Renovating Al Fatiha Masjid
Al Fatiha Masjid is at the heart of the local Muslim community in Khayelitsha, Site B, Cape Town.This area is one of the poorest in Cape Town with only a small minority of residents identifying as Muslims. Al Fatiha provides a place for people to pray and contemplate, as well as being a hub for educational programmes.The masjid is well known for its Islamic classes, provided by the Imam Sheikh Abdullah Asali, which have led to a considerable amount of people to embrace Islam.
For such a significant aspect of the community, the masjid was in very poor form and in dire need of renovation. With no proper wudhu facilities or carpets for salat, cracked walls and a falling roof it became difficult for the residents to pray in the masjid.
Muslim Hands has been supporting local projects in South Africa for over 20 years. After learning of the condition Al Fatiha Masjid was in, we set out to repair and upgrade the masjid.
The renovations took approximately two weeks to complete. Alhamdulillah, we repaired the walls and roof as well as installing a new wudhu area and fitted carpets for salat.
Alhamdulillah since the opening, we have seen an increase of people attending the masjid. As well as serving as a place for prayer, the masjid is now also being used as a dawah centre and a food distribution point.
This project is just one of the ways that Muslim Hands is working to tackle poverty in local communities in South Africa. See more here
