n issue no.41 - shawwal 1441 - june 2020 - ewsletter

1

2

3 Creating a vision beyond Covid-19

Sheikh’s message

A Ramadaan in Lockdown

Hadjie Janap “Naa” Johaar

Looking Ahead

Lockdown Logbook

Ramadaan 2020 Survey

Boorhaanol Social Welfare’sresponse to Covid-19

Maghrajaan 2020

Eid-ul-Fitr in Bo-Kaap

Boorhaanol Digital Media

Having bid farewell to our beloved Ramadan 1441, Muslims are now armed with the requisite spiritual and social tools to navigate the stormy Covid-19 waters that lie ahead. Spiritually, the Ramadan has granted them gratitude, perseverance and heightened ibaadaat, which is a very special gift only our Creator could have given with such perfect timing. Socially, the closer bonds forged within families living under the umbrella of Ramadan, as well as the raised awareness and generosity towards the poor, will ultimately contribute significantly towards a more just and equitable society. Thus as we roll up our sleeves in confronting one of mankind’s biggest challenges, we are profoundly grateful to Allah for having granted us such a Ramadan at this juncture of our lives, Alghamdulillah.

IN THIS ISSUE ...

EWSLETTERN Issue No.41 - Shawwal 1441 - June 2020

A Life lived in the Light of the Quran

1Boorhaanol Islam Movement Newsletter Issue No.41 - Shawwal 1441 - June 2020

SH E IKH ’S ME SSAGE

REFLECTIONSREFLECTIONSPost Ramadaan 2020

2Boorhaanol Islam Movement Newsletter

All praise and thanks be to Allah, our Protector,

The Most Merciful, The Most Kind. Greetings of peace and Salutations

upon our beloved Nabee Muhammad (SAW), mercy to all mankind.

In our last publication, we were at the initial stages of

the Covid-19 crisis. Filled with fear and uncertainty, we

braced ourselves in an attempt to navigate life under an

unprecedented national lockdown. Nearly two months

on, by the Grace of Allah, we have survived. We've

emerged from a very unique Ramadan and Eid. While

we all bitterly miss our masaajid and the company of our loved ones,

we've faced these challenges with the spirit of Imaan.

Holding onto the Rope of Allah

Great challenges give rise to great people. In spite of these difficult

times, the Muslim community held firmly to the deen, knowing that

Muslims worship Allah both in times of comfort and hardship, and in

that lie our success. We understood firmly that even though our solah

could not reach the masaajid, our prayers still reached Allah from our

homes. In spite of fear of loss, the generous continued to give to those

in need. While practising social distancing, this did not deter us from

caring for and looking after one another. Many used this isolation as

an opportunity to seclude

themselves with Allah. In so doing,

we gave meaning to this wonderful

hadith when the Prophet (s) said:

“Amazing is the affair of the

believer, verily all of his affair is

good and this is not for

anyone else except the

believer. If

something of

good befalls him

he is grateful and

that is good for

him. If something

of harm befalls

him he is patient

and that is good

for him” (Saheeh

Muslim #2999)

Sh Muhammad West

Issue No.41 - Shawwal 1441 - June 2020

SH E IKH ’S ME SSAGE

REFLECTIONS : POST RAMADAAN 2020

Further Challenges Ahead

With the lockdown now slowly being relaxed a new stage in this

evolving crisis presents itself. Some of the most challenging days may

yet lie ahead. While we never wish upon ourselves the tests of Allah,

for those who have experienced hardship, or will taste of it in coming

days, take comfort in the knowledge that this is an opportunity to

elevate your status with Allah.

“…give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them,

say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return."

Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and

mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided. (2:155-157)

We continue to seek the assistance of Allah in this time of crisis and do

all that is in our power to prevent the spread of this disease. As

individuals we encourage every one of us to maintain responsible

social distancing and to practice good personal hygiene.

Mosque Remain Closed

Furthermore, in keeping with the Islamic

imperative of preventing harm, it pains me to

confirm that we shall be keeping Masjid

Boorhaanol Islam closed during this time. We

have not taken this decision lightly and have done so in collaboration

with our mureeds, other mosques and experts in the field. As the

Western Cape is the most severely affected region and the safety of

our musallees being foremost in our minds, we pray to Allah that this

is the best course of action for the time being. And Allah knows best.

We ask Allah in His infinite Mercy to Pardon us our faults, alleviate this

calamity, cure our sick, protect us and our loved ones and bless us

Ameen.

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you that

believe! Send your blessings on him, and salute him with all respect” (Surah Al Ahzab 56)

Allahuma salli a'laa Muhammad wa 'alaa

aali hi wa sah bi hi wa sallam

Wassalaamu alaikum waragmatullahi

wabarakaatuh


Week 1

Sunday 15 March 2020

w President Ramaphosa declares pandemic a National State of Disaster. As of 18/3/20, travel restrictions, closure of ports of entry, gathering of > 100 people prohibited, schools closed, minimize physical contact.

Monday 16 March 2020

w MJC Fatwah restricting future Jumuahs to selected 100 males per mosque. Musallees encouraged to perform Wudu at home and bring their own carpets. Rest should perform Thuhr at home. Isra and Miraj scheduled for 22/3/20 to be cancelled.

