About - Janubi Zakhrafa

During my search for a uniquely South African expression in Islamic Art,
I came across the word ‘architecture’ used as an alternative to ‘structure’,
with reference to decorating (illuminating) Quran pages.
This sparked my curiosity about the architecture that would
identify as South African, to ‘house’ my Quran manuscript page.
I am inspired by our natural elements;
folding mountains with pillowy puffy clouds above and rolling waves below.
Beautiful Fynbos flora offers decorative elements,
and while it speaks about biodiversity,
it directs us to embrace our cultural diversity with
Ubuntu.

‘I am, because of who we all are’.

My introduction to Islamic art was in 1976,
when I received a hand-drawn card of a masjid dome from
my friend, Zainu Brown (nee Gamiet).
This single act of sharing slowly developed into five decades of
searching, researching and finding.

Exploring Islamic geometric patterns and manuscript illumination
along with South African flora and geographic elements, enables
me to develop a visual language that is both rooted in Islam and is
uniquely connected to the South African landscape.

I invite you to slow down, look closer, participate and experience
Janubi Zakhrafa designs as expressions of gratitude and beauty.

Mahmudah Begum Jaffer

(Founder)

My journey in words

My journey in pictures