About Us
About Us:
Gordons Bay is a small beach town located approximately 50 kilometers from Cape Town in South Africa. The small seaside town is a popular holiday destination as it is located between the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range and the North Eastern shore of False Bay, which opens into the Southern Indian Ocean. Up until early 1990, it had a negligible Muslim population. Following the first free election in 1994, people of colour could acquire property anywhere. Before that, the Group Areas Act ensured the Muslim population was confined to a small area of Strand. The Muslim population slowly increased over the first 10 years of the 21st century and experienced a dramatic increase from 2009. By 2015, the approximate number of Muslim families were between 80 and 120.
Salaah in the area was performed in the store of a Muslim business owner and the garages of local Muslim residents. Children who needed to go to madrasa had to travel to the neighbouring Strand. This was not always possible as many homes had two breadwinners and did not have the resources for the afternoon commute.
On 6 May 2008 the Gordons Bay Islamic Trust was established with the objective of serving the needs of the Muslim community.
The primary objective of the Trust was to establish a place of Salaah with Jamaat (prayer in congregation) in the area.
The second most important need was the establishment of madrasa, as many of the young families could not afford to take their children to the adjacent Strand suburb. This primary Islamic education forms an important part of inculcating Iman (إِيمَان ʾīmān, lit. faith or belief) in children at an early stage. It is expected that this will be expanded to a day care facility as there are none for Muslim children in the area.
Mission:
The mission of the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Society is to foster a strong Islamic identity, promote unity, and serve the needs of the Muslim community in Gordon’s Bay and its surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing a spiritual, educational, and social platform that nurtures faith, empowers individuals, and contributes to the betterment of society.
Vision:
Our vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive Islamic community in Gordon’s Bay that serves as a beacon of faith, knowledge, and compassion. We envision a society where individuals embrace the teachings of Islam, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and embody the values of mercy, justice, and righteousness.
Through our various programs and initiatives, we aim to:
Nurture Faith:
We strive to provide a nurturing environment where individuals of all ages can deepen their understanding of Islam, practise their faith with devotion, and cultivate a strong connection with Allah. Our educational programmes, including the Madressa, seminars, and workshops, aim to instil a profound sense of spirituality and promote lifelong learning.
Promote Unity:
We believe in the strength of unity and brotherhood/sisterhood within the Muslim community. Our society endeavours to foster strong bonds of love, respect, and support among individuals and families. We aim to organise social events, community gatherings, and initiatives that bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and unity while ensuring not to violate any of the rules of shariah.
Serve Humanity:
As Muslims, we are guided by the principles of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility. We are committed to serving the needs of our community and extending a helping hand to those less fortunate. Our charitable initiatives, community outreach programmes, and partnerships with humanitarian organisations aim to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of society at large.
Promote Knowledge and Understanding:
We recognise the importance of knowledge in strengthening faith and dispelling misconceptions. Our society strives to provide accurate and accessible information about Islam to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We aim to promote interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, fostering a spirit of respect and harmony within our diverse society.
Empower Individuals:
We believe in the potential of each individual to make a meaningful contribution. Our society aims to empower individuals by providing them with the tools, resources, and support necessary to grow spiritually, intellectually, and personally. Through mentorship, leadership development programmes, and skills training, we aim to nurture a generation of confident and responsible individuals who positively impact their families, communities, and society.
With our mission and vision as our guiding principles, we are committed to building a strong and vibrant Islamic community in Gordon’s Bay, one that exemplifies the teachings of Islam, embraces diversity, and positively influences the world around us.
Meet the Team:
Cassim Peer – Chairman
(B Proc.) Law. University of Witwatersrand; Certificate in Management (Buckinghamshire College); Certificates in International Relations: Pretoria, Ireland, Malaysia, India.Brother Cassim is an attorney and a former Consul-General in Jeddah (1996 -2000) and deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad (2007-2012).
Mr Peer is dedicated to promoting the practice of Islamic principles and values. He is responsible for overseeing the society’s operations, guiding its activities, and ensuring that the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Society objectives align with Islamic teachings. Mr Peer also serves as its spokesperson and plays a vital role in fostering unity, cooperation, and engagement among the society’s members and the wider Muslim community.
Dr Zaheer Chetty – Vice Chairman
BSc. BChd (UWC)
Dr Chetty has been an active member of the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Society since its inception and he was part of the group of brothers that started the Gordon’s Bay musallah at a shop in Mariners Street, Gordon’s Bay. He has been involved in all the planning efforts of the new masjid. He is also the Ameer of the Tabligh Jamaat of Gordon’s Bay.
Abdul Kader Sonday – Treasurer
Registered Professional Engineer (Electrical and Mechanical) Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.Eng. Elec-Mech); Diploma in Business Leadership (PBL) (UNISA); Master of Business Leadership/Administration (MBL) (UNISA); Registered Project Management Professional. (PMI). ).
Mr Sonday is a member of the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Society since inception and was instrumental in obtaining the plot in Gordon’s Bay for the construction of the masjid. He is actively involved in fundraising efforts for the masjid and the day-to-day activities in the construction process of the masjid. He also coordinates the ad hoc, pro bono engineering and business management consulting services rendered by the Gordons Bay Islamic Society to SMME’s. He is also a member of the Gordon’s Bay Residents Association.
Zulfiqar E.M. Dudhia – Operations
Master of Science in Medical Sciences (Molecular Biology); Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences (Honors) Biochemistry); Bachelor of Science (Microbiology);
Mr. Dudhia is a key member of the organization responsible for overseeing and managing its day-to-day operations. He plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the society by coordinating various activities and resources.
Abdullah Gabier – Trustee
B.Sc Physio (UWC) Hons; Imaamat Course: Ulama Arabiyyatul Islamia
Mr. Gabier plays a vital role in overseeing the management and administration of the organisation, provides moral guidance and assuring that the organisation adheres to Islamic principles and values.
Siraaj Petersen – Trustee
Professional Senior Architectural Technologist (PrSArchT); B-Tech – Architectural Technology
Mr. Petersen is responsible for overseeing the overall strategic direction and goals of the organisation, with a special focus on the Masjid building project. He assists with the development of policies, establishing long-term plans, and ensuring that the organisation operates in accordance with its mission and objectives.