Tuesday 17 March 2020

w Many mosques issue directives that doors will be closed for all waqts including Jumuah

w MJC issues another fatwah that mosques are to close for Jumuah for the following 4 weeks.

w Mufti AK Hoosain issues statement that it is not permissible to close the masjid

w Publications sub-committee of Boorhaanol confirm intention to partici-pate in Radio 786 Lifestyle Expo on weekend of 17th to 19th April 2020 at the CTICC, citing Boeka Treats sales and marketing of the Bo-Kaap Cultural Hub as key reasons.

w Council of Bo-Kaap Masaajid decide on total lockdown of all ibaadaat in all Bo-Kaap mosques after it was announced that close relative of a musallee is in quarantine in the area.

w Government announcement that country has 85 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Wednesday 18 March 2020

w First day when the Athaan is called with the addition of 'salloo fee buyoo tiekum' throughout Cape Town

w Bo-Kaap Cultural Hub announces that it is temporarily closing its doors until further notice.

Friday 20 March 2020

w Symbolic Jumua at Boorhaanol mosque attended by about 10 musallees and led by Sheikh West.

Week 2

Sunday 22 March 2020

w Laylatul Miraj not commemorated in any

mosques of the Western Cape due to lockdown.


w President Ramaphosa announces coun-trywide level 5 lockdown to commence on Friday 27/3/20

Wednesday 25 March 2020

w Formation of Bo-Kaap Response Team to coordi-nate efforts to provide grocery parcels to needy in area. Boorhaanol House designated as the primary drop off point.

w Announcement of community contact with a Covid positive patient over past 14 days. An American student had arrived in area on 13/3/20, stayed with a Bo-Kaap family and had departed on 18/3/20, subsequently tested positive. Family she stayed with and other con-tacts asked to self-isolate.

Friday 27 March 2020

w You Tube Channel launched in Bo-Kaap to focus on all matters relating to Covid-19.

Week 3


w First janaazah in Bo-Kaap under level 5 lockdown rules; strict protocols needed to be followed, severely limiting number of people in attendance, no mosque prayers, identification of group accompa-nying mayet to the Maqbara, salatul janazah at the maqbarah.

w Announcement by Covid-19 Bo-Kaap Community Response Team on behalf of family of 73 year old Mogamat Salie had tested positive and was in isolation in hospital. Appeal to all community mem-bers who had made contact with him over previous 14 days to self-quarantine.

Thursday 2 April 2020

w BK Response Team announces second confirmed case of Covid-19 in form of 81 year old lady from area who is in isola-tion in hospital.

w MJC issues Fatwah outlining protocols to be followed in case of Covid-19 janaazahs, including documentation, Ghusl guidelines, PPE to be worn, partic-ulars of contingent linked to the janaazah, procession to a maqbarah, salaah and burial.

Week 4


w Pres Ramaphosa announces extension of

LOCKDOWNLOGBOOK


3-week lockdown by further 2 weeks, taking it beyond the start of the Ramadan.

w 15th Shabaan, also known as Ruwa or Nishfus Shabaan, not commemorated in any of Western Cape mosques.

Week 5

Monday 13 April 2020

w Government embarks on mass screening of country's population to determine full extent of Covid-19. Bo-Kaap one of the first areas to be targeted.

Friday 17 April 2020

w Moulana Taha Karaan applies to the High Court to act as amicus curiae on behalf of the United Ulema Council of South Africa, in response to an application by some Muslims asking Court to allow them to reopen mosques.

Saturday 18 April 2020

w Illegal scanning of a Boeka Treats booklet by anonymous person appears on social media and goes viral. Boorhaanol releases state-ment condemning this clear violation of their copyright and asks people to either delete it or deposit a dona-tion of R30 which will go towards their Social Welfare programmes. Same day Boorhaanol Soup Kitchen cooked for 600 needy people in Bo-Kaap and surround-ing areas.

Week 6

Sunday 19 April 2020

w Sheikh Muhammad West issues a state-ment on Facebook conveying his sincer-est apologies on behalf of the Movement to two individuals who had expressed their disappointment at the service they had received from the Movement in the past. He promised a full investigation.


w Crescent Observers Association fail to sight new moon for Ramadan, citing lack of eyepower due to social distancing.

Saturday 25 April 2020

w 1st day of Ramadan in Cape Town dawns amid Covid-19, level 5 lockdown and lack of all congregational traditions.

w Taraweeg prayers held in the haram of Mecca by group of only about 10 males.

Week 7


w Judge J Neukircher dismisses application by Muslim group against the Govern-ment to have mosques opened for purposes of salaah.

Saturday 9 May 2020

w BK Response Team delivers food to old age home in Retreat and surrounds and encounters extreme poverty, scary ignorance about Covid-19 hygiene and heartrending gratefulness for basics many of us take for granted.

Week 8

Sunday 10 May 2020

w Radio 786 interviews Sh West on various topics related to the BIM

Monday 11 May 2020

w MJC issues fatwa relating to Eid salaah during lockdown, stating that it is Sunnah, may be performed at home, individually or in jamaah, with guidelines on the performance or not of a khutbah.

Tuesday 12 May 2020

w Second Covid 19 fatality in Bo-Kaap, dialysis patient, announced

Week 9

Wednesday 20 May 2020

w 27th night of Ramadan which many believe to be Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Decree, all mosques still empty, no I' tikaaf allowed

w Boorhaanol releases details of Ramadan Survey on WhatsApp seeking to gauge respondents' views on the effects of lockdown on their Ramadan

Friday 22 May 2020

w Birth of new moon at 19h38

Saturday 23 May 2020

w Maghrajaan cooking of food start at 9am at Boorhaanol Centre; due to social distancing only 9 pots are cooked there, the rest delegated either to members of cooking team residences or to recipient organizations to cook in needy areas

Saturday 23 May 2020

w Crescent Observers fail to sight 22 hour old moon so Ramadan extends to 30 days

Week 10

Monday 25 May 2020

w Eidul Fitr celebrated ; all mosques closed; social distancing results in most Muslims staying indoors

Tuesday 26 May 2020

w Pres Ramaphosa announces that reli-gious gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed from 1/6/20.

