Soofie Masjid

Gazing upon the Soofie Masjid, have you ever wondered about the souls who sought solace within its walls? The Soofie Masjid, a beacon of faith in Durban, stands as a testament to the unwavering devotion of Soofie Saheb, a remarkable figure who arrived in South Africa in 1895. He envisioned a place where the community could gather, learn, and find comfort. Upon his arrival in Durban, Soofie Saheb immediately purchased land on the banks of the Umgeni River, a serene location near the Indian Ocean. His first act was to lay the foundation for what would become the Soofie Masjid. The mosque’s construction commenced after Friday prayers, symbolizing the dedication and spiritual significance embedded within its very foundation. The original structure, built with wood and iron, served not only as a mosque but also as a madressa, a place of Islamic learning. The Soofie Masjid was more than just a place of worship. It was the heart of a vibrant community hub, known as the Darbar. This included a madressa, an orphanage, an old age home, a kitchen, ablution facilities, a Musafirkhana for travelers, an Ashurkhana, and even a rehabilitation center. Soofie Saheb’s vision extended beyond spiritual guidance. He personally attended to those struggling with addiction, offering them a path to recovery through cleanliness, prayer, and traditional medicine. A clinic, or Dawakhana, operated within the Darbar, providing free medical care to people of all races and religions every Thursday. Tragically, in 1968, much of the Darbar was demolished due to the Group Areas Act. Only the Soofie Masjid, the mausoleum, and the cemetery were spared. Undeterred, the community relocated the Darbar to Kenville, ensuring the continuation of Soofie Saheb’s legacy. The Soofie Masjid remains a place of solace and community, echoing the spirit of its founder.