Wednesday 26 August 2015
Tuesday 2 December 2014
KASHMIR FLOOD RELIEF
Dear SA Ummah
I hope u are aware of the scale of destruction caused by the Sept. 2014 floods, particularly to Srinagar.
People are forced to take shelter in temporary tents and the onset of Winter is making the situation even worse.
Any sort of Contribution / Help at this point shall be much appreciated !
Jazza Kallah Khair.
Regards,
Bashir.
basher_t@yahoo.com / +91 990 656 1222
Bashir Tuman
www.houseofkashmir.wordpress.com
AG ALBERTS
FNB, Plumstead, Cape Town, RSA
Cheque A/C 62448515413
250655
FIRNZAJJ
[PAYPAL : ADRIAN ALBERTS
albertsadrian@gmail.com]
*Aid in Humanitarian Relief }
"Kashmir Floods"
Dear SA Ummah
I hope u are aware of the scale of destruction caused by the Sept. 2014 floods, particularly to Srinagar.
People are forced to take shelter in temporary tents and the onset of Winter is making the situation even worse.
Any sort of Contribution / Help at this point shall be much appreciated !
Jazza Kallah Khair.
Regards,
Bashir.
basher_t@yahoo.com / +91 990 656 1222
Bashir Ahmad Tuman
Saderbal Nageen,
Srinagar 190006
Kashmir,Jammu & Kashmir
Bank Details
State Bank of India
Rainawari Branch
A/C # 10454933491
swift code SBININBB290
ifsc SBIN0002454
www.houseofkashmir.wordpress.com
AG ALBERTS
FNB, Plumstead, Cape Town, RSA
Cheque A/C 62448515413
250655
FIRNZAJJ
[PAYPAL : ADRIAN ALBERTS
albertsadrian@gmail.com]
*Aid in Humanitarian Relief }
"Kashmir Floods"
Monday 12 August 2013
Personal contribution from the Chairman of Masjid Munier Committee
AsSalamu alykum waRahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu
Dear Faiz
I am sending you this mail since the blog restricted me to a certain character count. I thought my contribution sufficiently critical to your conversation of the Imam and the Association you are in the process of forming.
Have a look at my contribution.
Allow me the opportunity to wish you an Eid Mubarak and pray that all our good deeds we have committed during Ramadan are bringing us closer to All (SWT), and that we are forgiven for the errors we have committed, inshaAllah.
Let me commend those who initiated and are facilitating the process of establishing a Constantia Muslim Association to cater for the needs of the community. We pray that this association is filled with Allah's barakah, insha Allah.
I address myself to the two issue raised in the blog: the one relates to the 'crisis' associated with the resignation of the Imam at Masjid Monier, other relates to membership of your association. Please not that I am making the comments below in my personal capacity and not as a member of the Masjid Monier Committee.
Pertaining to the first issue, I am disappointed that the committee of Masjid Monier was not informed and/or invited to participate in your deliberations when the Imam crisis was discussed. In my view, the committee is a central actor and might have initiated the 'crisis'. This absence of the committee resulted in your meeting only listening to one perspective, as this pertains to the resignations of the Imam. The committee was not afforded the opportunity present its side and/or defend/correct inaccuracies that might have arisen in their absence.
I was able to provide two of the current Constantia residents an insight into what motivated the committee to request the Imam's resignation. This opportunity arose out of my request for a meeting to discuss a matter unrelated to the Imam's resignation. (Just for the record, throughout my association with Masjid Monier, which stretches 49 years, this was the first time a committee was confronted with the challenge of requesting a serving Imam to resign. This might give you an indication that the issue that prompted the committee to act was regarded as extremely serious.)
Pertaining to the Association
The former Muslim residents of Constantia are not seeking membership to this association. However, the former residents do make a claim of their intimate association with Masjid Monier.
When the former residents of Constantia became scattered across the Cape Peninsula as a result of the Group Areas Act, most of them found themselves isolated in places such as Parkwood, Manenberg, Lavender Hill,Steenberg, Retreat, Grassy Park, Lotus River, Netreg amongst other places. In their isolation the Masaajid in Constantia became the centres of their continued association and the formation of an imagined Constantia community. Initially, every opportunity was seized to give substance to this imagined community in order to convince themselves that the community is a real and tangible community. I can recall examples of individuals walking from Wynberg and Parkwood to attend Jumah at Majid Monier; members of this (imagined)community collectivising their means of transport to attend taraweeg, Jumah, and Muslim celebratory nights; and ensure that their weddings and janaaza ceremonies are officiated at Masjid Monier. At one level it was about maintaining a community that was fading due to time ad distance. However, as I have mentioned earlier, this Masjid became the light that hold this imagined community together.
