History of Muslims in South Africa: 1970 - 1978 by Ebrahim Mahomed Mahida

From the book: History of Muslims in South Africa by Ebrahim Mahomed Mahida

1970 Trusteeship of West Street Masjid extended ¹⁰²

Prior to 1970, the trusteeship of the West Street Masjid in Durban could be assumed solely by Muslims originating from Rander, India. In 1970 the Constitution of the masjid was drastically changed to make provision for other Muslims to become trustees of the masjid.

Restoration of the whole of the West Street Masjid began in 1988 and was completed in 1990 at a cost of Rand two million. Durban's 'Palace of Peace' has not only retained its Islamic architecture but has been blended with marble, oak and maranti finish, coupled with giant, intricately-woven arched doorways. Built upon three split-levels this Masjid can now accommodate 2 000 worshippers. The muadhdhin, Mr ' Ali Liami , has been calling the worshippers for Salah, five times each day, for the past twenty­three years.

1970 Muslim population statistics ¹⁰³

1970 Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa ¹⁰⁴

On December 16, 1970, the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa [MYM ] was officially established at the A I Kajee Memorial Hall in Durban. The keynote speaker was Dr Hoosen Kotwal of Cape Town. The MYM was established as a religio-cultural organisation and for the first ten years or so remained apolitical. The formation was in response to a series of situations affecting the Muslim community of South Africa that demanded a need for a group of concerned Muslim youth to emerge and project Islam as a complete and comprehensive way of life.

During the early phase of the MYM, 1971-1974, it concentrated primarily on arousing Islamic consciousness in the youth by inviting Muslim scholars from abroad on lecture tours to South Africa. Among the early scholars to visit the country as guests of the MYM were Maulana Fazlur Rahman Ansari, Dr Ahmad Sakr, Dr Ahmed Totonjee and others. During this period the MYM established many branches in Natal and the Transvaal. During this phase the MYM did not appeal for financial assistance from the public, its entire finances being met by the officials themselves. The first office bearers were: Advocate Abu Bakr Mahomed [President], Mahmud Moosa Vice­President], Dr Moosa Randeree [Secretary] and Ebrahim Jadwat [Treasurer].

During the second phase, 1974-1977, the Movement established different independent projects, namely: Lajnatul Atibba, Jaame Limited, South African National Zakat Fund [SANZAF], Islamic Da'wah Movement [IDM], Association of Muslim Accountants and Lawyers [AMAL], Islamic Relief Agency [ISRA], etc. From 1974 the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa commenced their monthly publication, AI-Qalam.

Ebrahim Jadwat succeeded Abu Bakr Mahomed as President, followed by Dr S A Thokan, Ahmad Saeed Moolla, Mahomed Amra, Hafiz Rashid Omar, and Shaykh Tahir Sitoto. Among the Directors of the MYM were: Yusuf Mahomedy, Riaz Jamal, Fuad Hendricks, Mahomed Fareed Choonara, Naeem Jeenah and others.

Until 1986, the headquarters of the MYM remained in Durban. There was a drastic change in MYM's policy when its headquarters moved to Cape Town. The MYM describes itself as centrist in the political struggle against apartheid. AI-Qalam [July 1987] writes:

"Despite the fact that we would like to believe that since 1978 the Islamic movement has applied itself and responded to the emerging crisis in South Africa, we feel that the situation demands a more intense wrestling with the issues of the da), and that the Islamic movement should start its courtship with reality".

And, so, the MYM entered a new phase: active political participation in the South African context and its willingness to join in the liberation struggle with 'liberation groups'.

Some of the publications of the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa are:

• l. Risalatuna
• 2. lTP manual
• 3. Halqah manual
• 4. A manual of da'wah, 1980
• 5. Message of the Teachings by Imam Hasan al-Banna
• 6.What is Our Message by Imam Hasan al-Banna
• 7. From Where Shall We Begin?
• 8. The Dutch Reform Church on Islam and Muslims in Africa and the im­pact of Islam in South Africa
• 9. Islamic orientation manual, 1983, 1984
• 10. Towards a contexualization of the MYMSA's aims and objectives, 1987
• 11. Muslim Youth Rally manual, 1989
• 12. Towards a principled struggle.

