A new spiritual and community landmark has been established in Ivory Park, a suburb of Midrand, with the official grand opening of the Al-Noor Islamic Centre on Friday. The culmination of a project that began in 2016, the centre is poised to become a focal point for the area’s Muslim community and a source of broad social upliftment.
Ivory Park, located in Region A of the City of Johannesburg, is home to over 184 000 residents. It is a vibrant area with a mix of languages, including Northern Sotho, Tsonga, and Zulu. The new centre is a significant addition to the suburb, which already has several clinics, schools, and libraries.
The opening of the Al-Noor Islamic Centre marks a milestone for the community. It provides a dedicated space for prayer, learning, and social development.
The journey to this moment has been one of perseverance and extensive collaboration. Sheikh Abdirisak Ahmed, the founder of the centre, explained that the initiative began with teaching just two children and grew through persistent outreach.
The project gained momentum through the support of numerous organisations, including the Benoni Muslim Organisation, Qafzat Africa, African Muslim Agency, Ashraful Aid, and Jamiatul Ulama, as well as local business people and individuals.
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A hub for prayer and social upliftment
The new two-storey building can accommodate approximately 500 people for prayers and will serve as much more than just a place of worship. It is set to be a vibrant hub of activity, reflecting a holistic approach to community service.
Sheikh Ahmed detailed the centre’s extensive programmes, which are already in motion. “Usually, we do daily feeding,” he said, explaining a programme that provides meals from Monday to Friday for those in need.
Furthermore, the Al-Noor Islamic Centre is deeply committed to da’wah (invitation to Islam), engaging in door-to-door visits to encourage existing Muslims and to “invite a non-Muslim to Islam. Tell them about Allah.” This outreach is complemented by educational initiatives that aim to make Islamic teachings accessible and practical for everyone, from new converts to those born into the faith who may wish to deepen their understanding.
The opening day’s programme featured lectures, prayers, and a community lunch. The event drew attendees from across Johannesburg and Tembisa. The launch of the Al-Noor Islamic Centre is seen not only as a victory for its founders and supporters but as a beacon of hope and unity for the entire Ivory Park community.
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