Masjid is a sanctuary for faithful

Converging in a small prayer room in Quail Avenue, Mackenzie Park, congregants of the Masjid Ul Muslimeen dreamt of creating a tranquil space which would serve the Muslim community.

Nearly a decade later, the newly constructed masjid beckons Muslims as well as the Benoni community to visit and learn more about its teachings beyond the towering arched doorways.

It is just after noon on a Wednesday and Masood Ebrahim and his wife, Farzanah, the curators of the mosque, are preparing for afternoon prayer.

“Our original prayer room served our community well, but as the numbers of the faithful grew, we realised so too did the need to extend our premises,” said Masood.

“Through donations, we could construct a larger place of worship and realise a dream of creating a space where all Muslim neighbours can come to learn and meet through prayer.

Leading the way to the facility’s fully equipped high-tech library, Farzanah explained the masjid’s leadership desired to offer learners and students a space to study and conduct research.

“The library offers higher Islamic education specialising in areas of research based on the Quran and Sunnah.”

“Study materials are available in English and Arabic and the library offers access to online studies and other multi-media platforms. We welcome those wanting to further their studies.”

In the inner sanctum of the masjid, Masood explained it is named Masjid Ul Muslimeen, which means masjid for those who surrender to Allah.

“What happens in a masjid is often shrouded in mystery. By opening our doors, we are saying to our brothers and sisters that our spiritual home is open to those who surrender to Allah. When entering these doors, we are all united in prayer.”

With devotees slowly filling the prayer hall awaiting the call to prayer, the pericope above the hoom (pulpit) reads, “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided as a Muslim community.”

“This message is important to us at the masjid and we cast our eyes onto this message daily to remind us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, not only in faith but also in extending a hand to others,” said Masood.

Human dignity
“Beyond these gates, we devote time to serving those in need.”

Food to the needy is served from an open kitchen on Princess Avenue and a space for those needing to cleanse their bodies at the pantry on Rothsay Street.

“By nourishing their bodies and allowing individuals to wash themselves regularly, helps to preserve human dignity and shows the less fortunate their needs as important,” he said.

“God’s love is boundless; why should our love for our fellow humans be any less as serving humanity is a fundamental teaching of Islam. ”

Noting that the Islamic faith is often viewed negatively because of negative media, Farzanah said the masjid aims to dispel misconceptions through the Benoni Islamic Information Centre, also on Rothsay Street.

“The purpose is to create an awareness of what Islam is all about. The mission is to create an atmosphere where Muslims can peacefully and respectfully co-exist,” she said.

“Through connection and understanding, we can have a world where men and women of all faiths can unite against everything created to tear us apart.”

With its tower reaching high into the heavens, Masood presses his hands together, saying he hopes those who enter the facility will be enveloped by the sense of peace and serenity the congregation has put so much effort into creating.

For people of different faiths interested in a masjid tour, contact 082 689 2375.

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