Friday 29 May 2020

w MJC fatwah recommending that all mosques remain closed due to health considerations

LOCKDOWN LOGBOOK

ILLEGALLY SCANNED

AND CIRCULATED


A pilot project conducted via social media among the Boorhaanol fraternity revealed that the vast majority of the respondents experienced the Covid-19 lockdown, imposed during Ramadan, to be a divine blessing and a great spiritual benefit to the quality of their Ramadan. The level 5 shutdown had meant that all mosques were closed and people were largely confined to their homes as the government proactively tried to flatten the curve of the pandemic.

In response to a series of questions relating to their experiences during the holy month, most of the felt that, compared to the previous 707 respondentsyear, they performed more salaah, recited more Quran, were more generous to the poor, spent more time on self-reflection and were more disciplined in achieving their goals. Many also commented on the way it strengthened core family bonds, allowed for practical mentoring of the Deen by parents of the kids and allowed the latter the opportunities to lead the family in salaah. On the other hand, most of the respondents missed going to mosque really a lot, as well as stating that the atmosphere at the mosque on Eid morning was going to be greatly missed.

Study Design

When President Ramaphosa announced on Sunday 9th April 2020 that the 3-week national lockdown was going to be extended by a further 2 weeks starting on the 16th April, it meant that all mosques would remain closed for the start of the Ramadan on the 25th April and that most South Africans would remain under lockdown for the foreseeable future in an attempt to help flatten the curve. Such a state of affairs was going to be unprecedented for Muslims, whose many customs and traditions during the holy month revolved around activities at the mosque.

The Boorhaanol Movement has been publishing the Taraweeg Survey since 1989 and the Boeka Treats since 1999, while initiating online lectures delivered by Sheikh Muhammad West on WhatsApp in 2016 has steadily gained in popularity. Thus each evening during the course of Ramadan 2020, the Movement circulated via WhatsApp a lecture, as well as accompanying notes and a resultant quiz, prepared by Sheikh West to this WhatsApp group.

On the 27th night of Ramadan, Boorhaanol sent this group another WhatsApp message explaining that the Movement wanted a sense of how the lockdown had affected the way people had experienced Ramadan this year.

This message took the form of a survey consisting of 12 questions, emphasizing that it will be entirely anonymous and thus total honesty would be appreciated. Those receiving this message were urged to forward it to family, friends and acquaintances, while the same message also appeared on the Boeka Treats Facebook page as well as the Boorhaanol Mobical Database.

amadaanSURVEY 2020R

Lockdown Was A Blessing In Disguise, say many Muslims


amadaan SURVEY 2020 RESULTSR

RESULTS Respondents were given a number of choices after each question, with the option thereafter of sharing any other general comments regarding Ramadan. Hereunder we publish the questions followed by the number and percentage of respondents that favored each option.

Question 1: Are you male or female?

Response: Females - 429 (60%)

Males - 271 (40%)

Question 2: How old are you?

Response: Under 20 yrs - 6 (0.8%) ; 20- 30 years : 57 (8%) ; 31- 40 yrs: 129 (18%) ; 41 - 50 yrs - 176 (24%) ; over 50 yrs : 333 (46%)

Question 3: Compared to Ramadan 2019, your ibaadaat like salaah and Quran recitation this year has:

Response: Increased - 540 (76%)

Same - 122 (17%)

Decreased - 42 (6%)

Question 4: Overall, how would you describe the effect of lockdown on your experience of Ramadan?

Response: An enhancement - 539 (76%)

A hindrance - 113 (16%)

No change: - 49 (7%)

Question 5: If you have attended Taraweeg in the past, do you miss it this year?

Response: Really a lot - 374 (53%)

Slightly - 177 (25%)

Not at all - 50 (7%)

I have never attended Taraweeg - 98 (14%)

Question 6: To what extent did you continue the practice of sharing Boeka treats with your family, neighbours and friends?

Response: Not at all - 432 (61%)

Only with immediate neighbours - 222 (31%)

Same as previously - 52 (7%)

Question 7: How much did you miss the exchange of cakes, buzz in the kitchen and greater variety of eats at your Boeka table?

Response: Really a lot - 275 (39%)

Hardly - 252 (36%)

Not at all - 177 (25%)

Question 8: Compared to previous years, has this extended lockdown made you more generous to the needs of the poor during this Ramadan?

Response: Yes - 658 (93%)

No - 54 (7%)


amadaan SURVEY 2020 RESULTSR

Question 9: Which aspect of upcoming Eid do you feel you will miss the MOST:

Response: The atmosphere - 256 (36%)

Greeting family - 192 (27%)

Giving charity - 39 (6%)

Enjoying lunch with extended family - 205 (29%)

Eid shopping - 9 (1%)

Question 10: Have you spent more or less on food this Ramadan?

Response: More - 151 (21%)

Same as last year - 194 (27%

Less - 360 (51%)

Question 11: Do you think you have been more or less disciplined in achieving your goals this Ramadan?


