Al Ansaar Foundation

Chairman’s Report

As I look back over the last seventeen years, I see days and nights of planning, meetings, commitment and ultimately success. When Al-Ansaar was founded in 1993, little did its members understand the mammoth task ahead of them. But, as the old saying goes “faith can move mountains” and, alhamdulillah, Allah Ta`ala in all his mercy has granted us great success in a few short years.

The establishment of the Mariam Bee Sultan Centre, at 222 Kenilworth Road, Overport, Durban provided the Al-Ansaar Foundation with a base for its activities. High on our list was the establishment of a madrasah and a preschool with an Islamic ethos. As time went on we managed to introduce an Islamic Book and Media Centre, which has customers from all over the country, and an Islamic library, which has incorporated the Arabic Study Circle Library (which was donated to Al-Ansaar). Our most significant achievement in the last few years was the establishment of the Madrasah for the Deaf and Mentally Challenged. To our knowledge this is the second madrasah of its kind in the country. Based on this model, attempts are being made to introduce this facility in other provinces.

The Al-Ansaar Foundation undertakes many self-sustaining projects. Almost all our support and donors are from the local Muslim community. Our objective both past and present has been to create an informed, educated and more importantly a united Ummah. The tremendous response we receive during our annual Ramadaan broadcast and Souk International Trade and Family Convention, is proof that our objectives are being attained. Support and unity comes not only in monetary form, but also by the hard work of volunteers, many of whom are students. If our organisation can inspire such a high level of commitment and unity in our youth, I have no doubt about our future as Muslims, insha’ Allah.

To sustain our activities, which had outgrown our existing premises at the Mariam Bee Sultan Centre, the Al-Ansaar Foundation embarked on an expansion programme via the adoption of our building project. Several adjoining properties were acquired in West Road, Overport, Durban.

The first phase of our building project was the refurbishment of one of the properties acquired in West Road. The second branch of the Al-Ansaar Book and Media Centre, Al-Ummah offices and Radio Al-Ansaar studio took occupation of the premises shortly thereafter. The second phase of the project was the building of a hall. The hall has become one of our fund-generating projects. Being in such close proximity to both the Glenearn Road and Lodge Grove Masajid, it is an ideal venue for functions for the Muslim community.

The final phase, which is currently underway, is the establishment of the Al-Ansaar Cultural and Conference Centre - an all-encompassing venue which will house our various projects, provide facilities for seminars, lectures, and the many projects that the Al-Ansaar Foundation undertakes in its efforts to create interactive community activities. The estimated cost of the Centre is substantial. We appeal to our patrons to assist us in our endeavours to provide this facility for the community.

In conclusion, I thank Allah Ta`ala for the blessings he has bestowed upon us,
To the Board of Directors, who despite our differing approaches never faltered in their commitment to achieving our ultimate goals, I pray for our continued friendship and success,
To our various benefactors and patrons who have provided us with funding to sustain our activities, may Allah Ta`ala shower His blessings on you for your generosity and grant you greater barakah,
To the Staff of Al-Ansaar whose perseverance and dedication through the years has ensured the success of our ventures, may you continue to prosper and may your sacrifices receive the ultimate reward,
To the Volunteers who so readily come to our assistance and who eventually become the backbone of efforts such as the day-to-day running of Radio Al-Ansaar and the Souk International Trade and Family Convention, may your selfless efforts earn you sawaab-e-jariyah.