One argument can be that since initially there were no Masaajid in the residential areas, former Constantia residents found themselves in they were forced to maintain their association. In other words, this imagined community had no alternative but to frequent Masjied Monier. Surely such an argument has validity and the historic record will confirm such a perspective. However, it is my argument tath such a perspective is limited and ignores that the association of former Constantia residents was much more than an issue of necessity. Evidence for this is that some of the former Constantia residents became central in initiating the building of Masaajid where they resided. However, despite maintaining and contributing to the establishment of Masaajid in these areas, they continued to maintain their claims of membership to the Constantia imagined Muslim Community and their intimate relationship with and to Masjid Monier. For some, economic factors prevented them to maintain their continous physical association with Masjid Monier. Others became fully integrated in their new communities. Yet, non of them relinquished their claim to membership to the imagined community that maintained its identity through its association with Masjid Monier. Rather, all former residents continued to insist on their membership and association with the imagined community.
Was this solely an issue of nostalgia? On the contrary, I argue that the reason was far more fundamental. From my perspective it was a case of the sabultern, whilst being dominated by the apartheid regime, resisting the hegemony of the apartheid regime: I recall conversations that frequently happened at our house after Jumah during the earlier periods after the forced removals. I had access to these conversations since my extended family had the privilege of hosting the late Imam Cassiem Davids, Imaam Aduraghmaan Allie (may have mercy on their souls) of Majid Monier and other senior members of the community on Fridays for lunch due to the collective transport they used. These gatherings became 'meetings' where the affairs of the community and the Masjid was discussed and decided on. I recall one conversation when these elders argued that the neglect of the Masjid, physically as well as spiritually, will become an excuse for the apartheid regime to confiscate the Masjid. Based on their analysis they resolved to keep the Masjid open for Jumah and other religious ceremonies as well as maintain the physical integrity of the Masjid to the best of their ability. It was impractical to keep the Masjid open daily, at that time.
It must be remembered that, other than in areas such as District Six, people did not work or live close to the Masjid. They have had to make a special effort to come to Constantia. Yet, through out the apartheid years they continued to give effect to their earlier decisions to keep the Masjid 'alive', we pray that Allah reward them for their efforts and insight.
There may be multiple perspectives on whether their decision and actions were correct or not, however, from a historic perspective their action contributed significantly as evidence that the subaltern resisted the dictates of apartheid designs even though most members of this former community appeared 'docile' and subservient. In other words, the actions of the Muslim community related to their Masaajid, serve as evidence that whilst the apartheid regime was dominant, they had to maintain this dominance through force/coercion and not by consent. Accordingly the apartheid regime never became hegemonic in the Muslim community, and the Constantia imagined community can proudly claim that they have contributed to this legacy. Perhaps not revolutionary acts, but moments such as Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-Adgha this imagined community protested and asserted, in the hundreds, their association and heritage, by occupying Spaanschemadt River Road as if they always owned Constantia to the annoyance of road users. Learning theorists tell us that these acts resemble a form of resistance within which emotions and physical bodies are used to communicate such resistance.
The issue for me is not whether such an imagined community has a claim to the affairs of Masjid Monier, their proud history serves as a testimony this - in fact the secular government recognises the such a community is in need of some form of restitution in recognition that a major injustice has been committed against them as a community. Following my argument I submit that the issue we are confronted with is to consider how should the two communities, historic and current, work together since our collective association with the Majid ulatimatly is for the pleasure Allah; seek His forgiveness and blessing; ensure that we gain His love and approval. In order to gain these, it also requires of us, collectively, to act in ways that generate love amongst the two communities purely for Allah pleasure.
The above should be viewed as a contribution to enrich a conversation which the current residents of Constantia have embarked upon in order to clarify their own identity and sense of community. Even though this community shares a physical area they it must be remembered that they themselves are an imagined community in formation.
I conclude by emphasising that the initiators of this movements has correctly identified the Masaajid as the foundation upon which this community-in-formation aught to be constituted. For this I give you my fullest support and pray that Allah place His barraka in this initiative.
Stay in the mercy of Allah.
Wassalaam
Natheem Hendricks
Dear Faiz
I am sending you this mail since the blog restricted me to a certain character count. I thought my contribution sufficiently critical to your conversation of the Imam and the Association you are in the process of forming.
Have a look at my contribution.
Allow me the opportunity to wish you an Eid Mubarak and pray that all our good deeds we have committed during Ramadan are bringing us closer to All (SWT), and that we are forgiven for the errors we have committed, inshaAllah.
