IIC Office
The IIC has three ladies attending madressa at SADICS weekly. Transport is arranged for them.
Ramadaan Jalsa
The 2015 Jalsa was held in seven areas
Chris Hani Hall, Glenhills Jamat Khana, Shakaville Jamat Khana, Lindeleni Jamat Khana, Doringkop Madressa, Sakhamkhani Jamat Khana & Madundube Islamic Centre.
Qurbani
Two sheep were slaughtered and distributed to ten people who attended the program which was regarded as part of lesson to the reverts.
Hospital Visits
Every Thursday IIC officials visit the patients at the hospital, speak to them and encourage them to have faith in Allah(SWT).
Prison Visits
Every Friday IIC officials visit the prison and spend one hour with the inmates, teaching them salat, wudhu, fasting, zakat, Iman and other basics of Islam. In Ramadaan sehri / iftaar is arranged.
Basis Islam Classes
3 students attended classes at the IIC office. Classes starts at 9am in the morning from Mon to Thurs. The Public is welcome to attend or send their staff for whatever time.
Reverts
Alhamdulillah in the year 2015, 45 people accepted Islam.
24 men and 22women. The number was increased compared to 2014 whereby 30 people accepted Islam.
Zakaat
IIC distributed hampers to zakatable reverts. 45 people received hampers. We thank our brothers for their donations that enabled us to reach the needy.
Halaal
The IIC works hand in hand with the Muslim Prison Board to monitor the halaal food and other Islamic aspects of Muslim prison inmates. We advise inmates to be firm and adhere to Islamic principles which is Quran and Sunnah as a guideline to brighten their future.
Nikah
In the year 2015 IIC performed seven nikahs.
Muslim Prison Board
Mission statement
* Rehabilation, Transformation, Reintegration.
"To aspire to make the incarceration of Muslim inmates as smooth and favourable as possible in the hope that they preserve their Imaan (faith) in the hostile prison environment and that they reform their lives in comfirmity with the noble Quran and Sunnah to become active members of society"
History and Establishment
The Muslim Prison Board (Kwazulu-Natal) was established more in 1981. The Board was established out of concern and interest for our incarcerated Muslim brothers and sisters.
Initially launched by concerned individuals and organisations under the name Muslim Board for Prison Welfare and State Institutions Natal, it later became known as Muslim Prison Board (Kzn)
The MPB is a constituted body serving the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The board is well respected and recognised by the highest authorities and has built a good working relationship in many areas. The board also has the support and respect of prominent Ulama and organisations in the province.
MPB employs the services of authorised Spiritual Care Workers to promote Deen at the respective Correctional Centres voluntarily.
Aims and objectives
* To render assistance and cater for the welfare of Muslim offenders.
* Rehabilation & Reintegration
* Education, Spiritual Care and social support.
* To provide welfare and counselling to inmates families.
*Monitor & supervise Spiritual Care Workers
*Facilitate Constructive Programmes at all Correctional Centres.
*Co-ordinate Dawah programmes.
Activities of the Board
The board is in constant discussion with the authorities, both at Department of Correctional Services level, as well as with individual officials at the centres in order to increase the scope of activities and services to Muslim Offenders.
Alhadulillah, the Board currently provides the following services:
-Spiritual Care
- Educational programmes
-Facilitation of Halaal meals & Supervision of kitchens
-Rehabilitation of the offenders & Reintegration into Society.
-Liaison with DcS
-Formulate policy and provide Guidelines Muslim Offenders.
- Ramadhan and Eidain programmes- special meals provided.
-Attend Meetings, workshops and Conferences
-Community Awareness
Q: What is Islam?
A: Islam is the universal religion of all the prophets of Allah (God) culminating in Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Q: Who is Allah?
A: Allah is the personal name of God, in Arabic and Aramaic (the language of Jesus). It cannot take plural/feminine form, whereas, the word "God" is a title, not a name, and can take plural/feminine forms.
In fact, Islam is the only religion which teaches the existence of a PERFECT God. A perfect God means that there is no sharer in His Nature and His Attributes.
Q: What does the name "Islam" means? What is the Islam religion?
A: The literal meaning of the Arabic word "Islam", means peace. Islam is a religion that is universal for each and every human
Q: What is the purpose of Islam?
A: Islam, is purely and simply the implementation of the Qur’an. And by doing so, you will have guidance. Islam gives purpose and meaning to life. It gives the Muslim an identity and an awareness of his or her position in this vast universe. To know that everything you think, do, and say is serving a purpose, fulfilling an obligation, and pleasing your Creator and Sustainer is greatest feeling that one can have in this life!
Q: What are the pillars of Islam?
A: Yes, there are five pillars of Islam. They are:
- Shahada - To declare{in front of witnesses} and to believe in one’s heart that there is none to be worshiped but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger
- Salat - To perform the obligatory prayers five times a day within the prescribed time frames.
- Zakat - To practice regular charity.
- Siyam - To fast during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj - To make the journey or pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's lifetime.
Q: Is it true that Muslims are called Mohammedans?
A: No! The followers of the religion of Islam are called Muslims. They worship the Only One Creator, namely Allah. Muslims do not worship Muhammad, and the founder of Islam is Allah. Muhammad is not divine; the divinity belongs to Allah alone. Muhammad is not an immortal being. Allah alone is immortal. Therefore, Muslims are those individuals who submit to Allah willingly in peace. They are the ones who make their Pledge of Allegiance daily to Allah.
Q: What is a Muslim?
A: A Muslim is one who accepts the religion of Islam.
