With Islam being one of the fastest growing religions in the world, the need for facilities that which can be used by the Muslim members of society is on the rise. The Durbanville Islamic Society (DIS) is seeking the assistance of the Muslim community of Cape Town in order to acquire a building for the intended purpose of using it as a prayer facility, as a teaching facility and as a facility that can be used by the members of the Durbanville community. Established in 2013, the society is the first official Islamic forum in that area.

The society’s chairman Zafer Ali Sattar says Muslim residents decided to form an Islamic society in order to see to the growing needs of the Muslim population in their community.

“The Muslim community is growing and having a facility will attract more Muslim people and people from other faiths to the facility,” Sattar explained.

In 2013, the City of Cape Town granted DIS permission to perform jumuah salah inside the local town hall in the area. Since then, the need for a prayer space open to the community has grown.

Sattar says that right now he knows of approximately between 40 and 60 Muslim families in the area, with the number ever increasing.

“We require funds in order to provide a central location for activities such as a Madressa and a prayer facility as right now we are hosting fajr salaah as well as Thursday thikrs at various people’s houses,” Sattar added.

A property has been identified for purchase which Sattar says is ideal as there is ample parking and is in an area that will not be a burden on the surrounding neighbours. It is also in an area located opposite a poorer community which will add to the upliftment of that community. The hope is that the centre will have feeding schemes in order to ensure that the community’s needs are being met.

“This will all be for the upliftment of the Islamic society and for the greater good of the Durbanville community,” Sattar went further.

“We strive to be a benefit to all of humanity not just Muslims and wish to create a positive image of what Islam is about”.

The society has managed to raise a significant amount of money from its members as well as from members of the community itself. Further funds were raised from eat and treats and donations were also received from prominent figures in the community, however in order to be able to purchase the property, the society still needs more funds.

“The money that we did raise, however is a bit short from the money that we require,” Sattar continued.

“We are appealing to the community to donate whatever you can as this is for the good of establishing a place for the Muslims in the northern suburbs.”

For those who wish to donate the details are as follows.

Name: Durbanville Islamic Society

First National Bank

Account Number : 62446655360

Branch Code : 250655

VOC (Umarah Hartley)