our projects
Projects & Services
Introduction
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 dramati c 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 neighbouring Strand. This was not always possible as many homes had two bread winners 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.
Gordon’s Bay Musallah
Since its establishment in 2010, Gordon’s Bay Musallah has been a thriving hub for spiritual nourishment. Initially located in a business premises at Mariners Centre, Gordons Bay, our community was blessed with the presence of a dedicated full-time muazzin/imam. In 2020, we proudly introduced full Quran taraweeh prayers, enriching the Ramadan experience for our worshippers.
As our community continued to grow, so did our vision. In 2022, a significant milestone was achieved with the establishment of a containerised musallah on the masjid property. This expansion allowed us to provide dedicated spaces for both madrassa activities and daily prayers, enhancing the accessibility and convenience for our congregation.
Gordon’s Bay Masjid Project
By the infinite grace of Allah, our community was blessed with a remarkable milestone in March 2014 – the acquisition of a sprawling 2700 square metre property. Through the collective efforts of devoted individuals like you, a successful collection campaign was launched, culminating in the full payment for the property on 27 July 2014. This momentous achievement paved the way for a new chapter in our community’s history.
With immense gratitude to Almighty Allah, we proudly announce that the property was officially registered in the name of the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Trust on 15 January 2015. This milestone solidified our commitment to establish a spiritual haven that would enrich the lives of generations to come.
To ensure the smooth progression of our sacred mission, an exhaustive study of title deeds dating back to 1895 was conducted for six months. In May 2016, the conveyancing certificate was issued, signifying the meticulous attention given to every detail. As part of the rezoning application, we fervently pursued the relaxing of all conditions that could potentially impede the construction of the masjid, reaffirming our unwavering dedication to creating a place of worship that transcends boundaries.
Following the successful transfer of the property, meticulous steps were taken to pave the way for the construction of the masjid. The land underwent thorough surveying, a comprehensive geotechnical survey was conducted, and a detailed capacity plan was meticulously drafted. Additionally, architectural designs for the masjid were expertly crafted, ensuring a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Today, we stand on the threshold of an extraordinary opportunity, and we appeal to you, to join us on this sacred journey. Your support is instrumental in turning our vision into a reality.
Your generous contributions will propel us closer to the fulfilment of our dream – a masjid that serves as a beacon of light and a sanctuary for all. By participating in this noble endeavour, you become an integral part of a legacy that will resonate through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of our community.
Join hands with the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Trust today.
Together, let us create a sacred abode where hearts are uplifted, minds are enlightened, and spirits are nourished.
Al Huda Islamic Centre: Empowering Lives, Nurturing Souls
Located in Philippi East, on the outskirts of Cape Town, the Al Huda Islamic Centre has been a beacon of hope and knowledge in the community. What started as a day care and madressa operating from an informal shack has now blossomed into a thriving institution, providing essential services and fostering a strong Islamic environment.
In 2017, we acquired Erf 6118, 10 Nomrwabayi Crescent, as our new home. This property now serves as a musallah, a place of worship, where the beautiful recitation of the Quran echoes within its walls. We take pride in being the venue where the first full Quran was read in taraweeh in 2020, a significant milestone for our community.
At Al Huda, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our community members. We provide a safe space for seekers of knowledge, including a dedicated dawah ghalqa, empowering approximately 30 women every Saturday. Our centre also serves as a haven for approximately 70 children, offering them both nourishment and education.
Recognizing the challenges faced by young children who embrace Islam, we offer weekend accommodation to help them maintain their Islamic values. This is particularly important as they transition into high school, where the absence of madrassa education can pose a risk to their faith, especially when their extended families do not share their beliefs.
In times of crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Al Huda played a pivotal role in the community. We became a lifeline, distributing essential food supplies to those affected by the devastating job losses and heightened food insecurity. Serving as a conduit for welfare distribution, we aim to alleviate the burdens faced by our impoverished community.
Looking ahead, our vision is to transform Al Huda into a fully-fledged Darul Uloom, a centre of Islamic education and holistic growth. We envision a nurturing environment where Muslim children can not only pursue high school education but also gain a deeper understanding of their faith. With time, our plans will expand, guided by the esteemed Ulama residing within our community.
Our long-term objective includes offering the first three years of the Aalim course alongside regular high school studies. This comprehensive approach will equip our students to pursue further academic endeavours in tertiary institutions or renowned Darul Ulooms, both locally and internationally.
