It was a hectic day on Friday for coordinators of the annual ‘2012 Moussem' program, which honoured world renowned Sheik Dr Abdalqadir As-Sufi. More than 400 Muslims from around the world packed the Jumu'a masjid in Orange Street with many left standing, unable to get a seat inside the masjid. Speaking to VOC, Muhajir Harron one of the coordinators of the event, said this year’s Moussem was well attended.
“I am quite amazed to see the amount of people who showed up for Jumuah on Friday,” said Harron. “We expected a lot of people to be at the event and I am glad to say that we got more than what we expected. We had visitors from all over the world along with a few well known international sheiks who participated in the Jumu'a proceedings."
The weekend long program proceeded straight after Esha on Friday. “We had about 150 local Muslims from the Cape Town community who attended the thikr on Friday night. It was very relaxed with a great atmosphere,” he said. “The main thikr is set for Saturday and Sunday and we are expecting over 400 people. It is going to be a great weekend and food will be served after each thikr insha Allah,” he added.
A huge marquee was also setup in the front section of the masjid on Friday. “We allowed women and men to sell their goodies which ranged from traditional clothing, foods and various spices,” he said. “We had many support from both local and international visitors, leaving the area packed after Jumuah.” Harron said locals do not have to travel far places to meet Muslims from other countries, where they can experience it all in one event.
“I would love the locals in Cape Town to join us this weekend so that they can experience something new. It is not a group thing like people assume it to be, but rather something beneficial for the broader community,” said Harron. “Many of our locals said they enjoyed the company of various nationalities and are hyped for next two days.”
Jamaludeen Khan (33), one of many who attended the event said he enjoyed being in the company of Muslim foreigners. “People travel from all over the world to attend this annual gathering. You find yourself standing and sitting next to people-speaking different languages. Many of them are white-skinned and blue-eyed,” said Khan. “Muslims are found across the world, of all races, but we don’t have too many white Muslims in Cape Town so it's a pleasant and diverse experience."
Khan said the event was also an opportunity for him to catch up with friends whom he has not seen in months. “I had a very good time at the Qadiriyah Moussem of Sheik Abdul Qadir as-Sufi with the Murabitun brothers on Friday. Some of my close friends are part of their group, and I haven't seen them in a while.”
The event has not only brought Muslims from all over the world to join in on the celebration, but it has also attracted many local non-Muslims. Standing on the opposite side of the masjid, Glenda Thomas, 26, stared on in amazement as she watched the crowd enter the premises. “It’s very beautiful to see these men, women and children come together on Friday afternoons,” she said.
“I walk pass the religious house every week and at many times I stop to see what’s happening. Today it’s different and it is much more crowded than other times,” said Thomas. “It’s amazing to see Muslim women dressed up from head to toe, but yet they still draw attention. It’s beautiful and shows another side of women giving a whole new meaning of beauty.” VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
“I am quite amazed to see the amount of people who showed up for Jumuah on Friday,” said Harron. “We expected a lot of people to be at the event and I am glad to say that we got more than what we expected. We had visitors from all over the world along with a few well known international sheiks who participated in the Jumu'a proceedings."
The weekend long program proceeded straight after Esha on Friday. “We had about 150 local Muslims from the Cape Town community who attended the thikr on Friday night. It was very relaxed with a great atmosphere,” he said. “The main thikr is set for Saturday and Sunday and we are expecting over 400 people. It is going to be a great weekend and food will be served after each thikr insha Allah,” he added.
A huge marquee was also setup in the front section of the masjid on Friday. “We allowed women and men to sell their goodies which ranged from traditional clothing, foods and various spices,” he said. “We had many support from both local and international visitors, leaving the area packed after Jumuah.” Harron said locals do not have to travel far places to meet Muslims from other countries, where they can experience it all in one event.
“I would love the locals in Cape Town to join us this weekend so that they can experience something new. It is not a group thing like people assume it to be, but rather something beneficial for the broader community,” said Harron. “Many of our locals said they enjoyed the company of various nationalities and are hyped for next two days.”
Jamaludeen Khan (33), one of many who attended the event said he enjoyed being in the company of Muslim foreigners. “People travel from all over the world to attend this annual gathering. You find yourself standing and sitting next to people-speaking different languages. Many of them are white-skinned and blue-eyed,” said Khan. “Muslims are found across the world, of all races, but we don’t have too many white Muslims in Cape Town so it's a pleasant and diverse experience."
Khan said the event was also an opportunity for him to catch up with friends whom he has not seen in months. “I had a very good time at the Qadiriyah Moussem of Sheik Abdul Qadir as-Sufi with the Murabitun brothers on Friday. Some of my close friends are part of their group, and I haven't seen them in a while.”
The event has not only brought Muslims from all over the world to join in on the celebration, but it has also attracted many local non-Muslims. Standing on the opposite side of the masjid, Glenda Thomas, 26, stared on in amazement as she watched the crowd enter the premises. “It’s very beautiful to see these men, women and children come together on Friday afternoons,” she said.
“I walk pass the religious house every week and at many times I stop to see what’s happening. Today it’s different and it is much more crowded than other times,” said Thomas. “It’s amazing to see Muslim women dressed up from head to toe, but yet they still draw attention. It’s beautiful and shows another side of women giving a whole new meaning of beauty.” VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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