Masjid Taqwa

The official opening of Masjidut Taqwa happened on 20th April 1973 / Rabi-ul-Awal 1393. This year 2013, we are commemorating forty years since the opening.

The history of Masjidut Taqwa is directly linked to the history of the Schauderville Moslem Association (SMA), especially the latter part before its demise. To gain a proper perspective of the history it is necessary to visit the Schauderville Moslem Association and the role it played in establishing the Masjid.
Formed in 1955, its main aim was to cater for the needs of the Muslim Community residing in Schauderville and Korsten. A few Madaris were established, albeit sometimes in makeshift accommodation like the dining room of someone’s home or a garage or an outbuilding. Lectures for adults were held in the Tuckshop in Highfield Road, Schauderville and it was also the venue for the Cheer Fund Treat for children which was an annual event hosted by the SMA from a donation received from the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund. Oddly enough the SMA was also the custodian of the Papenskuil Cemetary and only relinquished that in the 1970’s.

The SMA was led by various chairpersons, but the last two were Ismail Solomon, well known community worker and Abdul Gakiem Abrahams, better known in sporting circles. The elected Secretary since its inception was Miss Mymoena Baboo and she was replaced by Achmat Naaim Rasdien who was elected in 1970 at an annual general meeting in the Jarman Hall, Schauderville. The sidelining of Miss Baboo was related to the issue of females serving on a committee which was establishing a masjid. Although no Ulema gave a direct fatwa on this issue, Miss Baboo gracefully stepped aside.

With the establishment of Gelvandale in 1960, some Muslim residents joined the SMA. Amongst them were Cassiem Parker, Tahaar Beydon, Abdul Kader Ackerdien, Abubakr Rasdien, Janap Walters, Aysa Rasdien, Sadaka Abader, Hashiem Kemp and Rajab Williams. There were many more besides those mentioned and we pray that Almighty Allah will reward them all for whatever contributions they made.

Mr Cassiem Parker brought to the attention of SMA, the availability of residential plots in the Gelvan Park area. The opportunity was seized to purchase the plots for the erection of a madrassah. The transferring attorneys were McWilliams & Elliot and in March 1967 the costs were paid. With the ever expanding Muslim population in the northern areas, the need for a Masjid arose and the decision was made to erect a Masjid with madrassah facilities included. This decision sparked a keen interest in SMA and offers of assistance were regularly received.
The SMA established a Planning Sub-Committee under the convenorship of Alawie Simon, father of Imaam Fuad Simon. Mr Simon carried out his task very diligently and dealt regularly with the architects, Wybrow & Associates. He saw this task through to its conclusion. He was also convenor of the Mosque B