Let me commend those who initiated and are facilitating the process of establishing a Constantia Muslim Association to cater for the needs of the community. We pray that this association is filled with Allah's barakah, insha Allah.
I address myself to the two issue raised in the blog: the one relates to the 'crisis' associated with the resignation of the Imam at Masjid Monier, other relates to membership of your association. Please not that I am making the comments below in my personal capacity and not as a member of the Masjid Monier Committee.
Pertaining to the first issue, I am disappointed that the committee of Masjid Monier was not informed and/or invited to participate in your deliberations when the Imam crisis was discussed. In my view, the committee is a central actor and might have initiated the 'crisis'. This absence of the committee resulted in your meeting only listening to one perspective, as this pertains to the resignations of the Imam. The committee was not afforded the opportunity present its side and/or defend/correct inaccuracies that might have arisen in their absence.
I was able to provide two of the current Constantia residents an insight into what motivated the committee to request the Imam's resignation. This opportunity arose out of my request for a meeting to discuss a matter unrelated to the Imam's resignation. (Just for the record, throughout my association with Masjid Monier, which stretches 49 years, this was the first time a committee was confronted with the challenge of requesting a serving Imam to resign. This might give you an indication that the issue that prompted the committee to act was regarded as extremely serious.)
Pertaining to the Association
The former Muslim residents of Constantia are not seeking membership to this association. However, the former residents do make a claim of their intimate association with Masjid Monier.
When the former residents of Constantia became scattered across the Cape Peninsula as a result of the Group Areas Act, most of them found themselves isolated in places such as Parkwood, Manenberg, Lavender Hill,Steenberg, Retreat, Grassy Park, Lotus River, Netreg amongst other places. In their isolation the Masaajid in Constantia became the centres of their continued association and the formation of an imagined Constantia community. Initially, every opportunity was seized to give substance to this imagined community in order to convince themselves that the community is a real and tangible community. I can recall examples of individuals walking from Wynberg and Parkwood to attend Jumah at Majid Monier; members of this (imagined)community collectivising their means of transport to attend taraweeg, Jumah, and Muslim celebratory nights; and ensure that their weddings and janaaza ceremonies are officiated at Masjid Monier. At one level it was about maintaining a community that was fading due to time ad distance. However, as I have mentioned earlier, this Masjid became the light that hold this imagined community together.
One argument can be that since initially there were no Masaajid in the residential areas, former Constantia residents found themselves in they were forced to maintain their association. In other words, this imagined community had no alternative but to frequent Masjied Monier. Surely such an argument has validity and the historic record will confirm such a perspective. However, it is my argument tath such a perspective is limited and ignores that the association of former Constantia residents was much more than an issue of necessity. Evidence for this is that some of the former Constantia residents became central in initiating the building of Masaajid where they resided. However, despite maintaining and contributing to the establishment of Masaajid in these areas, they continued to maintain their claims of membership to the Constantia imagined Muslim Community and their intimate relationship with and to Masjid Monier. For some, economic factors prevented them to maintain their continous physical association with Masjid Monier. Others became fully integrated in their new communities. Yet, non of them relinquished their claim to membership to the imagined community that maintained its identity through its association with Masjid Monier. Rather, all former residents continued to insist on their membership and association with the imagined community.
Was this solely an issue of nostalgia? On the contrary, I argue that the reason was far more fundamental. From my perspective it was a case of the sabultern, whilst being dominated by the apartheid regime, resisting the hegemony of the apartheid regime: I recall conversations that frequently happened at our house after Jumah during the earlier periods after the forced removals. I had access to these conversations since my extended family had the privilege of hosting the late Imam Cassiem Davids, Imaam Aduraghmaan Allie (may have mercy on their souls) of Majid Monier and other senior members of the community on Fridays for lunch due to the collective transport they used. These gatherings became 'meetings' where the affairs of the community and the Masjid was discussed and decided on. I recall one conversation when these elders argued that the neglect of the Masjid, physically as well as spiritually, will become an excuse for the apartheid regime to confiscate the Masjid. Based on their analysis they resolved to keep the Masjid open for Jumah and other religious ceremonies as well as maintain the physical integrity of the Masjid to the best of their ability. It was impractical to keep the Masjid open daily, at that time.
It must be remembered that, other than in areas such as District Six, people did not work or live close to the Masjid. They have had to make a special effort to come to Constantia. Yet, through out the apartheid years they continued to give effect to their earlier decisions to keep the Masjid 'alive', we pray that Allah reward them for their efforts and insight.
