Radio Al-Ansaar – Transcending boundaries

Muslims in general do not have control over the media. High on the list of priorities is an objective and Islamic perspective on issues faced by the Muslim and Arab world. Muslims in South Africa have also been subjected to the negative image of them and biased portrayal of Islam on TV, radio and other communication media. Against this backdrop is the need for Muslims to network with each other and develop a media infrastructure.

Hence was founded Radio Al-Ansaar (103fm) in 1998. The primary objective of the station is to educate, inform and unite the Ummah and humankind. In 2003, Radio Al-Ansaar listenership rose to almost 95% of the total Muslim population residing within the vicinity of the broadcasting area.

Radio Al-Ansaar offers listeners a wide variety of programmes such as Hadith In Focus (commentary on the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)), Body Talk (health and wellness), Legal Eagle (legal matters), The Big Picture (current affairs particularly focused on the Arab world), and Dil Badal De (Empower your heart – empowering individuals by raising their sense of self-worth).

Amongst the high profile programmes featured on Radio Al-Ansaar are Food Fair, Medical File, Morning Drive, S-Factor Afternoon Drive, Nasheed Jam (featuring the top Islamic soundtracks), and Niteline (a popular late night talk show that encourages debate between listeners and a panel of experts, local and international, on topical issues concerning Muslims).

Annual Radio Al-Ansaar 30-day broadcasts include: Sirah (biography of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)); Shabaan (Islamic month before Ramadaan); Ramadaan (Muslim holy month of fasting); Hajj (Major Pilgrimage to Makkah); and Souk (Annual International Trade and Family Convention hosted by the Al-Ansaar Foundation at the Durban Exhibition Centre during the festive period).