Al-Ansaar Foundation – The beginnings

The Al-Ansaar Foundation was inaugurated in 1993 (1414 AH) by a group of concerned Muslim businessmen, whose desire was to uplift, educate and revive the Ummah. Whilst there were many existing Islamic organisations, these visionaries foresaw the need that had hitherto been neglected... Muslim brethren were becoming apathetic and attitudes, ethics and morals of the younger generation were being influenced by the western orientated South African society. The desire of the Foundation was to create an Islamic infrastructure to restore Islamic values and practices. More significantly was their concern about the revival of the Ummah and for its need to re-occupy its leading role amongst civilisations.

In the beginning family, friends, and personal funding formed the support structure for the organisation. During its formative years the Al-Ansaar Foundation undertook projects in areas not previously covered by existing organisations, like the establishment of the Mariam Bee Sultan Preschool (with an Islamic ethos), the Al-Ansaar Book & Media Centre, the Mariam Bee Sultan Madrasah and the first Islamic Madrasah for the Deaf and Mentally Challenged.

The Al-Ansaar Foundation also embarked on community interactive activities, which reinforced family values and networking amongst the local Ummah such as Radio Al-Ansaar, the Haj & Umra Seminars, the Al-Ansaar annual Souk International Trade and Family Convention, seminars and lectures by both local and international guests, and the promotion of local and international Islamic reciters of nasheeds, naaths and qasidas.

All these activities and projects were designed to create awareness, to revive beliefs and enforce Islamic practices. Radio Al-Ansaar and the Al-Ummah newspaper have been used to tackle current issues, encourage debate and discussion, and create an informed and conscientious Ummah.

Vision

To create an enlightened, informed, educated and Islamically active community in South Africa.

Mission

To promote Islamic education and guidance (tarbiyyah and ta`leem) at all levels of Islamic society in order to develop practicing Muslims who are fully equipped to meet the challenges facing modern society and the transformations taking place on the African continent.