“Imagine being a slave in Cape Town”. That was the reality for many who yearned to practice their faith freely. Today we stand before AL Masjiduth Thanie Mosque. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Cape Muslims.
AL Masjiduth Thanie Mosque represents the recognition of Islam. It embodies the freedom of slaves to worship. Its story begins in a time of social and political prejudice.
The Auwal Masjid is the first mosque in South Africa. It came into existence in 1794. This was during the first British occupation of the Cape of Good Hope. It became the main religious institution between 1804 and 1850. The mosque was the first to practice Cape Muslim traditions.
The Auwal Masjid symbolizes the struggle of Cape Muslims. They fought for the recognition of Islam and their freedom to worship. The mosque was built on land owned by Coridon van Ceylon. He was a freed slave.
In 1793, Tuan Guru was released from Robben Island. He had served a 13-year prison sentence. He established his first madrasah in 1793. Coridon of Ceylon rented the property. Coridon applied to the Cape authorities for a site to build a masjid. His request was denied. An open-air Jumu’ah Saldh was then held in a disused quarry. This took place in Chiappini Street in Cape Town. Tuan Guru led the Cape Muslims in prayer.
On September 26, 1794, Coridon of Ceylon purchased two properties in Dorp Street. He was the first Muslim to own property in Cape Town. After his death, his wife Trijn van de Kaap inherited the properties. In 1809, Trijn sold the properties to her daughter, Saartjie van die Kaap.
Saartjie made land available for building a masjid. It was first constructed in 1794. Additions were made in 1807. A structural change was made to convert the warehouse into a masjid. This was the construction of a mihrab indicating the direction of the qiblah.
According to Achmat van Bengalen, General Craig permitted Muslims to pray in public. This happened for the first time in the Cape Colony. AL Masjiduth Thanie Mosque became the first established. It continues to function as the founders intended. It became a center of Muslim communal activity. It regulated their social and religious life.
The second site is occupied by the family of the late imam of AL Masjiduth Thanie Mosque. His name was Imam Gasant Achmat Gamja. He was a descendant of Coridon of Ceylon.
Before Saartjie’s Masjid, the construction of masajid was prohibited. Open freedom of worship was restricted in the Cape. The only Kerk permitted in the Colony was that of the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1936, extensive renovations were made to the Auwal Masjid.
AL Masjiduth Thanie Mosque stands as a beacon of hope. It is a symbol of resilience and faith. It reminds us of the struggles and triumphs of Cape Muslims. The community’s unwavering dedication shaped this sacred place.