Preserving and sharing Our Heritage – National Mosque Open Day: Building our Historical Records
One of the gaps in many of our communities is not recording our history for future generations.
Part of this process is preserving our “Past” and recording our “Present “, so it becomes our “History” for future generations.
Without preserving our history we lose a vital part of our Heritage, Knowledge and letting others know of our contribution to our country and the world.
South Africa’s and Africa’s Muslims are “woven into the fabric” of our countries’ politics, freedom struggles, social development, art and literature, knowledge and education. This extends to our contributions to the rest of the world.
We need to share this and celebrate it with our fellow citizens, neighbours, visitors and the world.
Photographs and Video:
Photographic records are important ans they often represent the visual evolution of a space over time.
Video, adds sound to the images and captures people thoughts and emotions.
Written Records:
We recommend Musaajid keep a “Visitor’s Book” that can be built on over time.
In addition preserving books, community records (like marriage records) and architectural documents, posters, booklets, speeches, etc. or other documents
This is also a historical record for South Africa and Humanity.
Artifacts:
Physical items of historical value need to be preserved and cared for.
This may entail safe and climate controlled displays, etc.
These could include a crafted mimbar, asaa (staff held by Imaam during Khutba), or smaller items like incense burners, frames or clocks, etc.
Maintaining and preserving them must be prioritised.
Everything “Old”, was once “New”
Even “New” Musaajid, Madressah, Ulooms etc. will become “Old” and we must start preserving their history now, for future generations.
Our Heritage is part of the spaces we live, work and socialise in.
Let us share it!
Salaamedia Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6fxIm6gHohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6fxIm6gHo
Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of preserving, recording, sharing and celebrating Heritage of of Muslims in South Africa and encouraging participation in National Mosque Open Day.
Contact SAMNET on
info@samnet.co.za_ or
WhatsApp 0843333979
Visit www.samnet.co.za