Same as last year - 148 (21%)

Less - 61 (9%)

Question 12: Compared to other years do you feel you have spent more or less time in self-reflection this Ramadan?


Same as previous years - 110 (16%)

Less - 53 (7%)

DISCUSSION

While it is clear that limiting the options to each question has its drawbacks, certain trends can still be derived from a collective Ramadan experience that may never be encountered again. The high percentage of respondents that increased their salaah and Quranic recitation (76%), spent more time in self-reflection than previous years (82%), were more disciplined in achieving their goals this Ramadan (72%) and found the lockdown an enhancement to the quality of their Ramadan (77%), confirms that the lockdown was a great blessing from Allah, Alghamdulillah. How they responded to the unavailability of the mosque for Taraweeg prayers was more complicated, for while 58% missed going to the mosque for Taraweeg prayers a lot, 25% did so only slightly. It must be borne in mind that there is a natural waning of mosque attendance as the holy month proceeds, and that the 25% may well have differed had the survey been conducted earlier in the month. A third observation is that the custom of exchanging of cakes for the Boeka table seems to be in a state of flux, with equal fractions of respondents either missing it a lot or hardly missing it at all.

CONCLUSION

The Boorhaanol Movement wishes to record its sincere appreciation to all those who participated in this survey. May the Almighty reward you abundantly for your noble efforts in the holy month. This survey has highlighted some important spiritual, social and cultural trends within the pilot group and further analysis may be forthcoming in the future. We extend our profound gratitude to Allah Almighty for allowing us to successfully complete this venture, and we ask forgiveness to Him for our mistakes, for He is the only Embodiment of Pefection. Wallahu A'alam.


In the 19 years that the Bo-Kaap Cup-A-Soup Programme has been operating, this has been the most challenging Ramadaan, due to the coronavirus pandemic Covid-19. While the daily bread, soup and dates were welcomed by the community, extra soup was cooked daily to serve people that have either lost their jobs or have no source of in-come due to lockdown.

Orphans' Programme Cancelled

It was a source of deep regret that we could not host our esteemed guests this year. There was no or-phans' boeka/iftaar and the annual excursion the children look so forward to, had to be cancelled due to social distancing concerns. However, they still received their goody bags of toiletries and sweets etc deliv-ered to them.

Bo-Kaap Covid19 Community Response Team

At the commencement of lockdown, an interim committee was formed comprising the leadership of various key organisations in the Bo-Kaap, spearheaded by Boorhaanol Social Welfare under the aus-pices of the Boorhaanol Islam Movement. Others included:

w Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood Watch

w Masajied of Bo-Kaap

w Bo-Kaap Civic Association

w Bo-Kaap Heritage Gateway

w Bo-Kaap Collective

Various independent professionals, eg a panel of doctors, social work-ers, lawyers, etc. have also volunteered their services.

This interim group is headed up by Masturah Adams as the Lead Co-ordinator.

HubBo-Kaap CulturalWHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE

Ramadaan Boorhaanol Social Welfare during Covid-19

RO P GN RAA MHP MR EO


The timing of this committee could not have been better. There was a definite need in the community and a vital role in facilitation was re-quired. A dedicated, commit-ted and passionate group of younger people within the Bo-Kaap Collective is work-ing tirelessly and giving so unselfishly to assist.

Initiatives included :

1. Preparation of hot cooked meals regularly for the needy of Bo Kaap and as part of an outreach programme, food is also delivered to the Cape Flats.

2. Organising and delivering grocery parcels to the poor and needy people.

3. Organising a daily full Ghatam Al Quran from the Leeuwen St Masjied every afternoon, facilitated by Sheikh Dawood Terblanche and Imam Shaamiel Basardien, Chairperson of Masajied of Bo Kaap.

4. Transporting and assisting seniors to collect their SASSA grants and helping them with shopping.

5. Facilitating the delivery of medicines from the local Day Hospitals and thus avoiding possible exposure to the virus.

6. Supporting known COVID-19 positive patients in the Bo Kaap.

7. We also serve street people daily in the Bo Kaap and surrounds from Tamboerskloof to Green Point (non-Muslims mostly donate for this).

Post Ramadaan

There is still a long road ahead post Ramadaan to serve the com-munity. The uncertainty that the lockdown brings with possibly vast unemployment in the future, is a challenge that will have to be dealt with going forward.

For further information please contact Masturah Adams, Boorhaanol Head of Social Welfare on 083 286 2480, or Shafwaan Laubscher for COVID-19 Bo Kaap Community Response Team on Tel.084 836 8105.

BO-KAAP CULTURAL HUB NERVE CENTRE FOR COVID RESPONSE


Masturah Adams (far left) with some her Soup Kitchen team

2020

Eid is a day of celebration and it is incumbent on Muslims to ensure that the poor and needy are adequately catered for on that day. This year the lockdown presented the Boorhaanol cooking team with the double challenge of social distancing and the curfew. A total of 47 pots of food thus had to be cooked during the daytime also respecting the requirements of social distancing.

It was decided that only nine 100-litre pots of akhni would be cooked by Shouket Osman and his team at the Boorhaanol Centre for the residents of Bo-Kaap. They commenced cooking on Saturday morning at 10am and started dishing out the food from 3pm. The 9 pots proved to be just enough, Alghamdulillah.

Boorhaanol further arranged for 8 recipient organizations to themselves cook 17 similar pots of akhni in various areas ranging from Manenberg, Maitland, Mitchell's Plain and Kalksteenfontein, to far flung areas like Faure Kramat, Chatsworth and Klapmuts.

