His work in this area highlights his commitment to addressing modern challenges through an Islamic lens.
He noted:
“As a Director, I researched funding models for small to medium size NPOs. I researched and assisted in developing a course that would skill up informal teachers in impoverished, township environments.”
Zakariyah Philander’s contributions to Islamic education and the South African Muslim community are vast. His new book, The Story of the Qur’an, encapsulates his years of dedication to scholarship and service.
