The South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) works closely with interfaith communities as there is a firm belief that interfaith work is meaningful and can bring people together. The National Mosque Open Day is one of the initiatives of SAMNET, to foster relations and extend a warm welcome to other faith groups.
‘The South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) initiated and has facilitated National Mosque Open Day (NMOD) in South Africa since 2017. It now includes various sites in Southern Africa. NMOD has been held on South Africa’s Heritage Day Public Holiday (24th September) recognizing the contributions of Muslims to South Africa’s heritage, development, culture, politics, and our national values and beliefs. NMOD has grown from a few participating Mosques to over 60 including in countries like Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi. NMOD has been endorsed by the United Ulema Council of South Africa and the Cape Ulema Board. We thank all the Visitors, Volunteers, Imams, Trustees, Sponsors and the supporting organizations including: the Imam Development Programme, IPCI, Caring Sisters Network, the various Media Outlets and our SAMNET team.’ – Mohamed Kharwa, SAMNET
The program, which varied from mosque to mosque, was appreciated by the guests who left the mosque with a tour of the mosque and it’s relevance in a Muslim’s life. Visitors were also given an opportunity to watch the midday prayer which is the time a Muslim takes to recentre, remember God and seek His guidance during the day.
Visitors who were curious about the hijab (headscarf) were delighted as they were given a demo of how Muslim women tie their headscarves. The cherry on top, as one visitor said, was having her hands adorned by a henna artist!
Visitors listen attentively to a presentation. – Queensburgh, South Africa
Demo of tying the Muslim headscarf (hijab). Durban North, South Africa
Health station. Durban North, South Africa
Visitor pampered with henna art. Queensburgh, South Africa
Imam giving a presentation to interested visitors. – Zambia
Visitor has received her literature. – Zimbabwe
Demonstration of ablution (wudhu), its significance before prayer and where it is performed. – Zimbabwe
Imam giving a presentation. – South Africa, Welbedacht, East Chatsworth
Q & A session where faith leaders from three different churches participated. – Malawi
