Promoting interfaith dialogue
Following opposition to the mosque on Kenneth Kaunda (Northway) Road, the Durban North muslim community hosted an information evening to help address misconceptions of Muslims and the mosque.
CHESLEA Preparatory School played host to a Discover Islam open evening hosted by the Durban North Muslim community on Friday. Guest speakers spoke on Muslims and the media and the contribution of Islam to civilisation.
The open evening followed opposition to the building of a mosque on Kenneth Kaunda (Northway) Road. Two years ago scores of residents were vehemently opposed to a mosque being built and cited various reasons for their dissatisfaction that included noise pollution and house devaluation. But by April last year the city had granted approval for building to go ahead. The planned mosque would accommodate 50 parking bays which includes an underground parking and a drop-off zone.
Durban North resident Faisal Suliman, said the evening was about educating residents about Islam and also addressing misrepresentations of Muslims who were often portrayed negatively in the media, especially since the September 11 attacks in New York. “There has been a steadily increasing Muslim presence in Durban North and many of our kids go to the local schools and we wanted to address the suspicion and negative stereotypes, including the phrase ‘Muslim terrorist’ which have become commonplace.
“There was a lot of disparaging comments made when we approached the municipality for rezoning approval. We hoped that tonight addressed those stereotypes and explained why Muslims only eat ‘Halaal’ (permissible) food or why Muslim children could not take part in the schools’ sports day because it fell on the same day as Eid. It’s also about promoting interfaith dialogues,” he said.
Suliman moved to allay concerns of noise pollution, saying the Azaan (call to prayer) would not be broadcast over loud speakers. He added there would be no slaughtering of animals at the mosque either.
He said the inaccurate stereotypes of Muslims often meant acts of violence, terrorism, unrest or anti-Western sentiment.
“Islam is a religion grounded in peace. The root of the word Islam comes from the Arabic word for peace: salaam. A greeting often used by Muslims, assalamu alaikum, means peace be upon you.”
Suliman said he would advocate more information nights at different religious venues around Durban North.