1970 Islamic Educational and Religious Trust ¹⁰⁵

The Durban Malay Women's Society was founded in 1970. A group of concerned 'Malay' women met and resolved to devote their spare time in providing Islamic education for children and Muslim ladies residing in the 'Coloured' areas of Durban: Greyville, Sparks Estate, Wentworth, Jacobs, Greenwood Park, etc. As the Society had no premises, the Anjuman School in Leopold Street, Durban, was made available during weekdays after school hours so that madrasah classes for students from different areas of Durban could be held. This continued for a period of fourteen years. In 1975 there were about 2 000 'Malays' in Durban. The Trust made an application to build an Islamic centre at Sparks Estate but it was turned down by the Durban City Council as 68 Christian 'Coloureds' had objected to the erection of an 'Indian church' in their residential area. The Society changed its name - in the mid-80's - to Islamic Educational and Religious Trust, so as to involve the whole Muslim community in its programme to establish a madrasah and Islamic Centre on a plot of land [in Bazley Avenue, Sydenham] donated by the M A Kazi family of Durban.

Among the aims and objectives of the Trust are:

• * to raise funds to assist with madaris projects in various 'Coloured' areas of Durban;
• * to enlighten Muslim women and children with regard to Islam and Islamic teachings so that they may retain their Islamic identity and beliefs in non-Islamic environment.

The Trust presently caters for the religious and educational needs of Muslims living in the 'Coloured' areas of Durban: Sparks Estate, Sydenham, Newlands East, Austerville, Wentworth, etc. Among the founders of the Society and Trust are: Mrs Maymoona [Mona] Vahed, Mrs Ruqayya E Mahomed, Mrs Yasmin Hendricks and C M Jaffer, E Malik, and G Boomgart.

1971 Muslim Board for Prison Welfare and State Institutions

The Muslim Board for Prison Welfare and State Institutions was established in 1971 in Cape Town. Under the leadership of Imam Abdu­rahman Bassier, the Board has been providing ministration services to Muslim inmates. Imams appointed by the Board visit inmates in prisons once a week, delivering talks on various aspects of Islam, distributing Islamic literature, tasbihs, musnllas, and above all giving individual counsel.

In the Cape, the Board functions under the auspicies of the Muslim Judicial Council, Muslim Assembly, Hospital Welfare Society and Paarl Muslim Jamaat.

The Board provides inmates with 'Id hampers containing luxury food items, motivates them to observe the Fasts during Ramadan, perform the Tarawih Salah during Ramadan and also the regular daily Fard Salah in prisons.

1974 Muslim Students' Association of South Africa ¹⁰⁶

Dr S Nordien, in a 'A Concise History of the MSA of SA' in lftqilaab [No 9, 1981 ] writes:

The forerunner of the MSA was the Cape Muslim Students Association [CMSA], founded in the Liberman Institute, District Six, Cape Town in September 1969. The UCT Islamic Association and UWC Islamic Association has concurred to form this off-campus regional body. In 1973, the UDW Islamic Association and the Natal University Islamic Society were approached to consider forming a national forum for Muslim students... The CMSA hosted, in January 1974, the inaugural conference of the MSA of SA. The participating groups were Wits Islamic Association, UND, UDW, UCT and Hewat Islamic Association.

The Muslim Students' Association of South Africa [MSA] became a symbol of the Muslims students bold and creative response to the challenge of our times. As there was no single organised body to motivate the Muslim students and to cater for his/her particular needs and to co-ordinate Muslim thought and action, the MSA was launched in 1974. The following were the first office bearers: M G E Hendricks, G Abader, S E Dangor, I Essop, S Nordien, M A Dhansay, M G Jassiem, A Mukuuddem and others.

The idea of a body catering for students was well received and chapters of the MSA have since been established on almost all the university campuses, technikons and secondary schools throughout the country.

According to its charter. the MSA is:

• * an ideological movement with islarn as its bedrock and sheet-anchor;
• *a national movement having in its fold Muslim students belonging to all shades of opinions and impressions but disclaiming all sectarian prejudices and welding them into one ideological brotherhood;
• * a students' organisation dedicated to the upliftment of the student and to maintain his/her Islamic identity in the midst of the various hostile forces threatenting to engulf us.

