Cape Town Mosques Given Top Awards

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Two Cape Town mosques were recognized by the Johannesburg-based Radio Islam International for their work within their surrounding communities.

Gatesville Mosque was awarded “South Africa’s Most Inclusive Mosque”, while Quloobul Mo’meneen Mosque in Goodwood received the “Best Centre for Educational Projects” and “Best Youth Service” awards.

Radio Islam International launched the Radio Islam Masjid Awards this year, inviting mosques from across South Africa to participate.

Over three months, submissions were made that covered many aspects of the running of a mosque, including transparency, governance, provision of facilities, outreach and youth programs.

The Gatesville Mosque, established 30 years ago, has become internationally recognized for its acclaimed “open door” policy, allowing for the house of worship to be accessible to as wide a spectrum of people as possible.

Mosque spokesperson Sataar Parker said: “The award came at a fitting time as one of our founder trustees - Dr AW Barday - who was the architect of the open door policy, passed away a few days ago.

“We are deeply humbled by this prestigious award and accept it on behalf of our 6 000 congregants. Their support and guidance have been the shining light for us over the past 30 years.

“We also extend our hand to all other mosques who would like to share in our 30-year journey of experience. Perhaps we could learn from them as well.”

Gatesville Mosque has hosted scholars from different faiths, along with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, former justice minister Dullah Omar and Human Rights Commission chair the Reverend Chris Nissan, among others.

Quloobul Mo’meneen Mosque is a small masjid in Goodwood established in 1935, and has several community outreach and youth-based programs.

The mosques committee chairperson, Mogamad Safedien, said the mosque was a finalist in six of the categories.

“We’re a small mosque and are humbled to have been acknowledged for education and youth-based programs. We came up against bigger and well-resourced mosques, and after these awards we’ll have to up our game,” said Safedien.

While plans to expand the mosque have been held back because of rezoning complications for the past few years, Safedien said the mosque continued to focus on its surrounding community, especially the youth.

Source: The Cape Times