Q: What is the Quran?
A: The Qur'an is The FINAL Message from Allah to ALL humanity.
Q: Do Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell?
A: Yes.
Q: Who was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
A: The final prophet of Allah, for ALL humanity.
Q: Where, when and how did Islam originate?
A: Islam is the religion which was given to Adam, the first man and the first prophet of Allah, and it was the religion of all the prophets sent by Allah to mankind. Hence, it was not a new religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) I in Arabia in the seventh century, but only the true religion of Allah re-expressed in its final form.
Q: Is Islam for Arabs only?
A: No! Islam is a universal religion which was revealed for the whole of humankind since the Holy Quran was not meant to be confined to one race or a particular nation.
Q: Is there an Islamic calendar? What are the months?
A: The Islamic calendar (or Hijri calendar) is a purely lunar calendar. It contains 12 months that are based on the motion of the moon, and because 12 synodic months is only 12 x 29.53=354.36 days, the Islamic calendar is consistently shorter than a typical year, and therefore it shifts with respect to the solar calendar.
The calendar is based on the Qur'an (Sura IX, 36-37) and its proper observance is a sacred duty for Muslims.
The Islamic calendar is the official calendar in countries around the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia. But other Muslim countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes and only turn to the Islamic calendar for religious purposes.
The Islamic twelve months are:
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi' al-awwal (Rabi' I)
- Rabi' al-thani (Rabi' II)
- Jumada al-awwal (Jumada I)
- Jumada al-thani (Jumada II)
- Rajab
- Sha'ban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhu al-Qi'dah
- Dhu al-Hijjah
Q: What are the Muslim holy days?
A: The main holy days are: the month of Ramadan (when Muslims fast), and two days of celebration, Eid Al-Adhha (This holy day is the "feast of sacrifice" and is celebrated from the tenth through the thirteenth days of Zul-Hijjah) and Eid Al-Fitr(the first day after the month of Ramadan finishes).
Q: What are the Muslim holy sites?
A: The three holy sites are: The Kaabah (in Mecca), the masjid of the prophet (in Medina) and Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem).
Q: Do we have free will?
A: Yes, of course. Allah does not punish us for something we did not do on our own. But at the same time, our will is not inspired of Allah's will. We cannot do anything if Allah will not allow it. In other words nothing goes on in Allah's kingdom without His will.
Q: What is the worst sin in Islam?
A: Worship of anyone other than God Almighty is the greatest sin. It is called shirk, and this is not forgiven except through repentance.
Q: Do Muslims believe in an afterlife?
A: Muslims believe that after death, we will be resurrected and held accountable for our deeds.
Q: Do Muslims believe in reincarnation?
A: No.
Q: Do Muslims believe in angels?
A: Muslims do believe in angels. They are made of light. They are invisible to us and are neither male nor female. Angels are spiritual beings (not possessing physical bodies) and are sinless. They never disobey Allah in what He commands them, and act as they are commanded. They neither eat, nor drink; neither pain nor disease ever comes upon them; nor does old age or decrepitude. Their food and drink consists of glorification and sanctification of Allah.
There are millions of angels. The number of angels is known to Allah only.
Q: Do Muslims believe in Predestination?
A: Yes. Muslims believe in Predestination and Free-will.
Q: What are Jinn?
A: Allah created Jinn from the smokeless flame of a fire. Jinn, like angels, are unseen creatures. Unlike angels, however, Jinn are not sinless and have the potential to disobey Allah. The first Jinn recorded to have disobeyed Allah was Iblis. He was then called Satan, and any Jinn who are disobedient to Allah are referred to, in general as a Satan.
Q: I do not to harm anyone and to try to be a good person, so why do I need to follow a religion, like Islam?
A: "God provides us with the purpose of our existence and if we seek to do well it is the same as seeking to do the will of God. Your belief in God only has value in so far as you live your life according to His purpose for you.
How then do we know what is the will of God? That is where religion comes in. Allah has revealed His will through prophets. To find out what this is you need to study the revelation.
In Islam the core source of that revelation is the Qur'an - I recommend you read it."
Q: How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly?
A: In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honour and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honoured. When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.
Allah has said:
“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.” (Quran, 17:23-24)
Q: Why are there so many rules in Islam?
A: Islam is a complete way of life. The guidelines laid down in the Qur’an and life example of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) are for the betterment of ourselves individually and humanity as a whole. Once we realize this, the rules seem easy and pleasantly rewarding.
In fact, most of the rules and regulations are in line with common sense! Hence, Muslims do not consider the rules to be a burden on them.
Q: How do we know Islam is the truth?
A: It is the only religion that:
- Hold Allah as One, Unique, and Perfect.
- Only worship of Allah, not Prophet, not an idol, and not an angel only Allah.
- The Qur'an does not contain contradictions.
- The Qur'an contains scientific facts, which are 1300 years ahead of their time. The Koran while revealed 1400 years ago contains scientific facts, which are only now being discovered. It is not in contradiction to science.
- Allah challenges the world to produce the like of the Koran. And He says they won't be able to.
- Prophet Mohammed was the most influential man in History. Even a non-Muslim wrote a book called the 100 most influential men in History, and Prophet Mohammed was number 1.
- He had many prophecies, and all of his prophecies have come true, or are still coming true.
- When one looks at the belief of Islam it becomes logical and obvious. It is logical to believe that there is only One God.
- When one looks at the belief of Islam it becomes so pure. It is common sense to believe that God would never have a preference of a race over another.