Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
Not a member yet
6222 research outputs found
Sort by
Fatwā and AI: A Literature-Based Assessment On How AI Impacts the Role of the Muftī
No full textThis article explores the intersection of fatwā (Islamic legal opinions) and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly chatbot technology, to assess its impact on the role of the muftī, who traditionally issues fatwas. The rise of AI-powered chatbots presents both opportunities and challenges in fatwā issuance. AI offers advantages like accessibility, consistency, and the ability to handle a high volume of queries, potentially improving the speed and reach of religious guidance, particularly in remote areas. However, the lack of empathy and nuanced understanding in chatbots raises concerns, as they may fail to address the complexities of Islamic jurisprudence or provide contextually appropriate responses. A literature review of existing academic work on AI and fatwā was conducted. Some of these studies contain case studies of AI applications in religious guidance, content analysis of fatwā texts and AI algorithms, and comparative analysis of different AI approaches. The article assessed the challenges and opportunities for the muftī in an AI-dominated world. It examined the impact of AI on the muftī’s role and provides recommendations for adapting to this technology. It recommends the need to incorporate AI owing to, among other factors, the benefits of its large datasets. However, such fatwā provision must retain the human element, namely the traditional, physical role of the muftī, who is always alert and sensitive to context and can gauge what type of ruling is appropriate in each situation. A partnership between AI and human judgment has the potential to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of fatwā issuance while preserving its integrity
A Comparison of the Islamophobic Experiences of the Female Convert and Immigrant Muslims in America
No full textThis study compares the Islamophobic experiences of female converts and immigrants and their descendants in New York. It argues that Islamophobia is primarily manifested in the form of pervasive everyday racism that is levied at both female converts and immigrants alike, largely in the form of subtle nuances in their everyday interactions with non-Muslims. The study will illustrate that despite some notable differences, the experience of female converts and immigrants—and even the experience of hijabis and non-hijabis from both groups—with everyday racism is remarkably similar. This is largely because when a white American woman converts to Islam—a religion that is perceived as external to everything that America stands for—more often than not, both her whiteness and her Americanness are tarnished. Thus, she tends to be perceived as not-quite-white and not fully American anymore, which is precisely why she is subjected to most of the subtle everyday forms of Islamophobia that female immigrants experience. These include racist comments and jokes, talking to hijabis using a demeaning tone, and non-verbal nuances, such as staring at hijabis or dismissing them. The study contends that since gender issues have long played a pivotal role in the construction of otherness between Islam and the West, this seems to lead to an almost universal experience with everyday racism for Muslim women—who are identified as such through the hijab or otherwise—regardless of whether they are converts or immigrants, and irrespective of their actual or perceived racial background
Yet Again Qurʾān 4:34: A Syntax and Semantics-Rhetoric Reading
No full textThe qurʾānic passage “… and hit them” (Qurʾān 4:34) causes many modern Muslim believers consternation. They problematise Qurʾān 4:34 and its interpretation for affording husbands a right to exercise violence on women’s bodies. They foreground the verb “hit” in the imperative mood. This article proposes a different approach to reading Qurʾān 4:34. It foregrounds the nouns in the passage, namely husbands and wives, to offer a reading of Qurʾān 4:34 that is fundamentally concerned with the character and behaviour of husbands and wives who think, speak, and behave in everyday life and not giving apparent commands to husband to hit their wives whose nuŝūz they fear. To shift the focus from the action “hit” in the imperative mood to the character of husbands, the article draws on a hermeneutic of ibn ʿArabī that views some prescriptive commands in the Qurʾān not as commands, but rather as statements in the imperative mood
Fabrication and Characterisation of Tin Dioxide-Coated Gold Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Applications of Solar Steam Generation
No full textIn this study, we investigated the effects of coating gold (Au) nanostructures with metal oxide nanocrystalline solids and the impact this has on the properties of the Au-based nanofluids. We created nanofluids by combining ethylene glycol base fluid with tin dioxide-coated gold (Au@SnO2) nanocomposites. By encapsulating the Au nanostructures within SnO2 nanocrystals, we were able to improve their structural stability and optical properties; this was confirmed by TEM micrographs and UV-Vis spectra. In addition, we found that the thermal conductivities of the Au@SnO2-based nanofluids were 10% higher than their uncoated counterparts. This suggests that the Au-based nanofluids composed of Au@SnO2 nanocomposites have potential in thermal energy management and electronic cooling systems
Exploring the Value and Affordances of Psychoanalysis in the Teaching of English Literary Texts in South African Secondary Education
No full textTeachers and learners at South African secondary schools face a variety of challenges, of which some are psychological, emotional, and hidden from the untrained eye. It is, therefore, crucial to search for methods or theories to help learners with emotional and psychological challenges. The study explored and interrogated one overlooked theory that could help in this regard: the psychoanalytic theory. This Freudian theory is believed to offer a different kind of literary criticism which focuses on the subconscious mental activities and unusual behaviours in literary texts to resolve psychological challenges in education and society. The study investigated the nature, affordances, teaching methods, and challenges and solutions associated with the theory. The study also revealed some practical benefits of the theory for English literary education and life in general. Additionally, the study found that the theory is valuable in equipping teachers and learners with psychoanalytic knowledge and skills to critically analyse English literary content. The study also established that psychoanalytic abilities can help identify and resolve psychological challenges in an educational environment and society in general
A Reflective Experience of Postgraduate Education in South African Higher Education Institutions