The remaining 21 pots of food were cooked mainly on the Sunday before Eid at the residences of 7 of the Boorhaanol cooking team in Bo-Kaap, Walmer Estate, Mountview, Maitland, Kenwyn and Wynberg. Those cooked pots of food were then collected by 13 recipient organisations either before Maghrib on Sunday or on Eid morning on Monday.


2020

The various cooking teams kept in contact with each other via WhatsApp, which compensated a lot for the loss of atmosphere that a central venue generates.

The Boorhaanol Movement expresses its sincere gratitude to all the donors and cooking teams for bringing this mammoth project to such a successful fruition, Alghamdulillah.

Tofiq Moosa and his team who cooked 5 pots on fire at his home in Bo-Kaap

Bienie Alexander and his angling team who cooked 4 pots at his home in Walmer Estate

M Zieyaad Kamedien and his team who cooked 2 pots at his home in Kenwyn

Members of the MYM team inMitchells Plain under the leadershipAhmad Isaacs and Mahdie Samodienpreparing the ingredients to cookthe 3 to be distributed in Tafelsig


Eid-ul-Fitr Great benefit of Collective Action in Bo-Kaap

The new moon for the month of Shawwaal 1441 was born at 19.35pm on Friday 22nd May 2020, which meant that when the 'Maankykers' gathered at sunset on Saturday 23rd May the new moon was already 22 hours old - a mere formality to usher in the new month. But Allah is in control of all things and when the waqt of Ishaa' arrived, the President of the Muslim Judicial Council announced that “the new moon had not been conclusively sighted (around the entire Southern African region) and that Sunday the 24th May, will thus constitute a 30th day of fasting for Muslims.” Not all Muslims though, for some decided to celebrate Eid on Sunday 24th May 2020, anyway.

Takbeer in Bo-Kaap

In the Bo-Kaap, the tradition for many years has been that the takbeer is broadcast live over the microphone system of the Leeuwen St mosque on 3 occasions before each Eid - after Maghrib salaah, after Ishaa' salaah and after Fajr on the day of Eid. With the lockdown in place and no congregational activities allowed inside the mosque, the anticipation of a totally different Eid morning was widespread. The month of Ramadan in Bo-Kaap had indeed already been very different, both spiritually as well as socially, for the lockdown had ignited many responses to the great credit of this community of the Cradle of Islam.

The formation of the Bo-Kaap Covid 19 Response Team, an umbrella body consisting of several key organizations in the area, ensured that most of the important needs of the community were met. The Boorhaanol House in Dorp St was designated as the drop-off point for all groceries and the committee operated from there to distribute the donated grocery parcels to those in need.

Amongst the many spiritual endeavours that were initiated during Ramadan, a full ghatamul Quran by the community was recited every day, with a single juz being broadcast live from the Leeuwen St mosque over the microphone system during the hour before Maghrib.


Pic: Yazeed Kamaldien

Great benefit of Collective Action in Bo-Kaap Leeuwen St Mosque

Sheikh Dawood Terblanche, Imam of the Leeuwen St mosque and an Exco member of both the Bo-Kaap Response Team as well as of the MJC, relates that each Friday during the Ramadan, surah Kahf was also recited by haafith Thaabit Sakildien over the microphone system and broadcast live to the residents of Bo-Kaap from 12 noon till 1pm. Thereafter, Noor Osman would render a dua broadcast live to the community asking Allah for assistance in overcoming the virus, healing the sick and forgiveness for the deceased.

In anticipation of Eid morning, the Response Team distributed posters and leaflets, as well as via social media, urging Bo-Kaap residents to gather on their stoeps and balconies at 8am on Eid morning to participate in a congregational takbeer.

On Eid morning, Monday 25th May 2020, brothers Noor and Shaheed Osman, gathered alone in the Leeuwen St mosque after Fajr salaah to start rendering the takbeer. At 8am their takbeer went live over the microphone system to be broadcast to the Bo-Kaap area. Amidst inclement weather, the rest of the Bo-Kaap community could participate in a unique congregational takbeer from their homes on Eid morning. Their participation was considerably aided by the simultaneous relaying of the takbeer over the microphone systems of the Dorp St and Upper Chiappini St mosques.

Symbolic Eid Salaah

Thereafter Sheikh Dawood entered the Leeuwen St mosque premises and proceeded to lead the symbolic jamaah of 4 for the 2 raka'ahs of salatul Eidul Fitr, with the followers standing 2 metres apart. After the salaah, Sheikh Terblanche ascended the mimbar and wearing a mask, he proceeded to deliver the Eid khutbah to them.

As far as Sheikh could ascertain, no other mosque in the Bo-Kaap held any salaah or khutbah on Eid morning.


E D I TO R IAL

CREATING A VISION BEYOND COVID-19

When the Boorhaanol Movement decided in the 1970s to assist the completion of several unfinished mosques in the Cape Flats, they discovered that a well-known mosque lacked its main prayer carpet. Enterprisingly, the Movement raised the capital for the carpet by dividing the cost of the whole carpet into individual ones, thus allowing donors to 'own' part of the carpet in the mosque. While this mode of fundraising is common place today, it was unprecedented half a century ago, and highlights several lessons for organizational administrators of today.

Unique Selling Point

Firstly, effective fundraising requires a well thought-out plan, preferably with a unique selling point that will attract potential donors. It makes little sense to stage a fundraiser on a day where it clashes with many other competing events, or to try selling copies of a book the contents of which everyone already has at home.

