An excerpt from a collection pamphlet distributed in the early 2000s:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
In the early 1990’s, a handful of Muslims moved into the Greenside/Emmarentia area.
In 1994, a modest but pioneering effort began with the establishment of a Madressa at the Greenside Primary School, with a complement of 14 pupils and 1 Ustaad.
Today, we have an enrolment of 100 pupils and a staff complement of 4.
By 1994, the Greenside Muslim Association (GMA) was born.
Its primary objective was to serve the religious needs of the Muslim families of Emmarentia, Greenside, and the surrounding areas of Linden, Parkview, and Victory Park.
In early 1995, a residential dwelling was acquired on the corners of Barry Hertzog, Linden, and Ingaelee Roads for the purpose of conducting Salaah and, in due course, for the erection of a Masjid and Madressa.
During that year, the GMA applied for consent from the Metropolitan Council to use the property for the purposes of offering Salaah.
This application was opposed by the Planning Department of the Council and by a number of other objectors in the area, including the Greenside and Emmarentia Residents Associations.
But with the assistance and guidance of Allah, the GMA succeeded in its application.
Since the acquisition, regular Salaah as well as Taraweeh prayers have been offered.
In 1997, the property adjoining the masjid was acquired for madressa purposes.
Future Plans
The Greenside Muslim Association has commissioned the plans appearing alongside for the construction, Insha-Allah, of a complex consisting of:
- A Masjid (with salaah facilities for women),
- A madressa,
- Ghusl facilities,
- Residences for our Imaam and Muazzin.
- We hope to commence construction in the first quarter of 2001, Insha-Allah.