To turn this vision into reality, we aim to enrolled our first batch of students in 2022. However, we cannot achieve this without your support. Your generous contributions will help us build a dedicated Musallah adjacent to the main building, provide suitable housing options for our students, employ a male cook, and hire an additional teacher. Additionally, we strive to establish a Ghusl Khana within our premises, eliminating the need for our community members to travel to Athlone.
Join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can empower generations, foster educational excellence, and strengthen the spiritual fabric of our community. Let us build a brighter future for all. For more information or to contribute, please visit our website or contact our dedicated team. Your involvement and support are invaluable.
Ulwazi Nogonkelo ye Islam (UNyI) Madressa
Ulwazi Nogonkelo ye Islam (UNyI) Madressa is a haven of learning, founded by a dedicated individual who embraced Islam and wanted to share the beauty of the faith with others. Gordons Bay Islamic Society is dedicated to the mission of providing a nurturing environment for these young souls.
In a township where every spare room is typically rented out to make ends meet, UNyI Madressa stands out as a beacon of hope. The founder has utilised his parents’ home in Zola, Strand, where a spare room has been transformed into a Musallah and a classroom for the Madressa. Thanks to the generosity of the wider Muslim community, we have upgraded this space, transforming its sand floor into a comfortable, carpeted sanctuary.
At present, UNyl has 26 boys enrolled at the Madressa, each one embarking on their personal journey of faith. Many of the students are new Muslims living with non-Muslim families, who long for a safe and nurturing environment to deepen their understanding of Islam. UNyI Madressa fills this void, offering a sanctuary where children can explore their faith, surrounded by supportive peers and guided by our dedicated Ustaad (teacher).
We believe that education is a powerful tool, capable of transforming lives and shaping the future. By investing in UNyI Madressa, you are not only empowering these young minds but also sowing the seeds of a stronger, more inclusive community. As these students find solace and knowledge within our walls, they often invite their friends to join them, spreading the light of knowledge even further.
Your contribution, whether big or small, will help us maintain and enhance our Madressa facilities, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for learning.
Join us in our mission to provide a deenI environment, a safe space where children can flourish, learn, and grow. Donate today and be part of the journey at Ulwazi Nogonkelo ye Islam Madressa. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children and empower them to become beacons of light in their communities.
Sir Lowry's Pass Village Madressa
Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Madressa, which is operated by the esteemed Helderberg Charitable organization and supported by the Gordons Bay Islamic Society.
The Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Madressa plays a vital role in the lives of the residents in this community. It serves as an educational and spiritual hub, providing essential Islamic teachings, Quranic studies, and guidance to children and adults alike. However, we face significant challenges in maintaining and expanding the services we offer.
Our primary concern is the need to ensure a conducive learning environment for the students. The current facilities are insufficient to accommodate the growing number of eager learners who come to seek knowledge. We urgently require funds to improve the infrastructure, build additional classrooms, and enhance the overall learning experience.
Furthermore, we aspire to offer holistic support to the community by providing basic necessities and assistance during times of crisis. By strengthening our outreach programs, we can ensure that the residents have access to essential resources such as food, clothing, and healthcare. Your generous contributions will enable us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact and contribute to the betterment of the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village community. Together, we can empower individuals, provide educational opportunities, and create a strong foundation for the future.
To make a donation or learn more about our projects, please visit our website or contact our dedicated team. Your support will be deeply appreciated, and we assure you that your contributions will be utilized effectively and transparently.
Let us come together and uplift the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Madressa, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support.
SOCIAL WELFARE
The Social Welfare Subcommittee of the Gordon’s Bay Islamic Society is managed under the auspices of the Helderberg Charitable Society (NPO)
The main areas of responsibility of the Social Welfare Subcommittee is to respond to the needs of the poor, destitute and vulnerable members of the Muslim community in Gordon’s Bay and, if required, in the surrounding areas.
The main sources of funds are Zakaat, Sadaqa and Lillah which is received from the Muslim community of South Africa. The Zakaat is used to assist indigent people who are eligible to receive Zakaat and the funds collected as Sadaqa and Lillah are used to assist those people who are not eligible to receive Zakaat but are nonetheless in dire conditions.
Donate your Zakaat, Sadaqah and Lillah