Secondly, your plan must have an emotional or psychological component whereby donors are persuaded to get involved. One can often charge 10 times the worth of an item if you present it in an attractive way, or pander to individuals by inscribing their names or even delivering the items to their abodes.

Thirdly, by involving donors in a meaningful way you are granting them ownership of a project, thus removing the sense that you are only interested in their money, and thus changing their narrative from outsiders to an enthusiastic collective.

Structural Changes

While the structure of the Boorhaanol Movement has undergone fundamental changes in recent years, its core challenges of socio-economic and educational upliftment have not changed. A far more streamlined administration, dynamic leadership and two real estate assets in the heart of the Cradle of Islam, present a solid platform from which to address these challenges.

The Movement also does

not lack unique selling


E D I TO R IAL

points, with its publications, past and present, historic

buildings and a tech-friendly heritage mosque, alongside

a young, energetic and educated Imam to provide

leadership.

The next key challenge is to develop consensus around a vision for the

Movement, one that is uncomplicated yet has the whole-hearted buy-

in of its members. Such a vision will simplify many decisions for the

Movement, be it in strategic planning, development of its buildings or

fundraising campaigns.

Focused Fundraising

Thereafter its various target markets, both donors and recipients, can

accurately be identified according to the strategic vision and unique

selling points inherent under the Boorhaanol umbrella, so that focused

fundraising campaigns are generated. Volunteers with high technical

and sales skills are at a premium in a developing

country such as ours, thus making clear and concise

business plans a non-negotiable. Indeed in

developing countries it has often been the handicap

of a lack of a vital component, be it capital,

administration or skills, that has stymied potentially

game-changing projects.

Thus, as the Covid-19 pandemic has so devastatingly demonstrated,

we cannot take tomorrow for granted. The Boorhaanol Movement

needs to move with speed not only in building on these solid

foundations, but also leaving a substantial legacy for future

generations. On the other side of the coin, those in our midst with

specialized skills are urged to come forward to make their services

available to the Movement, for we will surely all be required to give

account of the Allah-given talents we have been blessed with.

Wallahu A'lam.


Hadjie Janap‘Naa’ Johaarlived her Life in the Light of the Quran

For the security of Quraish.Their security during winter and summer journeys.

Let them worship the Lord of this House.Who has fed them against hunger, and secured them against fear.

(Surah Quraish 106)

When her open-door policy meant that there were more mouths to

feed than food in the pot, Naa Johaar always called on her Invincible

Ally with this powerful surah for help. It epitomised the deep

conviction that she had throughout her 91 years on this dunya, while

also bearing testimony as to why Naa (short for Janap) was so beloved

by many for so long all over Cape Town.

Thus when she passed away on Saturday the 1st of Ramadan 1441, it

signalled the end of an era, but while the metaphorical oak tree may

have fallen, its acorns have spread widely and carried with them an

auspicious legacy. For while all four of her boys are hafithul Quran, it

was her character which has left an indelible mark on many of her

family, friends, learners, neighbours and acquaintances.

Honesty and generosity of spirit

“Honesty was the hallmark of my mother's personality”, reflected

eldest son Sheikh Serag Johaar, who was born on the 5th of Thil-Hijjah,

thus being on the hallowed grounds of Arafat at the age of 4 days with

his parents in 1950. “Whoever met her, never parted empty handed,

whether materially, spiritually, psychologically or

emotionally.”

Hadjie Janap and Hadji Cassiem Johaar were

married on the 18th December 1949, after which

they embarked on a hajj pilgrimage for their

honeymoon. Upon their return to Cape Town in

1951, they took up residence at 81 Schotsche

Kloof Flats, Tana Baru Street in Bo-Kaap, where

For the security of Quraish.Their security during winter and summer journeys.

Let them worship the Lord of this House.Who has fed them against hunger, and secured them against fear.

(Surah Quraish 106)

When her open-door policy meant that there were more mouths to

feed than food in the pot, Naa Johaar always called on her Invincible

Ally with this powerful surah for help. It epitomised the deep

conviction that she had throughout her 91 years on this dunya, while

also bearing testimony as to why Naa (short for Janap) was so beloved

by many for so long all over Cape Town.

Thus when she passed away on Saturday the 1st of Ramadan 1441, it

signalled the end of an era, but while the metaphorical oak tree may

have fallen, its acorns have spread widely and carried with them an

auspicious legacy. For while all four of her boys are hafithul Quran, it

was her character which has left an indelible mark on many of her

family, friends, learners, neighbours and acquaintances.

Honesty and generosity of spirit

“Honesty was the hallmark of my mother's personality”, reflected

eldest son Sheikh Serag Johaar, who was born on the 5th of Thil-Hijjah,

thus being on the hallowed grounds of Arafat at the age of 4 days with

his parents in 1950. “Whoever met her, never parted empty handed,

whether materially, spiritually, psychologically or

emotionally.”

Hadjie Janap and Hadji Cassiem Johaar were

married on the 18th December 1949, after which

they embarked on a hajj pilgrimage for their

honeymoon. Upon their return to Cape Town in

1951, they took up residence at 81 Schotsche

Kloof Flats, Tana Baru Street in Bo-Kaap, where


they stayed for the next 60

years. Naa bore 9 children,

of which 4 were boys - Serag,

Abdul Aleem, Adiel and

Siddique; as well as 5 girls -

Maryam, Nurunnisa, Salama,

Sumaya and Gamida.

