Challenging Islamophobia through engagement.

SAMNET has been drawing attention to a noticeable rise in anti-Muslim misinformation, stereotype and hostility, particularly on social media. Muslims are increasingly portrayed as outsiders — despite having been part of South Africa’s history and heritage for more than 300 years.

What actually shifts prejudice

One of the most effective ways to challenge prejudice is meaningful human contact. Research from around the world consistently finds that when people meet, engage and learn from one another, fear and misconception start to fall away.

National Mosque Open Day was launched by SAMNET in 2017 and is held annually on Heritage Day, 24 September. It encourages mosques across South Africa to open their doors and welcome visitors from every background. Since then the campaign has grown considerably, with mosques participating across the country and across Africa.

The concept is simple

Invite your community to visit your local mosque, learn about Islam, see the space, ask questions freely, and meet Muslims in a relaxed and welcoming setting. A typical open day might include a guided tour, an explanation of salaah and wudu, refreshments, and a question-and-answer session.

It is not about debate, and it is not about conversion. It is about building understanding, strengthening relationships, and letting people learn directly from one another rather than through stereotype and misinformation.

Heritage Day is the right day for it: a public holiday when most people are free to attend and to volunteer, and an occasion built around the diversity of this country. It is also a chance to show that mosques are not only places of worship but centres of community, service, compassion and learning.

At a time when Islamophobia is growing globally, opening our doors is a practical and positive answer. Every conversation replaces suspicion with understanding, strangers with neighbours.

We invite all mosques and musallahs to take part on 24 September 2026. To register your mosque, contact info@samnet.co.za or WhatsApp 084 333 3979.

Related

NMOD 2026 — Building the Reach · Preserving and Sharing Our Heritage · Why and How Mosque Open Days Change Communities

Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of celebrating the Muslim heritage of South Africa, engaging communities and neighbours, and countering Islamophobia.