Rukshana Sampson inspires others through her Qur'an journey
Rukshana Sampson, 17, of Zeekoevlei, wrote two books.
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At just 17 years old, Zeekoevlei teenager Rukshana Sampson, has already completed the memorisation of the Qur’an (Hifz), graduated from a Quranic institute, and self-published two books inspired by her faith journey.
Rukshana launched her first book at The Women’s Forum in Grassy Park on September 7 last year, where family, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate her achievement.
Titled Basic understanding of Madds in Tajweed (rules that govern the correct pronunciation of Arabic letters and the application of various recitation technique) for children who are memorising the Qur’an.
Her path has been anything but straightforward. She left Jam Eyyatul Qurra, in Schaapkraal’s academic school in Grade 9 to join their Hifz programme, and also graduated from there.
Basic understanding of madds in tajweed was Rukshana's first book.
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After completing Hifz in 2022 and graduating in 2023, she briefly considered pursuing a career in cardiology. That led her to continue her schooling at Good Hope Seminary High School in Cape Town, but she left after just three days in Grade 11, overwhelmed by the environment.
“I felt like a failure after that experience,” she said, “But things changed when I joined Al Tanzil Institute in Athlone.”
At Al Tanzil Institute Rukshana immersed herself in the study of Quranic sciences, including Tajweed and Arabic.”
The Promises of Allah, is Rukshana's second book.
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It encompasses the various disciplines and fields of knowledge that deal with the study, understanding, and interpretation of the Quran. These sciences cover aspects like the revelation, compilation, recitation, meaning, and historical context of the Quran.
The structured four-year programme allows students to continue beyond the curriculum to teach and specialise further.
“I originally didn’t want to be a teacher,” she admits. “I wrote the Tajweed book to prove to myself that I could do it. I didn’t want to stand in front of a class. But I realised I could still teach through writing," she said.
That act of determination led her to write her first 20-page guide on Tajweed, aimed at helping other students deepen their understanding of the Qur’an beyond memorisation.
She was encouraged by friends and family to write a second book with more of her personal experiences.
The Promises of Allah, a 60-page book, explores “Quranic verses and their explanations of all the promises Allah makes to us, including verses: ‘Indeed, with hardship comes ease’ (Inna ma’al usri yusra), presented in both Arabic and English.”
The Promises of Allah, was written in just one month and submitted for review shortly after. Now, she’s working on a new series exploring the scientific miracles in the Qur’an, which will combine faith-based reflection with motivational insight.
This book was launched at Masjidul Quds in Gatesville, Athlone, on February 15.
A former pupil of Schotsche Kloof Primary, in Bo-Kaap, Rukshana is the eldest of four siblings. Her parents, whom she credits for supporting her ambitions, have encouraged her spiritual growth and passion for writing.
All her books are self-published, and she is currently planning to expand her reach via social media and other community platforms.
Her advice to others on how to pursue your dreams: “I would say take your time, there's no need to rush into anything because everything is already put out for you, and if it's meant for you, it will come.”
For more information about the books, contact Rukshana at 067 106 7577 or email rukshanasampson7@gmail.com