Multitasker

Apart from raising 9 kids and

doing all the chores required

to run such a big household,

Naa conducted madrassa classes during the mornings and afternoons.

Being situated directly opposite Schotsche Kloof Primary, her abode

was the deli-of-choice for most of the learners during school intervals,

with samosas, paaper, daltjies, doughnuts and sweets being top

favourites.

Those entrepreneurial skills she inherited from her mother Rukeya,

who had resided in Cowley St in District Six. Her mother had similarly

developed a home industry enterprise that had enabled not only her

and her family to undertake the hajj pilgrimage, but led to sponsoring

many others to do the same.

Barakah in your Rizq

“That is barakah”, emphasised Sheik Serag, “A spiritual concept

seemingly inexplicable in material terms. When Allah (swt) places

barakah in an endeavour, its outcome defies material projections,

often far surpassing it. The reverse is equally applicable.

“Thus the Holy Quran clearly differentiates between 'Maal' which is wealth He bestowed on those whose love for the dunya is manifest, in contra distinction to 'Rizq' whereby He provides, sustains and protects believers.



“When Allah places barakah in your Rizq, He has indeed favoured you', concluded Sheikh Serag, himself a stalwart of the Bo-Kaap and Imam at the 3rd oldest mosque in the country in Buitengracht St, Bo-Kaap for the past 39 years.

That barakah, he believes, Allah (swt) placed in the character of his mother. Naa touched every soul that she came into contact with, be it through her words of wisdom, respect for all, treating everyone with equality and justice, her level-headedness in times of crises, or honesty and transparency in everyday dealings with her.

When the legendary Sheikh Salih Abadi's wife Fatima, fondly called Amatie, passed away in 1987, Sheikh asked Hadji Cassiem and Hadji Janap to assist at his residence in Upper Longmarket Street. What an honour bestowed on them, to spend their time in the house where the living Quran had taken permanent residence for so many years.

A lifetime in the company of the Holy Quran

The last word belongs to Professor Mohammad Karaan, former Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University and member of the National Planning Commission: “I was reciting my lesson to Sheikh when he had to excuse himself to go to the bathroom. I continued reciting but reached a stage where I made a mistake. From the kitchen where she was preparing breakfast for Sheikh, Naa assisted me by reciting the correct version, Alghamdulillah.”

A lifetime spent in the company of the Holy Quran, with offspring that carry each letter in their hearts, will surely bear the best testimony to a life well spent on this earth. We pray that Allah the Most Merciful grant Hadjie Janap a high place in Jannah, in the company of the Ambiyaa, the saaliheen and the muttaqeen, Insha Allah.



Algamdulillaah, Boorhaanol pre-school has been able to deliver on our school motto “Preparing your child for school, madrassa and life”, irrespective of the pandemic and its challenges.

Our teachers are continuing with our learning programme to the best of their abilities, preparing daily greetings, lessons as per the theme of the week as well as interactive videos for our learners to do in the convenience of their home.

We make duah that Allah guide us, protect us and allow us to all soon be together again. Ameen!

Remote learning via Childcloud and WhatsApp

nursery and pre-primary schoolNEWS HIGHLIGHTS


Teacher ZubeidaLevel 2

Teacher ShaakirahLevel 3

Teacher NuraanLevel 5 (Grade R)

Teacher NuraanLevel 4

IF YOUR PRAYER CAN’T REACH THE MASJID, PLEASE LET YOUR SADAQAH REACH USYOU ARE INVITED TO CONTINUE MAKING DONATIONS TO THE MASJID AND TO OUR SOUP KITCHEN

MASJID

SOUP KITCHEN

Masjied Boorhaanol IslamFNB Long Street (BC 201 709)A/c No. 5006 1252 942

- Tel.084 307 5204Contact : H Taliep Salie

Boorhaanol Social WelfareFNB Long StreetA/c No. 6222 8966 464Swift Code : FIRNZAJJContact : Masturah AdamsTel.083 286 2480

NPO No.033 334

www.boorhaanol.org.zaJazakallah Ghair

The pre-Khutbah talks delivered by Sheikh Muhammad West each Friday are both wide-ranging and highly informative. Anyone interested in being on the electronic mailing list for these talks, or would like copies of talks

already delivered, is urged to WhatsApp/SMS their name to Tel.084 2221308 to be included on that list.

Herewith follows the topics discussed by Sheikh Muhammad West recently:21-Mar-20 : Mi'raj 202027-Mar-20 : Friday in a Covid-19 Word03 Apr : Is this Qiyamah. OK, what now?10 Apr : Hope during Lockdown17 Apr : Ramadaan 2020 - A once in a lifetime opportunity23 Apr : Performing Taraweeh Salaah at Home23 Apr : About Islam and Ramadaan for our non-Muslim

friends and neighbours24 Apr : Final Ramadaan Prep Talk01 May : Miracles of the Quran - Part 108 May : Miracles of the Quran - Part 215 May : Miracles of the Quran - Part 322 May : Miracles of the Quran - Part 429 May : Mosque Opening - A test of our taqwa5 June : When an African man stood upon Islam’s holiest site

Journal of Talks


Boorhaanol Digital Media

Move with us on boorhaanol.org.za

Our new and revamped website is constantly being improved and new

features added. We have added a donation button making it easier for

you to donate to any of our causes. Our online shop is also fully

functional now and we will soon be adding more products. In the

meantime you can order your favorite Boeka Treats and have it

delivered.You can now check out the latest newsletter as well as past publications by clicking on the tab. ResourcesClick on the Masjid Locator and get the contact information as well as directions to the masjid you looking for.We urge you to familiarize yourself with this site as we will constantly be adding new content as well as interactive features.

