Auwal Masjid
Auwal Masjid – South Africa’s first mosque, founded in 1794 in Bo‑Kaap; a historic spiritual and cultural hub with restored 18th-century architecture and living community programs.
Location
43 Dorp St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
📍 History & Heritage
- Established in 1794 on Dorp Street in Bo‑Kaap, Auwal Masjid stands on land donated by Coridon van Ceylon, a freed Black Muslim slave, via his daughter Saartjie van de Kaap.
- It is South Africa’s oldest mosque, the first to host public prayers and the birthplace of Arabic-Afrikaans language instruction and Cape Muslim traditions.
- The first imam, Tuan Guru (Kadi Abdussalam)—an esteemed former political prisoner from Robben Island—memorized and transcribed the Qur’an from memory; his original copy is on display.
🏛 Architecture & Restoration
- Originally a converted warehouse, it features a classic Islamic layout including the mihrab niche; underwent structural changes in 1807, minor renovations in 1907, and extensive restoration in 1936.
- Today’s building includes components like a main prayer hall, women’s mosque, library, wudu facilities, and an academy for youth education.
🕋 Community & Programming
- Still a vibrant community centre, offering weekly events: Thursday evening Dhikr sessions, Monday women’s classes, food distribution services, lectures on Islamic spirituality, and the Awwal Academy with Quran, Arabic, and faith education for children aged 5–12.
👥 Significance & Recognition
- A symbol of religious freedom, cultural resilience, and Muslim identity in the Cape; commemorated annually—and during its 230th anniversary in 2024, with Qur’an recitations and communal meals.
- Continues to be led by Imams Moulana Muhammad Carr and Sheikh Ismail Londt, supported by an active committee serving worshippers of all ages and backgrounds.
📞 Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 39 Dorp Street, Bo‑Kaap, Cape Town, 8001 |
| info@auwalmasjid.co.za | |
| Phone | 082 551 7324 (Awwal Academy) |
| Opening | Active daily for prayers; Jumu’ah lecture ~12:50–13:20 |
✅ Why Visit Auwal Masjid?
- Cultural cornerstone: First mosque in South Africa, symbolizing spiritual freedom and Cape Muslim heritage.
- Living heritage: Combines historical significance with ongoing community outreach, learning, and worship.
- Spiritual & educational hub: Awwal Academy and programs enrich faith and culture for new generations.
- Architectural gem: A beautifully restored 18th‑century structure with deep historical roots.
In Summary: Auwal Masjid is not just a historic monument—it’s a living legacy of Cape Malay identity and faith. From its founding by Tuan Guru to its role in modern-day worship and learning, it remains a cornerstone of spiritual life and cultural memory in Cape Town.
📍 History & Heritage
- Established in 1794 on Dorp Street in Bo‑Kaap, Auwal Masjid stands on land donated by Coridon van Ceylon, a freed Black Muslim slave, via his daughter Saartjie van de Kaap.
- It is South Africa’s oldest mosque, the first to host public prayers and the birthplace of Arabic-Afrikaans language instruction and Cape Muslim traditions.
- The first imam, Tuan Guru (Kadi Abdussalam)—an esteemed former political prisoner from Robben Island—memorized and transcribed the Qur’an from memory; his original copy is on display.
🏛 Architecture & Restoration
- Originally a converted warehouse, it features a classic Islamic layout including the mihrab niche; underwent structural changes in 1807, minor renovations in 1907, and extensive restoration in 1936.
- Today’s building includes components like a main prayer hall, women’s mosque, library, wudu facilities, and an academy for youth education.
🕋 Community & Programming
- Still a vibrant community centre, offering weekly events: Thursday evening Dhikr sessions, Monday women’s classes, food distribution services, lectures on Islamic spirituality, and the Awwal Academy with Quran, Arabic, and faith education for children aged 5–12.
👥 Significance & Recognition
- A symbol of religious freedom, cultural resilience, and Muslim identity in the Cape; commemorated annually—and during its 230th anniversary in 2024, with Qur’an recitations and communal meals.
- Continues to be led by Imams Moulana Muhammad Carr and Sheikh Ismail Londt, supported by an active committee serving worshippers of all ages and backgrounds.
📞 Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 39 Dorp Street, Bo‑Kaap, Cape Town, 8001 |
| info@auwalmasjid.co.za | |
| Phone | 082 551 7324 (Awwal Academy) |
| Opening | Active daily for prayers; Jumu’ah lecture ~12:50–13:20 |
✅ Why Visit Auwal Masjid?
- Cultural cornerstone: First mosque in South Africa, symbolizing spiritual freedom and Cape Muslim heritage.
- Living heritage: Combines historical significance with ongoing community outreach, learning, and worship.
- Spiritual & educational hub: Awwal Academy and programs enrich faith and culture for new generations.
- Architectural gem: A beautifully restored 18th‑century structure with deep historical roots.
In Summary: Auwal Masjid is not just a historic monument—it’s a living legacy of Cape Malay identity and faith. From its founding by Tuan Guru to its role in modern-day worship and learning, it remains a cornerstone of spiritual life and cultural memory in Cape Town.
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