Awqaf SA Empowering Communities Click here to download the 2nd Children of Islam Post Event Brochure and Report
Aims and objectives:
- to build bonds of friendship and unity
- to bring the diverse colours of Islam together
- to build a strong sense of identity
- to build confidence and self-esteem
- highlighting the importance and the messages of the Holy Qur’an
- to promote Islam as a way of life
Participating Schools and Madressahs:
Crescent of Hope (Evaton, Kathlehong, Kliptown, Orange Farm, Protea South,
Protea Industrial,
Rietvallei, Thembalihle)
Al Tauheed
(Ennerdale, Rietfontein, Sebokeng, Bilal Centre, Lenasia South, Brits, Leslie, Wielers Farm, Palm Ridge, Grasmere)
Association of Muslim Schools (AMS)
Lenasia Muslim School Sabri Chisthi
(Lenasia, Orange Farm) Johannesburg Muslim School
Bosmont Madressah Eldorado Park Muslim School An Noor Madressah Auckland Park Academy of Excellence
Madressah Zia Ul Badr Roshnee Muslim School Al Ghazali College PMT Sunni Muslim School
Al Asr Muslim School Newclare Juma Masjid & Madressah Bosmont Muslim School
Hidayatul Islam – Emdeni, Soweto Madressatul Bayaan – Mayfair Madressa Omar farouk – Mayfair
Vlakfontein Madressah Central Islamic Trust (CIT)
Springs Muslim School Benoni Muslim School Eveton West Madressah
Resources
2. Theme song melody
3. “Sing Children of the World” song
The Children of Islam Bicentennial Jalsah 2004
The historic Children of Islam Bicentennial Jalsah/ cultural event held in Lenasia on the 19 September 2004 was an event that will be forever be etched in the memories of the thousands of participants that came from all sectors and backgrounds of a truly multi-cultural; multi ethnic and multi racial diversity of children.
Their experience clearly cried out: WE NEED THIS TYPE OF ACTIVITY MORE OFTEN!!! More than 7000 children, parents, and educators. Among guests were the Deputy Minister of Education the Hon Br Enver Surty; Hon MP Ismail Vadi; and several dignataries.
One parent exclaimed:“It was like Arafat…it was like a mini hajj!!!”
Another said: “I’ve never seen something like this. It was awesome.”
Children of Islam Manifesto
Awqaf SA has produced a CD recording and a DVD of the event. Available from the Awqaf Shoppe.
Videos
Awqaf SA Bicentennial Video
Islam was a banned religion since it arrived on the shores of South Africa with the coming of Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Islam was officially unbanned approximately 150 years later after the arrival of Muslim slaves and political exiles in the 1660-70’s on 25 July 1804. It was then for the first time that Muslims could worship in public and be allowed by the then Dutch government to build Masajids and teach Islam openly. The first Masjid and Madressah was established by Tuan Guru (RA) in Cape Town.
The commemoration holds much significance since the history of South Africa is one of colonization, oppression, injustice, and apartheid. For Muslims in particular it holds the significance of struggle against colonization, and its continued opposition to apartheid, racism, and injustice coupled with the quest for the freedom of worship and human rights. This year not only signifies 10 years of democracy and freedom but also 200 years of religious freedom and pluralism for all South Africans.
AWQAF SA initiated a community wide programme to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the unbanning of Islam and religious freedom in South Africa (1804-2004). The commemoration is an important milestone in the history of South African Muslims and belongs to the whole Ummah, especially in the present day local and global context. The commemoration will involve all Muslims to work together in a programme of activities and events that will send a strong message to both Muslims and non-Muslims about the oppression suffered by Muslims as a religious minority in SA, as well as the positive contributions made, and, contributions to be made in all walks of life, including empowerment, nation building, and poverty alleviation.
A slide show depicting children from 45 Madressahs participating in a Jalsah with some 5000 children attending what was dubbed as the “Biggest Open Air Jalsah”. The theme was the Bicentennial Commemoration of the Unbanning of Islam in South Africa (1804-2004) – 200 years. Deputy Minister of Education, Enver Surty was a guest speaker, with Zain Bhika and Faeezah Malinga presenting some of their songs.
