Awqaf SA Bicentennial Commemoration 2004 Part 1 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.

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Nonprofits & Activism

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• nonprofit
• 200
• commemoration
• unbanning
• islam