Auwal Mosque
| Auwal Mosque | |
|---|---|
Cape Town, South Africa. | |
| Coordinates | 33°55′20″S 18°24′54″E / 33.92222°S 18.41500°E |
| Built | 1794 |
| Architectural style(s) | Islamic |
  Location of Auwal Mosque in Cape Town | |
The Auwal Mosque, alternatively spelled Awwal, Owal or Owwal, is a mosque in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town, South Africa, recognised as the first mosque established in the country. It was constructed in 1794 during the first British occupation of the Cape on land belonging to Coridon van Ceylon, a Vryezwarten (freed Black Muslim slave).[1] Coridon's daughter, Saartjie van de Kaap, inherited the property that was being used as a warehouse, and donated it for the use as South Africa's first mosque. The mosque was constructed in 1794 with renovations done in 1907 and extensive renovations done in 1936. It is the first mosque to observe public prayers and is where Cape Muslim traditions and the Arabic-Afrikaans language were first taught. It remains a symbol for Muslims of the recognition of Islam and the freedom of slaves to worship.
Qadi Abdussalam, affectionately known as Tuan Guru, was appointed the first
Due to a dispute as to who was to be the next imam of the congregation, a portion of the Auwal congregation split off in 1807 and formed Cape Town's second mosque, the Palm Tree Mosque on Long Street.[2]
See also
- List of first mosques by country
- Islam in South Africa
References
- ISBN 978-0-86486-693-6. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-86486-656-1. Retrieved 28 September 2012.