The MSA pledges:

• * to deliver the message of Islam to the students and to evoke in them a de­sire to study Islam and to fulfil its moral obligations;
• * to organise all those students who are prepared to work for the establish­ment of Islamic ideology under the banner of the MSA ;
• * to remind the student of his/her responsibility to the community and to form closer links between the two;
• * to struggle for the establishment of an Islamic society free from economic, social and political exploitation.

Since 1976 the MSA has been very articulate against the apartheid government and its policies. A number of their publications were banned by the state authorities.

In 1978 a disagreement developed among the leading members of the MSA and resulted in the formation of the South African Students Association [SASA] with Jamal ud Din Hamdulay as its head. Though not a large group, SASA members were and are politically very outspoken.

Some of the Muslim Students' Association's publications are:

• * Islam at a Glance, Durban, National Secretariat, MSA;
• * Muslim Students' Association of South Africa Information Brochure, Durban, National Secretariat, MSA;
• * Bulletin of the Muslim Students Association of South Africa, Durban, National Secretariat, MSA;
• * Muslim Student Newsletter, Durban, National Secretariat, MSA;
• * Isotech, Durban, M L Sultan Technikon, Islamic Society;
• * World View, Cape Town, University of Cape Town, MSA;
• * Al-Mizaan, Durban, University of Durban-Westville; MSA;
• * Al-Talmiz, Johannesburg, University of the Witswatersrand, MSA;
• * Iqra, Durban, University of Durban-Westville, Islamic Society;
• * Inqilaab, Annual Magazine of the MSA.

1972 Opposition of Cape Muslims to freeway through Tana Baru Cemetery

The Cape Town City Council planned to construct a freeway through the Tana Baru Muslim Cemetery in Cape Town. The Cape Muslims vigorously opposed the desecration of the Tana Baru resulting in the freeway plan being expunged from the City Council's plans.

1972 Institute of Islamic ShaCPah Studies ¹⁰⁷

The Institute of Islamic Shari'ah Studies was founded in Salt River, Cape Town, in December 1972. Among the founder member was Sheikh Abdul Kariem Toffar, a graduate from College of Shari'ah, University of Jordan, Amman. Sheikh Toffar was appointed head of the Institute to draw up a syllabus and implement it.

The educational policy of the Institute was laid down in 1973 as follows:

• * to systemize the study of Islam, its laws and its culture, through proper graded levels of study;
• * to icorporate Arabic as a subject in order that students would be able to understand the original sources of Islamic law, culture, etc with ease;
• * to strive for order and discipline and eventual recognition of Islamic Personal Law;
• * to propagate Islam with wisdom and hikmah;
• * to defend Islam if and when wronged, slandered or falsified;
• * to foster understanding and love for Muslims, their law and their culture.

As suitable premises, administrative and teaching staff were not readily available, the Institute began with part-time senior classes for males in January 1973. In April 1973 similar classes were held for females.

In November 1979 The Institute of Islamic Shari'ah Studies purchased land in Athlone, Cape Town, and began building structures on piecemeal basis as finance was not readily available.

1973 Darul Uloom Newcastle ¹⁰⁸

On May 13, 1973, the Darul Uloom Newcastle, the first 'theological' institute in the country, was officially opened with 09 students. The Institution began with a few rooms: one used as a classroom, the second as a dormitory, the third as a kitchen and the fourth as a jama 'at khana.

The Darul Uloom now offers fulltime hifz classes as well as Alim Fazil course of six years. The total number of students who graduated since the Darul 'Uloom's inception in 1973 : Hifz - 173, 'Ulama': - 84. The institute has an academic staff of 13 and expenses for 1990 exceeded Rand 500 000. The Darul Uloom owes its origin to the late Haji Moosa Vawda, Ismail Patel, Maulana Cassim Sema and others.

1974 Department of Islamic Studies at University of Durban-Westville' ¹⁰⁹

The Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Durban-Westville was established in 1974. Until then, Islamic history and culture was being taught at the Departments of Oriental Studies and Science of Religion at the University.

Prior to the establishment of the Islamic Studies Department, Professor Cassim Lakhi [then Head of the Department of History of Art, UDW] invited Professor Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi [d 1986] from Temple University, USA, to South Africa. Whilst on his visit Professor al-Faruqi drew up a lenghty memorandum, on behalf of the Muslim community of South Africa, showing the need for a Department of Islamic Studies at a university. The memorandum was presented to the Rector of the UDW, Professor S P Olivier, by some of the leading members of the Muslim community of South Africa.