No full textPostgraduate education is a significant aspect of higher education that has a fundamental influence on the global economy, governance, and social justice. However, most postgraduate students go through diverse experiences as they struggle with constructing their identities toward becoming researchers. This article reflects upon the author’s lived experience during his postgraduate education in one of South Africa’s higher education institutions (HEIs). Reflecting on the author’s lived experience, the article aims to expound on challenges experienced by international postgraduate students in South African HEIs. Based on the lived experience, the author identified six themes that revolve around the experience of international postgraduate students: access to funding; study and work permit; employment opportunities; xenophobic attacks; research supervision; and cultural shock. The study recommends that to ensure that the right knowledge is produced for a knowledge-based economy and evidence-based practice, challenges associated with postgraduate education need to be addressed, with particular emphasis on culture diversity training for international students, development of clear guidelines for postgraduate research supervision, and recruitment of high-potential postgraduate students. The article provides a better understanding of the challenges faced by international postgraduate students in South African HEIs, which adds to the body of knowledge on the experiences of international postgraduate students
African Immigrant Traders, Food Security, and Xenophobia in Johannesburg, South Africa
No full textThe role of African immigrant informal traders in enabling food security for families throughout Africa has been explored in the literature. However, little has been published on the relationship between African immigrant traders, food security, and xenophobia in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. A lack of information combined with negative attitudes among researchers and policymakers has led many to undervalue African immigrant informal traders, often dismissed as peripheral to the food economy and food security in Johannesburg. Therefore, in this article, I analyse the role of African immigrant informal traders in making food accessible and affordable for customers despite constant harassment arising from xenophobia
Constitutional Rights of Women in Ghana: An Expansion of the Legal Framework
No full textThe research paper elucidates the expansion of the legal framework of women’s rights in Ghana to address all forms of discrimination against them. The article considers a three-fold reform process, including a constitutional reform to influence the enactment of an extensive parliamentary Act either domesticating the Maputo Protocol or incorporating its principles. The article acknowledges the existence of some legislation on specific forms of discrimination against women and advocates that these may support the proposed comprehensive Parliamentary Act. The third reform process considers strategic litigation as a means of implementation and compliance
Insights Into the Roles of HR Practitioners When Managing Labour Relations Incidents in the Correctional Services in South Africa
No full textHuman resource professionals aim to optimise employee performance to align with the employer’s strategic goals. Their multifaceted roles often involve challenges, especially when duties conflict with organisational values in labour relations. Some labour relations incidents might have psychological aspects that are not fully addressed by current policies or resolution methods. This study explored the roles assumed by HR practitioners in the Department of Correctional services (DCS) in South Africa, when managing labour relations incidents. It aimed to identify the support available and needed by these practitioners. The study employed a qualitative approach, with a purposive sample of 21 HR practitioners from the DCS involved in labour relations. The data were collected through structured interviews, and were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. HR professionals in correctional services were found to undertake diverse roles, including those of advisors and facilitators. They managed a range of incidents, from minor infractions to serious offences such as smuggling or use of force. A notable gap was identified between the support they receive and what they need, which indicated potential areas for organisational support improvement. The study highlights the importance of psychological support mechanisms to help HR practitioners manage challenging job demands. The study suggests that HR practitioners be trained in conflict resolution techniques. Addressing resource constraints through increased budget allocations and enhancing IT support is crucial for efficient incident management. Open communication channels are essential for HR practitioners to express concerns freely. Management and leadership development programmes focusing on ethical practices and creative problem-solving are recommended to address mismanagement and misuse of authority
Facilities Tangibility and Patients’ Satisfaction in Selected Primary Health Centres in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
No full textBackground: Primary health care is widely acknowledged as the most economical means of achieving universal health coverage and addressing all types of health needs in close proximity to people\u27s homes and communities. Nigeria’s high and growing rate of extreme poverty and illiteracy increases the urgency of the need for a primary healthcare system that is effective and sustainable.
Purpose: This study examines the effect of the facilities tangibility on patients’ satisfaction in selected primary health care centres in the Odeda local government area of Ogun State. It investigated the effect of physical facilities on patients’ satisfaction; assessed the influence of personnel’s appearance on patients’ satisfaction; and examined the role of the hospital’s equipment quality on patients’ satisfaction.
Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional survey research design and a questionnaire as the research instrument. A convenient sampling method was used to select 320 respondents from primary healthcare centres. Three hundred and twenty (320) copies of the questionnaire were administered to respondents, and 300 were received and analysed. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: The findings reveal a negative correlation between physical facilities and patients’ satisfaction (R = -0.101, N = 300, p > 0.05); a negative correlation between personnel’s appearance and patients’ satisfaction (R = -0.112, N = 300, p > 0.05); a negative correlation between equipment and patients’ satisfaction (R = -0.157, N = 300, p > 0.05). The study concluded that facilities tangibility had a negative influence on patients’ satisfaction. These findings imply that patients attending primary healthcare centres in the Odeda local government of Ogun State are dissatisfied with the facilities tangibility. It was recommended that hospitals’ management ensure that they have up-to-date facilities, an appealing physical environment, and modern-looking equipment to serve patients better and ensure they are satisfied