Friday 3 December marked an important milestone for the Muslim Community not only in Cape Town but countrywide when ten Kramats were officially declared National Heritage Sites.
The Cape Mazaar Society and Vidamemoria Heritage Consultants initiated the serial nomination of the Kramats (also known as Mazaars).
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Sayed Abdul Malik Kramat in Vredehoek.
Sheikh Abduragmaan Alexander, Iman of the Massidul Quds in Gatesville and President of the Cape Mazaar Society, says the declaration also referred to as the ‘Circle of Tombs’ follows a prophecy made more than 250 years ago that there would be a ‘Circle of Islam’ around the Cape.
He says it honours the tombs of Wali (saints) known as Auliyah (friends of the Almighty), and who were originally brought as slaves to the Cape.
Mahmood Limbada, Council chair for the Cape Mazaar Society, says the Kramats are significant for being resting places of Muslim Holy Men (or saints) and are often visited by those of the Muslim faith for deriving spiritual benefits – a tradition which has been in existence in the Western Cape for the past three centuries.
“The legacy of these saintly political prisoners are as important in the South African context as all the heroic freedom fighters we honour as a nation, as they fought relentlessly against the oppressive colonialists and slave masters of the day. These kramats are also significant in that they are the resting places of the pioneers of the Muslim community in South Africa.”
The ten sites being recognised as the first in the ‘Circle of Tombs’ are:
- Sheikh Yusuf Kramat, Macassar
- Sayed Mahmud, Summit Road Constantia
- Sheikh Abdul Mutalib, Constantia Forest
- Sheikh Abdurahman Matebe Shah, Constantia
- Tuan Dea Koasa, Simonstown
- Tuan Ismail Dea Malela, Simonstown
- Sheikh M Hassen Ghaibie Shah, Signal Hill
- Tuan Kaape-ti-low, Signal Hill
- Sayed Moegsien bin Alawieal Aidarus, Mowbray
- Sheikh A ibn Muhammad AlIraqi, Mowbray
- Sheikh Noorul Mubeen, Oudekraal
Ben Mwasinga, Manager Built Environment Unit pf the South African Heritage Resources Agency, says the Kramats were found to have a significant value that is unique in the South African context.
“With the declaration of the Kramats, the declaration of sites in Bo Kaap and now moving on to the declaration of District Six, we are now, I believe, beginning to tell the story of Islam in South Africa.
“Beyond that we are now beginning to unpack the histories that belong to many minority groups not just the Islamic community but that of the Khoi and San as well and the other minority groups you find in the country.”
According to Mwasinga this is “just the beginning” in a series that will cover more than 20 Kramats.
Alexander says: “It a very blessed day for us indeed and these Kramats are symbols of defiance against colonialism, oppression and injustice and they continue to serve as inspiration for us to stand up for the truth and for the guidance of people. It pays homage to and salutes the sacrifices of our Muslim forefathers for the role they played in that liberation from the tyranny and enslavement of the colonial occupiers of yesteryear.”
Moulana Abdul Khaliq Ebrahim, First Deputy President of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), says: “The heritage declaration allow us as South Africans and the South African Muslim community to acknowledge that Muslims are an integral part of the broader society. It has been part of a struggle for the dignity, for the freedom and the liberation for all people in our beautiful country.”
Quahnita Samie, Owner of Vidamemoria Heritage Consultants, says she elated that this important announcement finally came to fruition.
“The process has taken so long to recognise and honour these sites. It’s a celebration of the works that’s been done by the Cape Mazaar Society in honouring the men and women who are buried at these sites who have brought Islam to South Africa.The men that are buried at these Karamats are the men who brought Islam to the Cape.”
She continues: “Muslims are only 2% of the population of South Africa so the fact that Muslims are so visible not just through the Kramats but also through being able to access Halaal food, just having a place and a role in South African history is quite outstanding and it all started with these men.”In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For only R75 per month, you have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. (News24)