The establishment of the Illovo Islamic Centre in the south of Durban, South Africa, is an interesting example of how a simple chicken business owned by Sh Yusuf Mbalu played a pivotal role in introducing Islam to the rural part of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and teaching the local population about the ways of Muslims.
Initially, the land where the Masjid now stands was used for a chicken business that followed Islamic slaughter practices, ensuring that the chickens were prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. This practice drew the attention of the locals in the area who were curious and intrigued by the Islamic way of life. They had questions about Islam, its principles, and its teachings.
It's noteworthy that Sh Yusuf Mbalu initially operated the Illovo Islamic Centre without any assistance from the wider Muslim community. His dedication and efforts in establishing the centre and introducing Islam to the local community were admirable. However, as the centre’s activities and impact grew, it became apparent that additional support was needed to sustain and expand its mission.
To address this, Sh Yusuf Mbalu sought assistance from HUDA SA, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in August 2020.
The Masjid has visible flaws, the floor and walls are cracking and it may collapse at any given time. It has no functional toilets due to how the building was built.
HUDA SA has reached out to the donor community which has raised funds to demolish the current structure and build a stronger foundation and Masjid for the community of Illovo. The construction began in November 2023.
The construction will allow for a bigger facility which will have classrooms and a kitchen as the current structure has limited the programs that the Centre can establish.
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Salaah | 1 | 60 | Daily |
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Madressa | 1 | 87 | Daily |
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Ladies Islamic Classes | 1 | 15 | Weekends |
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Dawah Awareness | 1 | 35 | Weekly |
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Islamic Education | Jumu'ah | 1 | 20 | Weekly |
Jan – Oct 2023 | Islamic Development | Dawah Awareness | 1 | 150 | Once Off |
Jan – Oct 2023 | Musjid | Marquee | 1 | 75 | Monthly |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Nutrition | Daily Madressa Feeding | 1 | 87 | Daily |
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Nutrition | Monthly Groceries (OVC) | 1 | 10 | Monthly |
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Nutrition | Iftaar | 1 | 87 | Annually |
April 2023 | Nutrition | Eid-ul-Fitr Feeding | 1 | 100 | Once Off |
July 2023 | Nutrition | Eid-ul-Adha Feeding | 1 | 100 | Once Off |
July 2023 | Nutrition | Qurbani Meat packs | 1 | 60 | Once Off |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 2023 | Nutrition | Ramadaan Hampers | 1 | 30 | Annual |
July 2023 | Nutrition | Qurbani Meat Packs | 1 | 33 | Annual |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 2023 | Education | School Uniforms | 1 | 74 | Annually |
Jan – Oct 2023 | Education | School Stationery | 1 | 15 | Annually |
Jan 2023 | Education | School Transport | 1 | 2 | Monthly |
Dates | Programs | Projects/Activities | Projects Stats | Beneficiary stats | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 23 – Feb 24 | Welfare | Welfare Grants | 1 | 4 | Monthly |
April 2024 | Welfare | Bags & Baby blankets | 1 | 9 | Once Off |
May 2023 | Welfare | 2nd hand Clothing | 1 | 105 | Once Off |
July 2023 | Welfare | Winter Blankets | 1 | 30 | Once Off |
It has been a good experience working with HUDA SA, its informative and has taught me how to run the Illovo Islamic Centre professionally, we are always consulted when making decisions, and we have been given respect and discipline even though there may be times of disagreement we however deal with it amicably. The platform HUDA SA has established for community workers like myself is new, since we are given a place to share our views and are not being talked at however talked with.
Most organisations do not trust indigenous community leaders and organisation in terms of financials, HUDA SA has entrusted us with finances to run the centres and has given us the benefit that we will do right, hence the Illovo Islamic Centre provides Audited Annual Financial Statements to not break this trust.
The construction of the new Masjid, I was given to express what is required from the beginning till the end, the professional team consults directly with me when it comes to decision making in regards to the building to my satisfaction, I was given respect and dignity as the Ameer of the area.