Professor al-Faruqi, before his departure, had promised that he would find a suitable candidate to head the Department of Islamic Studies, should it be established. Consequently, in 1974, on his recommendation, Dr Syed Salman Nadvi [Ph D, Chicago University] was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at the University. Other members of the staff are: Ahmed Farouk Vanker, Dr Abu] Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim, Dr Suleman Essop Dangor [senior research officer] and Ebrahim Mahomed Mahida [senior laboratory assistant].

A high level Saudi delegation visited the University of Durban-Westville in 1982 and donated US$ 100 000 for the construction of a masjid on the campus. The masjid can accommodate over 1 000 worshippers and was opened the following year.

Among the Department's publications are:

• ”¢  Al-'Ilm, annual journal; now in its 12th year of publication.
• ”¢  A critical biography of Shaykh Yusuf by S E Dangor, 1982.
• ”¢  Islam in South Africa - a bibliography by E M Mahida, 1988 and 1990.
• ”¢  Zubdat al-Asrdr by S E Dangor, 1990.

1974 Publication of AZ-Qalam ¹¹⁰

Al-Qalam, a monthly publication of the Muslim Youth Movement of.South Africa, was first published in Durban in 1974 with Eusuph [Yusuf] Nazeer as its editor. This was an advance over the Newsletter of the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa that had made its first appearance in 1961 and which primarily covered news items of the various MYM branches and their activities and was circulated chiefly among the MYM members.

Al-Qalam also covered local as well as foreign news with regard to Muslims and Muslim countries.

Several issues of Al-Qalam were banned in the 1980's on account of the newspaper's Islamic stance and clear opposition to apartheid in South Africa. It is currently [1992] in the 18th volume of its publication.

1975 Arabic at University of the Western Cape ¹¹¹

Arabic was offered as a one-year course from 1975 to 1981 in the Department of Semitics at the University of the Western Cape. The initial lecturer was E A Kazi [Kazi Saheb]. On his retirement, the University appointed Muhammad (Imam]Abdullah Haron as lecturer in Arabic. It became an independent Department in 1982. In 1984 Yasien Mohammed joined the Department as lecturer and Muhammad Haron became senior lecturer and Head of the Department of Arabic. Shaikh Mukhtar Ahmed also joined the Department as a lecturer.

In 1991 the Department of Arabic restructured the Arabic course, adopting both the grammar-translation and communicative approache at the undergraduate level, and introduced an Islamic Culture and Civilisation course. It also offers an Arabic Method course at the Higher Diploma in Education and an Arabic Honours course at post-graduate level. Over the past few years the department has had an average of 60 students per year.

1975 Lajnatul Atibba? ¹¹²

At a meeting organised by the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa, in December 1973, a group of Muslim physicians and dentists met in Durban to discuss the formation of Lajnatul Atibba - Doctors' Committee. At the inaugural meeting held at the Orient School Hall in Durban on July 07, 1974, some of the Muslim doctors succeeded in sabotaging the formation of the Doctors' Committee labeling it as 'sectional'. However, this did not stop a few dedicated and committed Muslim doctors and dentists from forming the Lajnatul Atibba'. It began as a medical wing of the MYM, opened its first free clinic serving the underprivileged Blacks at As-Salaam Educational Institute in Braemer, on the south coast of Natal. 500 guests attended the opening in August 1974. Similar attempts were made in August 1976 to launch Lajnatul Atibba in Johannesburg and Laudium [Pretoria] but without success. The Lajnatul Atibba' and those Muslim Health Care personnels attracted venomous attacks in the local press by both Muslim as well as non-Muslim doctors ar.d laymen.

Lajnatul Atibba' was the brainchild of Dr Goolam Hoosen, its founder and first President, fully supported by Dr Mohamed Essack, Dr Daud Saleh Mall and others. Lajnatul Atibba' continued its activties until 1980, and as more and more Muslim Health Care personnel became conscious of the prevailing health situation among the Blacks, joined the society which then changed its name to Islamic Medical Association of South Africa.

1975 Islamic Council of South Africa' ¹¹³

The Islamic Council of South Africa [ICSA] was established on November 29, 1975 when Dr Inamullah Khan , secretary-general of Motamar al- 'Alam al-Islami [World Muslim Congress] Karachi, Pakistan, and 'Abdul Muhsin AI-Shaykh of the Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia, visited South Africa.

