The Umlazi Islamic Centre, located in the W Section, holds the distinction of being the very first Masjid to be constructed in Umlazi. It was founded in 2001 as a response to the growing Muslim population in the region. As the Muslim community in the area was expanding rapidly, it became apparent that there was a need for a dedicated place of worship and Islamic support to cater to their spiritual needs.
Prior to the establishment of the Centre, a Muslim family opened their home for the Umlazi Muslims to use as a Musalla and Madressa to offer support to the Muslims as this area had no Muslim Community.
The Centre has done outstanding work in supporting the Muslims of Umlazi and has served as an anchor in the community.
In 2020 the Umlazi Islamic Centre was in a dire strain, with most activities put on hold, they had no Imam and a deteriorating building. The challenges faced by the centre were indicative of the severe impact of neglect and lack of maintenance. The deteriorating condition of the building posed safety concerns for the community.
In response to the challenges and changes faced by the Umlazi Islamic Centre, some Muslim members lost hope and chose to abandon the facility. Instead, they opted to travel to another nearby Masjid to perform their Salaah (prayers).
The consistently high electricity and water bills, along with the continuous disconnections done by the municipality, created significant operational challenges for the Centre.
HUDA SA and the Umlazi Muslim Committee formed a partnership and have been working together to enhance, manage, and facilitate programs at the Centre since April 2020. We started assisting with the Imam’s welfare grant every month which ensured that there were daily Salaah and programs at the Centre.
The activities at the Islamic Centre were stabilised and the need for renovations of the building couldn’t be ignored any longer. HUDA SA reached out to the Muslim Community for donations towards the repairs and renovations of the Centre.
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Masjid | Jumu’ah Salaah | 1 | 80 | Weekly/Fri |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Masjid | Daily Salaah | 1 | 20 | Daily |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Madrassa | 1 | 35 | Daily |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Ladies Islamic classes | 1 | 45 | Weekly/Sun |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Men's Classes | 1 | 12 | Weekly/Sat |
22 Apr 2023 | Masjid | Eid-ul-Fitr Salaah | 1 | 188 | Annually |
29 Jun 2023 | Masjid | Eid-ul-Adha Salaah | 1 | 120 | Annually |
20 Sep 2023 | Masjid | Mic System | 1 | 200 | Once Off |
Oct 2023 | Masjid | Water Dispenser | 1 | 200 | Once Off |
November 2023 | Masjid | Borehole Maintenance | 1 | 200 | Once Off |
November 2023 | Masjid | Maintenance | 2 | 200 | Once Off |
- Acquiring the adjacent land provides the opportunity to expand the existing facilities of the masjid.
- With more space, the masjid can host a larger congregation for prayers and other community activities.
- This land acquisition is an investment in the future of the masjid and the broader community.
- Insha'Allah, with proper planning and community involvement, this initiative can contribute to the enduring success of the Umlazi Islamic Centre.
- The computer centre will provide community members with access to computers and the internet, promoting digital literacy and technological skills
- It will serve as a space for educational programs, tutoring, and online learning, enhancing academic opportunities for local residents, including children and adults
- Access to Information: Computers and internet access allow individuals to access information, resources, and services more easily.
- Career development workshops, resume building, and job search support, helping community members advance in their careers.
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Nutrition | Madrassa Feeding | 1 | 40 | Daily |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Nutrition | Ladies Feeding | 1 | 45 | Weekly/Sat |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Nutrition | Men’s Classes | 1 | 12 | Weekly/Sun |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Nutrition | Jumu’ah Feeding | 1 | 120 | Weekly/Fri |
22 April 2023 | Nutrition | Eid –Ul-Fitr Lunch | 1 | 188 | Eid-ul-Fitr |
May 2023 | Nutrition | Special Feeding | 1 | 20 | Once off |
29 June 2023 | Nutrition | Eid –Ul-Adha | 1 | 120 | Eid–ul-Adha |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Nutrition | Sehri | 1 | 50 | Once off |
Mar 23 - Feb 243 | Nutrition | Food Hampers | 1 | 10 | Daily |
Apr 24 | Nutrition | Water | 1 | 20 | Once off |
August 243 | Nutrition | Women’s Day | 1 | 60 | Once off |
Oct - Dec 23 | Nutrition | Kitchen Appliances | 1 | 200 | Once off |
Dec 243 | Nutrition | Kitchenware | 1 | 200 | Once off |
Following the stabilisation of the Centre, numerous Muslim organisations have partnered with the Umlazi Islamic Centre in various activities.
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 2024 | Nutrition | Ramadaan Hampers | 1 | 20 | Once Off |
Feb 2023 - Mar 2024 | Nutrition | Qurbani Meat Packs | 1 | 43 | Once Off |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Nutrition | OVF Food Hampers | 1 | 40 | Monthly |
- Skill Development: Converting the kitchen into an industrial kitchen provides an opportunity for members of the community to gain culinary skills.
- Income Generation: An industrial kitchen can be used to prepare food for events, catering, or even selling food to the community. The revenue generated can contribute to the maintenance and operating costs of the masjid. This self-sustaining model can reduce the financial burden on the centre.
- Long-Term Sustainability: By generating income and promoting skill development.
The Umlazi garden was established in 2022, the vegetables harvested are shared between the Islamic Centre and the Madressa Ladies class.
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Agriculture | Gardening | 1 | 45 | Daily |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 2024 | Education | Stationary | 1 | 60 | Annually |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Education | School Transport | 1 | 43 | Daily |
Jan 2024 | Education | Uniforms | 1 | 65 | Annually |
November 23 | Education | Computers | 3 | 60 | Once Off |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Higher Education | Fees | 1 | 2 | Annually |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Skills Training | Computer Classes | 1 | 14 | Once Off |
Jun 2023 | Skills Training | Cellphone Repairs | 1 | 2 | Once Off |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Higher Education | Incubator of Dreamers | 1 | 30 | 2 years |
HUDA SA started assisting with the Imam’s welfare grant every month which ensured that there were daily Salaah and programs at the Centre. Additional Community workers were assigned tasks and programs such as the children’s daily madrassa, ladies' madrassa, men’s Islamic classes & nutrition activities resumed
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Welfare | Welfare Grants | 1 | 6 | Monthly |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Welfare | Winter Warmth | 1 | 35 | Once Off |
April 2023 | Welfare | Eid Clothing | 1 | 65 | Once Off |
April 2023 | Welfare | Winter Warmth | 1 | 35 | Once Off |
May 2023 | Welfare | Eid Clothing | 2 | 10 | Once Off |
Aug 2023 | Welfare | Winter Warmth | 1 | 20 | Once Off |
Aug 2023 | Welfare | Eid Clothing | 10 | 65 | Once Off |
Mar 23 - Feb 24 | Welfare | Winter Warmth | 1 | 1 | Annual |
The community is deeply appreciative of the ongoing generosity and support provided by HUDA SA from the Muslim Ummah. It acknowledges the positive impact these contributions have made on their efforts to serve the community and spread the message of Islam.