Publications
Partners
The first mosque established in the city’s northern areas celebrated its 50th anniversary recently.
After forceful removal from South End and surrounding areas, as the result of the implementation of the Group Areas Act during the apartheid era, Muslims of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) found themselves in newly-developed townships about 20 kilometres away from the four mosques they had left behind.
Devoted to their religion, they purchased a plot in Gelvan Park, and Masjidut Taqwa (Mosque of Piety) was built by the community.
The mosque is the largest in the Eastern Cape and over the past 50 years it developed into a source of spiritual nourishment and social cohesion.
“This mosque has been a source of spiritual nourishment, fostering a thriving Muslim community. We pay tribute to our forefathers who left us with a legacy of collaboration and unity. Today we embrace our heritage and celebrate their efforts to preserve our heritage,” said Shaykh Mukhtar Raban, the head religious leader of Masjidut Taqwa.
Recently, the mosque was renovated and extended, and remodelled into an Islamic Centre which builds on the foundation which was laid by the former leaders of the mosque, explained Raban.
“In addition to the praying facilities, Masjidut Taqwa Islamic Centre hosts a number of educational programmes which cater for pre-school learners, youth and adults,” said Raban.
In addition, Masjidut Taqwa Islamic Centre launched a coffee shop over the weekend.
“We are excited to have launched the new coffee shop on the mosque premises. Self-sufficiency and sustainability are key to ensuring the progression of the Islamic Centre. To this end we have also installed a borehole and solar panels which support the centre’s long-term sustainability,” said the chairperson of the mosque’s Board of Trustees, Ighsaan Gamieldien.
Furthermore, Masjidut Taqwa Islamic Centre is exceptionally well-integrated with technology and connectivity, which enables live streaming services and social interaction across the globe.
Coinciding with the Islamic birth month of Prophet Muhammad, during which the mosque was opened in 1973, the commemoration event included a special programme on Saturday morning, a gala dinner at the Northern Areas Football Association Hall in Gelvandale on Saturday night, and a religious programme honouring Prophet Muhammad at the mosque on Sunday evening.
These events were open to the community, and included a number of special guests from out of town.