There may be multiple perspectives on whether their decision and actions were correct or not, however, from a historic perspective their action contributed significantly as evidence that the subaltern resisted the dictates of apartheid designs even though most members of this former community appeared 'docile' and subservient. In other words, the actions of the Muslim community related to their Masaajid, serve as evidence that whilst the apartheid regime was dominant, they had to maintain this dominance through force/coercion and not by consent. Accordingly the apartheid regime never became hegemonic in the Muslim community, and the Constantia imagined community can proudly claim that they have contributed to this legacy. Perhaps not revolutionary acts, but moments such as Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-Adgha this imagined community protested and asserted, in the hundreds, their association and heritage, by occupying Spaanschemadt River Road as if they always owned Constantia to the annoyance of road users. Learning theorists tell us that these acts resemble a form of resistance within which emotions and physical bodies are used to communicate such resistance.
The issue for me is not whether such an imagined community has a claim to the affairs of Masjid Monier, their proud history serves as a testimony this - in fact the secular government recognises the such a community is in need of some form of restitution in recognition that a major injustice has been committed against them as a community. Following my argument I submit that the issue we are confronted with is to consider how should the two communities, historic and current, work together since our collective association with the Majid ulatimatly is for the pleasure Allah; seek His forgiveness and blessing; ensure that we gain His love and approval. In order to gain these, it also requires of us, collectively, to act in ways that generate love amongst the two communities purely for Allah pleasure.
The above should be viewed as a contribution to enrich a conversation which the current residents of Constantia have embarked upon in order to clarify their own identity and sense of community. Even though this community shares a physical area they it must be remembered that they themselves are an imagined community in formation.
I conclude by emphasising that the initiators of this movements has correctly identified the Masaajid as the foundation upon which this community-in-formation aught to be constituted. For this I give you my fullest support and pray that Allah place His barraka in this initiative.
Stay in the mercy of Allah.
Wassalaam
Natheem Hendricks
Constantia Jamaah: Masjid Munier (1883)
AsSalaamuAlaykum
I take this opportunity to inform you that Masjid Monier is hosting an Eat and Treat on 28 September 2013 at the Retreat Civic Centre. Whilst the primary purpose of the event is to generate funds for the maintenance and general operations of the Masjid; A secondary aim is to create and opportunity for the historic Constantia Community to reconnect, socialise and reminisce over the days that were. The Masjid Committee invite you to become part of this event: you may make a donation of R100 to obtain a ticket; you may sponsor one or more senior members of this community historic that have fallen on hard times; and/or you may make a donation in cash or kind to be used towards the event.
We thank your sincerely
Shukran Katheer
Natheem Hendricks
mnhendricks@uwc.ac.za
I take this opportunity to inform you that Masjid Monier is hosting an Eat and Treat on 28 September 2013 at the Retreat Civic Centre. Whilst the primary purpose of the event is to generate funds for the maintenance and general operations of the Masjid; A secondary aim is to create and opportunity for the historic Constantia Community to reconnect, socialise and reminisce over the days that were. The Masjid Committee invite you to become part of this event: you may make a donation of R100 to obtain a ticket; you may sponsor one or more senior members of this community historic that have fallen on hard times; and/or you may make a donation in cash or kind to be used towards the event.
We thank your sincerely
Shukran Katheer
Natheem Hendricks
mnhendricks@uwc.ac.za
Saturday 3 August 2013
AlHamdulillaah
The Food Parcel project gave us opportunity to do good.
May Allah grant us the sincere intentions to make this an ongoing effort. Insha Allah.
JazaakAllah bil ghair to all donors who contributed and all those who assisted in organising, packing and delivering the parcels door to door in various areas.
Parcels contents were put together by a dietician (Halaalan, Tayiban - halaal and wholesome/good).
First pre Ramadaan parcels (basic food for a family of 5-7) for a month was delivered to Capricorn Park (Muizenberg), Steenberg and Parkwood. 7 July 2013
Second batch of parcels (basic food for a family of 5-7) for a 2 weeks was delivered to Lavender Hill, Ottery and some went to Valahalla Park (collected by Sh Qari Ihsaan Taliep). 21 July 2013
Third batch batch of parcels (basic food for a family of 5-7) for a 2 weeks was delivered to Seawinds. 28 July 2013
With humility we give this information as we are accountable to all donors
We are thankful to Allah (SubgaanAllahu ta Aala) to report that a total of 115 parcels as well as leftover odd grocery items was taken to masaajid and soup kitchens.
