In 1905 a piece of ground, adjacent to the main road (Jan Smuts Highway)  to Pietermaritzburg, was purchased by Hadrat Soofie Saheb (RA) and placed into a Trust. The area was known as Rooikopjies. Initially a foundation was laid for a Masjid, but perhaps he foresaw the road widening that was to affect the site in time to come and he built a wood and iron Jamat Khana on the western side of the land, which was also used as a Madressah. A residence was built for the Imam and the Mu’adhin. The Northern end of this land was used as a cemetery, which is still in existence. This institution thus catered for the needs of the Muslims of the 45th Cutting and part of Mayville and Sydenham areas in Durban.

He placed a few of his Murids (followers) to see to the daily affairs of this institution while he supervised from time to time. Since it was on the way to the Westville Darbar he instructed Hadrat Yusuf Ali Shah (RA) to supervise also. Poor families were fed and their problems were attended to. Free burials were also provided to indigent families.

From 1960 the Muslim population in the area began waning because of the expropriation of land under the Group Areas Act. In 1976, the Jama`at Khana/ Madressah (which served for seven decades) and the family house were demolished for road purposes resulting in considerable loss of land. In 1978 a Jama`at Khana was built.

In 1994, with the relaxing of the laws under the Government of National Unity, the congregation increased as more and more Muslims settled in the area. This led to the construction of a masjid and a multi-purpose hall. It is appropriate that this project coincided with the Centenary Commemoration of Hadrat Soofie Saheb (RA), after 90 years of service as a Jama`at Khana. A hall was adjoined in 1998.

This was the second Soofie Mosque to be built after the demise of Hadrat Soofie Saheb (RA) in 1911, the first being at Kenville.

OPERATION WINTER WARM 2010

A Soofie Bhaijaan Astana Project

Some 1 000 blankets and candleholders (stands) are distributed annually to poor shack dwellers, clinics, etc in and around Mayville and Sydenham during winter.

Contributions from musallees (Muslim worshippers) of 45th Cutting Masjid, well-wishers, and readers of ‘Indians in Africa’ would be appreciated. (R50 blanket; R600 bale). Contact Br Yusuf Patel on +27 (0)82 774 5786 or Imam Baboo at the masjid for further details about the project, or to make a donation. (We distribute personally.)

Remember: TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOTHING, ANYTHING IS EVERYTHING!!

Source: www.soofie.saheb.org.za