WhatsIslam

The other important media is our WhatsApp

learning channel called WhatsIslam. Please add

yourself to this group if you have not done so

already. Receive the lecture slides and audio via

WhatsApp by forwarding your name and surname

to 084 222 1308.

Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

We have a Facebook page for Boeka

Treats as well as Bo-Kaap Cultural Hub to

keep you updated. Please like and share

these pages.

YouTube

We also started a

YouTube channel with

Sheikh West’s jumuah and other

lectures. These videos cleverly

show the speaker in one panel

and the slides in another panel.

Check it out by searching

boorhaanol islam on Youtube.

@BoKaapCultureCT

facebook.com/BoKaapCultureCT

facebook.com/boekatreats

@boeka_treats


Ramadaan Related Talks

08-Apr-20 Ramadaan Readiness

23-Apr-20 Performing Taraweeh Salaah at Home

23-Apr-20 About Islam and Ramadaan for our non-Muslim friends and neighbours - Part 1

21-May-20 About Islam and Ramadaan for our non-Muslim friends and neighbours - Part 2

Post Taraweeg Talks

1 24 Apr Introduction 2 25 Apr Surah Fatiha Part 1 3 26 Apr Surah Fatiha Part 2 4 27 Apr Surah Fatiha Part 3 5 28 Apr Surah Yasin Part 1 - Virtues and hadith6 29 Apr Surah Yasin Part 2 - Virtues7 30 Apr Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verses 1-68 01 May Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verses 7-129 02 May Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verses 13-1910 03 May Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verse 20-2711 04 May Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verses 28-3212 05 May Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verse 33-4013 06 May Surah Yasin Part 3 - Verse 41-4714 07 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Verse 48-5415 08 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Verse 55-5816 09 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Verse 59-6417 10 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Journey through

Jahannam18 11 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Verse 65-6819 12 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Verse 69-7620 13 May Surah Yasin Part 4 - Verse 77-8321 14 May Surah Al Qadr : Verse 1-522 15 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 1-523 16 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 6-1124 17 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 1225 18 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 13 -1826 19 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 19 - 2227 20 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 23-2728 21 May Surah Al Mulk : Verse 28-3029 22 May Quiz Answers 30 23 May Quiz Winners 30 24 May Preparing for Eid - Salaah and Khutbah


WEEK 1100% Adilah Shaide of Belhar 97% Ismaaeel Asmal of Salt River 91% Adnaan van Heerden of Bo-Kaap 91% Mogamad Saeed Zaindeen of Heideveld

WEEK 294% Adilah Shaide of Belhar 94% Hajera Shaboodien of Rylands Estate 91% Rafeeq Slamang of Lansdowne

WEEK 394% Mog Saeed Zaindeen of Heideveld 94% Rafeeq Slamang of Lansdowne91% Adnaan van Heerden of Bo-Kaap 91% Farzanah Begg of Kenilworth91% Hajera Shaboodien of Rylands Estate

WEEK 497% Rafeeq Slamang of Lansdowne94% Adilah Shaide of Belhar

OVERALL TOP 5 ACHIEVERS

1. Adilah Shaide

2. Rafeeq Slamang

3. Hajera Shaboodien

4. Ismaaeel Asmal

5. Fatima Salie

The online quiz promoted by the Boorhaanol Movement throughout the holy month of Ramadan, was a great success Alghamdulillah. The quiz was closely linked to the evening lectures by Sh Muhammad West which were circulated each evening via WhatsApp to quench the thirst for knowledge during this auspicious month.

Five questions were posed each evening, some related to Sheikh's lecture, others were based on general Islamic knowledge. Access to the quiz was limited to online responses using a Google form link provided with every quiz. The results for each week's entries were circulated each Saturday evening indicating that week's top 10 achievers.

On the final evening of Ramadan the overall results for the month was announced. A total of 250 individuals had participated in the quiz and the results of those who had recorded more than 90% are shown below:


Baie slamat

M Saied Solomons (Masjid Chair) - Tel.021 424-4629, 083 6280064

Mohammad Groenewald (Vice Chair) - Tel.073 826 4959

Abdul Muhaimin Bassier (Secretary General) - Tel. 084 222 1308

Abduraghman Mayman (Finance) - Tel.082 418 8247

Sheikh Muhammad West - Tel.082 785 0032

Hadji Taliep Salie (Emergencies) - Tel. 021 424 9365, 084 307 5204

Yusrah Salaam (Boorhaanol Office) - Tel.021 424 1864

Nuha Dramat (Nursery School Principal) - Tel.021 423 7690

Masturah Adams (Social Welfare) - Tel.021 424 2759, 083 286 2480

Akbar Allie (Nursery School Chairman) - Tel. 082 962 8553

Faatimah Ariefdien (Youth) - Tel.078 337 2924

Kiyaam Bassier (Publications) - Tel.083 793 3123

Yusuf Johaar (Maintenance) - Tel.083 732 7301

Sensei Cassiem Davids (Karate) Tel.021 423 7047

Isgaak Abrahams (Boorhaanol Centre Custodian) Tel.073 567 3073

H Mustapha Amod (Resident Caretaker) - Tel.064 926 7815

NOTE: For any urgent or emergency matter, contact Hadji Taliep Salie at the above numbers and he will direct you further.

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS


n issue no.41 - shawwal 1441 - june 2020 - ewsletter

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