User Bar First

This is a debugging block

User Bar Second

This is a debugging block

Content

This is a debugging block

Durban Buildings & Architecture

Islamic Architecture

The multicultural city of Durban is home to a large and well established Muslim community. With more than 100 mosques and shrines, this Islamic influence adds a unique aspect to the city's diverse architectural heritage.

PEACE AND RESPECT- All are welcome, but please dress modestly and remove your shoes in designated area.  If you wish to enter a mosque, seek permission from the local imam, and once inside stand or kneel quietly. Organised tours of the Grey Street Mosque can be arranged with the IPCI. Congregational prayers are held five times daily. 

Find out more: Contact the IPCI on  031 304 5746 for or visit the Sheikh Ahmed Deedat Centre opposite the Grey Street mosque.

Introduction - The First Muslims in Durban

Muslims first arrived in Natal in 1860 after the British had colonised the region and began recruiting indentured labourers from India to work on the sugar-cane plantations. From 1875 onwards, Muslim places of worship sprang up in and around Durban. As the number of Muslims grew, the need for a congregational masjid (mosque) became urgent. In 1881 a site was purchased in Grey Street and the first masjid was built in Durban. 

Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion which reaffirms the teachings of Moses and Jesus Christ through the Prophet Mohammed. The Arabic word 'Islam' means 'voluntary surrender to the will of Allah and obedience to His commands'. The five fundamental acts of worship for Muslims are as follows:

Testifying that there is no deity but God and that Mohammed is His last and final Prophet

  • Praying (Salah) five times a day
  • Giving alms (Zakaat) 
  • Fasting (Saum) during the month of Ramadan
  • Making the pilgrimage (Haj) to Mecca if one has the means

Researcher: Yusuf Patel

Photographer(s): Roger Jardine

Alpine Road Masjid And Madressa

Quarry Rd. Cnr Of Alpine And Umgeni Rd, Umgeni.

Glenearn Road Masjid & Madressah

64 Glenearn Rd, Overport.

Habiyiya Soofie Saheb

50 Soofie Saheb Dr, Durban North.

Islamic Propagation Centre

124 Denis Hurley St.

Madressa Arcade

Linking Dr Yusuf Dadoo St And Cathedral Rd.

Soofie Saheb Shrine

50 Soofie Saheb Dr, Durban North.

Jama’ At Khana Masjid

University Of Kwazulu-Natal, Anniversary Rd. , Glenwood.

Kenville Masjid STA

North Coast Road.

West Street Masjid

484 Dr Pixley Kaseme St.

Westville Masjid, Madressa & Cemetery

119 Jan Hofmeyer Rd, Westville.

Grey Street Juma Masjid

Cnr Dr Yusuf Dadoo And Denis Hurley St.