May this be an encouragement for us to increase in striving to attain Allahs pleasure only. Insha Allah
The Food Parcel project gave us opportunity to do good.
May Allah grant us the sincere intentions to make this an ongoing effort. Insha Allah.
JazaakAllah bil ghair to all donors who contributed and all those who assisted in organising, packing and delivering the parcels door to door in various areas.
Parcels contents were put together by a dietician (Halaalan, Tayiban - halaal and wholesome/good).
First pre Ramadaan parcels (basic food for a family of 5-7) for a month was delivered to Capricorn Park (Muizenberg), Steenberg and Parkwood. 7 July 2013
Second batch of parcels (basic food for a family of 5-7) for a 2 weeks was delivered to Lavender Hill, Ottery and some went to Valahalla Park (collected by Sh Qari Ihsaan Taliep). 21 July 2013
Third batch batch of parcels (basic food for a family of 5-7) for a 2 weeks was delivered to Seawinds. 28 July 2013
With humility we give this information as we are accountable to all donors
We are thankful to Allah (SubgaanAllahu ta Aala) to report that a total of 115 parcels as well as leftover odd grocery items was taken to masaajid and soup kitchens.
May this be an encouragement for us to increase in striving to attain Allahs pleasure only. Insha Allah
Sunday 16 June 2013
Food Parcel Project !
 | |
| Please Support this initiative 29 June 2013 - Details to be confirmed !!! https://www.facebook.com/events/142471829277088/149832235207714/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity |
Thursday 23 May 2013
Community Outreach Programme
AsSalamu alykum waRahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu
ALL PRESENT AGREED that meeting was to decide how to implement a Community Outreach Programme
as we all agreed that we want to go ahead and have an outreach programme.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IS OPEN FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
WE MEET AGAIN ON SATURDAY 1 JUNE at 16h00 at Masjid Mahmood (Constantia Main Rd mosque)
From everyones opinion on what and how they see outreach programme running, the following was agreed
NOTES: We are open for suggestions THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS
THERE ARE MANY OTHER IDEAS THAT WAS MENTIONED AT MEETING AND WILL BE PURSUED AS WE GROW INSHA ALLAH
PLEASE JOIN US AT THE NEXT MEETING JUNE 1 AT 16h00 MASJID MAHMOOD
AND COME AND ADD IDEAS AND ASSISTANCE TO THIS INITIATIVE, INSHA ALLAH
AsSalamu alykum waRahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu
Alhamdulillaah we had a very beneficial meeting on Saturday 18 May at Masjid Mahmood.
Present: AK. Khatieb, M Faiez Martin, Adnaan Bashier Alberts, Mariam Burger, Nadia Heylen, Zainub Martin
Opening dua for Allahs guidance and assistance to make meeting beneficial . Insha Allah
ALL PRESENT AGREED that meeting was to decide how to implement a Community Outreach Programme
as we all agreed that we want to go ahead and have an outreach programme.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IS OPEN FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
WE MEET AGAIN ON SATURDAY 1 JUNE at 16h00 at Masjid Mahmood (Constantia Main Rd mosque)
From everyones opinion on what and how they see outreach programme running, the following was agreed
- We make up parcels of groceries and toiletries (LIST ATTACHED)
- We encourage others in area to join us in making up parcels via word of mouth (personal visits) and email.
- We get list of pensioners from the different masaajid Southern Suburbs (Parkwood/Ottery/Grassy Park/Cafda/Retreat/Steenberg/Lavendar Hill/Seawinds/Hillview/Vrygrond/Capricorn)
- SATURDAY 29 JUNE TO BE FIRST DROPOFF DATE.
NOTES: We are open for suggestions THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS
- All prospective donors to make up parcels as per list attached (This will be a family function and encouragement to young and old) and arrange to drop off or be collected
- All prospective donors join us on 29 JUNE when we deliver the parcels to the doors of the pensioners/needy (This will be an encouragement for anyone to witness appreciation of recipients)
- WE WILL HAVE A GUIDE OR TWO FROM EVERY MASJID TO TAKE US TO HOUSES IN DIFFERENT AREAS
- Prospective donors can contact us with other possible means of donating
THERE ARE MANY OTHER IDEAS THAT WAS MENTIONED AT MEETING AND WILL BE PURSUED AS WE GROW INSHA ALLAH
PLEASE JOIN US AT THE NEXT MEETING JUNE 1 AT 16h00 MASJID MAHMOOD
AND COME AND ADD IDEAS AND ASSISTANCE TO THIS INITIATIVE, INSHA ALLAH
Friday 26 October 2012
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