Consider a mosque painted seafoam green. This is the Masjid Boorhaanol Islam. It stands as a beacon of faith and history in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap district.
The Masjid Boorhaanol Islam was built in 1884. It was first known as the Pilgrim Mosque. It proudly featured the first minaret in Cape Town. The minaret is a tower with a balcony. Five times a day, the call to prayer echoes from this balcony. It is a constant reminder to the Muslim community.
Originally, the minaret of Masjid Boorhaanol Islam was made of wood. Sadly, it blew down during a storm in the 1930s. The minaret you see today is made of concrete.
The bright green facade with white trim is eye-catching. This style reflects the colourful Bo-Kaap district. But the Masjid Boorhaanol Islam is more than just a pretty building. It is the only mosque in Cape Town declared a National Monument. This honour recognizes its historical and cultural significance.
The Dutch and British occupiers were often hostile. They did not like the practice of the Muslim faith. Throughout the 20th century, racist attitudes burdened the Muslim community. But since 1994, all religions can practice freely in South Africa.
The Masjid Boorhaanol Islam is a spiritual center. It serves the Cape Malay Muslim community. Also, it provides community services and programs.
In 1881, Gouwida acquired the land. In 1884, she allowed the Pilgrim Congregation to build a masjid there. Hadjie Abdol Kaliel provided the money for the building. This Pilgrim Masjid was the eighth masjid in Cape Town.
The Pilgrim Masjid was the first with a minaret. This followed a dispute over leadership at the Jamia Masjid. The Jamia Masjid is in Chiappini Street.
Abdol Kaliel became the imam and trustee of the Pilgrim Masjid in 1888. After World War II, they renovated and expanded the mosque. They applied to change the name to Boorhaanol Islaam Masjied. The title deeds were transferred to the trustees. The change was approved in 1949.
Abdol Kaliel was the first imam of the Masjid Boorhaanol Islam from 1884 to 1898. He was followed by Imam Sadien Jonas. After him came Imam Abdol Bassier.
The Masjid Boorhaanol Islam became a national monument in 1966. This was under the National Monument Act. Today, it is also a Provincial Heritage Site.
Visiting the Masjid Boorhaanol Islam gives you a sense of history. It connects you to the Cape Malay community. The mosque stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. It is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of a community. This community has held onto its identity through generations.