The Illovo Islamic Centre

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Brief Background

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.

Community Integrated Project
Impact report & Plans

ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT


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
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CURRENT ILLOVO MUSJID
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CURRENT ILLOVO MUSJID
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PLANS FOR THE ILLOVO NEW MUSJID
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DAILY MADRESSA
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DAILY MADRESSA

NUTRITION PROJECTS

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
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OVF MONTHLY HAMPERS
 
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DAILY FEEDING
 
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DAILY FEEDING
 
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ISLAMIC RELIEF RAMADAN HAMPERS
 

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOLING

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
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SCHOOL UNIFORMS 2023
 
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SCHOOL UNIFORMS 2023
 

WELFARE

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
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WINTER WARMTH
 
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CLOTHING DISTRIBUTION
 

CONCLUSION: SH YUSUF MBALU - AMEER OF ILLOVO ISLAMIC CENTRE

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.