ICSA was established as a national umbrella body at the Juma Masjid, Grey Street, Durban. Among the first office-bearers were: Advocate Abu Bakr Mahommed [President], Sheikh Abu Bakr Najjar, Advocate M A E Bulbulia and Maulana 'Abdur Rahman Ansari [Vice-Presidents] and Advocate Ibrahim Mahomed Bawa. [Secretary-General and Director].

ICSA, in May 1981, condemned the 20th anniversary of the Republic celebration and appealed to Muslims not to participate therein.

In 1983 ICSA also rejected the Government's proposal of a new Constitution and the President's Council because Blacks in the country were excluded from participating, saying that "as Muslims we resent being labelled "Indian", "Coloured", "Malay", "Bantu" or "White".

Publications of Islamic Council of South Africa:

• ”¢  Meet the Muslims in South Africa, Durban, 1978.
• ”¢  Meet the Muslims in South Africa, 2nd edition, Cape Town, 1984.

1975 Establishment of Nurul Islam Masjid and Islamic Centre ¹¹⁴

The foundation stone of the Nurul Islam Masjid and Islamic Centre was laid on May 16, 1975 by Dr Inamullah Khan [Secretary-General, Motamar al-Alam al-Islami] and 'Abdul Muhsin Al-Shaykh [a representative of Rabitat al-Alam al-Islami, Makkah]. The Masjid and Centre are situated in Lenasia, near Johannesburg. The concept of the Islamic centre was conceived sometime in 1968 to serve the sociological, cultural and educational needs of the South African Muslims. The Rabitat al-Alam al­Islami donated US$ 200 000 towards the construction of the complex which comprises of a beautifully structured golden-domed masjid, a convention hall, an education centre for higher learning, separate madrasah facilities for boys and girls, a library, a research centre, and a printing press. There is also a multi-purpose octagonal hall. This was the first time that a major Islamic centre in southern Africa was officially sponsored by the Rabitat al­Alam al-Islami of Makkah.

1976 Jaame Investment Limited ¹¹⁵

Initiated by the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa in 1976, JAAME Investment Limited, a financial company, was registered with the specific purpose of promoting the principles of Islamic economics and striving for an interest-free Muslim society, and with the general aim of uplifting the Muslim ummah as a whole through ideal Islamic economic principles.

Four years later in 1980, Jaame was converted into a public company with 2 500 shareholders, offering the general Muslim public, especially the "small person" an opportunity to participate. "Jaame is not intended to compete with banks and building societies, it is merely supplying an alternative to the interest system that exists primarily in the Western world".

Activities of Jaame:

• * puchasing vehicles, goods or equipment at cost in order to sell to clients on an interest-free basis, Islamically termed murahabah;
• * invest capital in viable business on a joint venture and profit-sharing basis.

The managing directors were: A S Gani, M H Docrat, Z A Cajee, M S Laher, E Bardien, A O Tayob and I Kolia. Jaame was based in Johannes­burg with offices in Cape Town and Durban.

In 1988 Jaame directors sought an interdict preventing the distribution of pamphlets which claimed:

• * "Jaame was dealing in interest;
• * votes were tampered with at the last annual general meeting;
• * certain members of the board were using company funds to conduct personal businesses;
• * the board mismanaged the affairs of the company and violated Qur'anic injunctions;
• * the board acted in violation of every shareholder's interest".

1976 Publication of Al-Balaagh ¹¹⁶

In 1976 a four-page publication called The Tableegh was published from Durban. As a regular quarterly publication, it continued for a year and a half until its publisher and editor in May/June 1977 changed the name to Al­Balaagh, with the motto:

"Dedicated to the propagation of Islam in its pristine purity - i.e., the Qur'anic ideology and the genuine Sunnah of Rasoolullah - unadulterated by mullaism and 'Tablighism "'.

Al-Balaagh is published as a regular quarterly newspaper from Johannesburg. The editor is A S K Joomal. As at 1992 Al-Balaagh has completed seventeen years of publication.

1976 Publication of The Majlis ¹¹⁷

The Majlis began publication by the Majlisul 'Ulama' of South Africa of Port Elizabeth in 1976. This monthly newspaper does not print the date on any of its publications; rather each issue indicates the volume and number of that particular publication.

As at January 1992 [Rabi al-Akhirah 1413] The Majlis shows volume 10, number 5 on its front page. The Majlis is a monthly publication dealing with primarily religious issues and presenting fatawa [legal opinions] on religion based on the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.

Publications of Majlisul-Ulama of South Africa:

• ”¢  Islam and Television
• ”¢  Photography, Picture-making and Islam
• ”¢  The Quran Unimpeachable, 1987
• ”¢  The Truth about Shi'ism, Parts 1 and 2
• ”¢  Meelaad Celebrations
• ”¢  Who are the People of the Sunnah?
• ”¢  Women in Musaajid and Islam, 1988 8. P N Oak's Blasphemy against the Ka'bah, 1988

1977 Ikwantu Muslim Society' ¹¹⁸

The Ikwantu Muslim Society, founded in 1977, is an organisation of Muslims of African origin residing in Inanda-Kwa Mashu-Ntuzuma complex of the Kwa Zulu area, on the outskirts of Durban. Prior to the establishment of the Ikwantu Muslim Society, the Durban Central Branch of the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa looked after the needs and welfare of the Muslims living in Inanda, Kwa Mashu and Ntuzuma for several years. There were over 25 Muslim homes with more than 100 Muslims in the area in 1975. Daily some 30 to 40 children came to madrasah classes conducted at the home of 'Uthman Mkinga. Shaykh 'Abbas Isma'il taught Qur'an and dinyat using Izimfundiso Zobu Islami [The Teachings of Islam], printed by Umlaaz Marian Hill Islamic Centre in 1980, as textbook for teaching the fundamentals of Islam.

In Inanda the Haffejee family had constructed a small jama'at khana where the Muslims met and offered congregational prayers.

When the Ikwantu Muslim Society was formed, the MYM employed 'Abbas Phiri and his wife Amina as madrasah teachers. The Phiris used one of their two rooms for madrasah classes and also for performing salah. The founder members of the Ikwantu Muslim Society were: Shaykh Abbas Ismail [President], Cassim AI-Faruq Miller [Secretary], Dawood Luthuli [co­ordinator] etc. Application for a site to build a masjid in Kwa Mashu was made in 1981 to the township authorities. A year later, a site was purchased, construction work began in 1985. The Kwa Mashu Masjid complex comprises of prayer hall, library, classroom, imam's quarters and a general purpose hall. The construction of the masjid project was completed in 1986. The officials were Idris Nxedlana, Cassim Slelembe, Amin Nobane and others.

1977 South African National Zakah Fund ¹¹⁹

The South African National Zakah Fund [SANZAF] was established in Durban in 1977 with the express aim of "conscientizing" the Muslim community towards the implementation of Zakat. Initiated by the Muslim Youth Movment of South Africa, it now has branches in almost every major city in the country. In its 1992 annual report SANZAF says that it has, over the past 18 years, distributed over Rand 65 000 of Fitrah to the poor and needy, and among its successful projects include:

• *bursary funding through SANMBUF
• * operation zabah
• * operation qurbaii
• * operation emergency relief
• * operation winter warmth
• * operation home industry
• * operation labour bureau
• * Islamic diary project, etc.

Officials of SANZAF [1992] are:

Hoosen Asmall [National Director], Iqbal Sabat [National Chairman], Moham_mad Ibrahim [National Treasurer], Abdul Wahab Khan [National Project Co-ordinator].

1978 Sunni Jamiatul 'Ulama' of South Africa ¹²⁰

The establishment of the Sunni Jamiatul' in 1978 brought relief to the Sunni masses of South Africa. Formed by a band of newly qualified 'ulama' from India and Pakistan, the Sunni Jamiatul 'Ulama's aims and objectives are:

• * to advance and promote the religious, social, cultural and moral upliftment of the Muslim community;
• * propagate Islam by publishing Islamic literature;
• * establishment of Islamic institutions for higher learning;
• * establish masajid and supervise madaris;
• * providing a Sunni syllabus for the madaris;
• * inviting overseas Sunni 'ulama', etc

The Sunni Jamiatul 'Ulama' has an office and a teacher training centre in Westham, Phoenix, near Durban, where lady teachers are trained twice per week for a period of three years.