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Reconstruction and Development Programme of the Chisti, Qaderi, Habibi, Soofie Silsila

1. Riverside

1970 - Musjid roof and ceiling completely replaced with new wiring for electricity.

1972 - Musjid gets a facelift - new windows, doors, carpets, burglar guards, painting. Mazaar Shareef gets new carpets, burglar guards, gates.

1980 - Musjid extended for first time since 1895. New concrete slab, carpets, light fittings, ablution facilities. Jamatkhana for ladies.

1985 - Mazaar Shareef completely renovated. Concrete dome, slab, new windows, doors, light fittings, carpets, architectural features added.

1986 - Musjid re-extended, new carpets, window.

1992 - Ashurkhana, Archives, Museum and Library built.

1994 - Madressa hall and residential home built.

1995 - Extension of car park.

1998 - Musjid re-extended (another floor added).

2. Kenville

The Darbar at Riverside moved to Kenville and on the Soofie Saheb Trust land which was vacant at the time, a new Musjid, Madressa, Orphanage and a residential home were built with the help of the community in 1968. Thus Hazrath Shah Goolam Mohamed Soofie Sani RA was able to continue with the mission of his grandfather. Although functions were held at Riverside, it was Kenville that had become the hub of activity of the Soofie Saheb-Badsha Peer Darbar. The process of Ba’it (entering spiritual order) continued and other activities were also pursued.

1982 - Nursery Islamic School built. Also serves as a pre- school.

1993 - Renovations and extension to the Musjid and building of a new Hall.

3. Mazaar Shareef - Hazrath Badsha Peer RA

Regular renovations and painting were carried out especially before the Annual Urs Celebrations. The Mazaar Shareef was completely renovated in 1978 when it was partly destroyed by vandalism. Plans for a major renovation, alteration and addition to the existing Mazaar Shareef has been passed by the City Council. Work to commence soon Insha-Allah by the Soofie Saheb-Badsha Peer Darbar of Riverside/ Kenville.

Renovations to Soofie Saheb Mazaar

The original Mazaar was a simple octagonal building on a podium with a green painted steel roof. Apparently due to earthworks on the neighbouring school grounds, part of the Mazaar developed cracks and hence repair work was vital. The new design is modelled on the old octagonal plan but it was felt that the building should be appropriately capped by an imposing dome which apart from its symbolic value dominates the view from the parking lot, up the grand stairs and on the podium. The internal structural arrangement is such that the spatial feeling is dynamic and expansive; a feeling of grandeur and stateliness.

The decorative aspects were carried out very capably by the brothers (Hazrath Shah Mohamed Saeid and Hazrath Shah Abdul Aziz), with community help. The decorations are in harmony with the building and are traditional. Historical artefacts like the wagon and the KASTHI (the concrete pot) on the podium have been preserved. Hazrath Soofie Saheb was an important link in the history and development of the Islamic community of South Africa; the erection of this Mazaar serves as a reminder of his link to the community for all times.

-Gafoor Moideen, Architect-

The Structural Engineer’s Report

Structural Engineering:

Clive Wilson assisted the architect by advising on, designing and supervising the construction of the structual engineering elements of the project, including the new concrete dome, roof, beams, columns and foundations.

The Dome:

The dome is a thin (25mm to 75mm thick) fluted shell, created in a form of reinforced concrete known as ferrocement. It was constructed in eight segments, which were precast on the ground, before being assembled, and then lifted onto the roof by means of a large crane. The main part of the dome, which weighs about 25 tons, is 6,7 meters high and 6,6 in diameter. This was a novel and challenging design, as previous examples of this form of construction are not known of.

The Roof:

The roof was also constructed in reinforced concrete, and also presented a challenge, because of the desired large clear span (8,8m), the octagonal shape, and the major opening in the middle under the stone. It was intended to create a vault over the tombs in the main chamber of the shrine, without intrusive columns. This was achieved by inclining the roof panels up towards the centre, by designing inner and outer ring beams. The roof thereby functions as a shell, rather than as a convential slab.

The Foundations:

The new columns around the periphery of the new roof were constructed on reinforced concrete bases cast in pits dug under the old brick walls, while the walls were propped. Reinforced concrete piles were installed to depths of 5m under two of the new bases on the east side, above the existing steep bank, to prevent settlement and cracking, as had previously been experienced in this part of the old building.

The Builders:

The project benefitted by the services of two expert and experienced builders - Mr N. Madasen who constructed the dome, and Mr S. Abdool who cast the new foundations, columns and roof.

Clive Wilson-

Consulting Engineer, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Natal), Master of Science in Engineering (California), Registered Professional Engineer.

Mr Niel Juel Madasen, Ferrocement Dome Constructor

Our dome constructor, Mr Niel Juel Madasen born in 1920 comes from Gilleleje in Denmark, a small village some 60km from Copenhagen. He lived 20 years of his life in this village. His interest in travelling brought him to this part of the world. He arrived in South Africa in 1949 and settled in Kimberly. He worked in the cement factory at the Union Lime Co. The following year he settled in Durban. He became a contractor and specialised in the ferrocement type of work. According to Mr Madasen, the ferrocement type of dome he constructed was the most important and interesting project he tackled in his life. Undoubtedly Mr Madasen left something for posterity to see and appreciate.

A.S. Rajab, Interior Decorator

Hazrath Soofie Saheb (R.A.), as he is widely known in this country, is in the order of the great Soofie saints whose names are revered throughout the Muslim world. Outstanding for his many achievements, Hazrath Soofie Saheb’s (R.A.) major contribution lies in the fact that he worked unceasingly to spread the word of Islam in every conceivable way from the day he set foot on the soil of this sub-continent. Posterity will record his tremendous achievements, both as a saint and as a devout individual whose entire life was spent on the uplifment of the thousands of people of all races who came into contact with him.

To perpetuate the memory of Hazrath Soofie Saheb (R.A.), it was decided by the Soofie family to erect a new mausoleum, a monument worthy of this great saint who lies buried in the hallowed grounds of Riverside. Having decided on the octagonal design of the main structure, I was commissioned by the Sajaada Nasheen to design the intricate features to be found in the inner sanctum and on the facade of the mausoleum in keeping with traditional Islamic concepts. A task of this nature would not only put to good use my special study of Islamic architecture, I also felt honoured that I would be of some service to the Soofie family with whom I had built up a close relationship over the past two decades.

In order to achieve the desired results, I sought inspiration from the great masters of architecture whose monumental works span almost nine centuries-from Samara in the seventh century to Isfahan,Samarkand and culminating with the reign of the Mughal emperors whose splendid structures dominate the skyline of India. Every civilization is characterised by the beauty and splendour of its architectural forms but there can be few episodes in the history of architecture more fascinating or graceful than the designs influenced by Islamic concepts. Working in close co-operation with Hazrath Shah Mohamed Saeid Soofie, who has a latent flair for architecture, I began the task of designing the inner sanctum of the mausoleum with the detailed drawings, outlining every intricate detail and, upon approval, entrusting the work to skilled craftsmen who would be able to correctly interpret and execute the designs to our satisfaction.

The main structural features were then designed and they form the facade of pillars, arches and the detailed frescoes running all along the lower and upper levels in harmony with the central dome which dominates this mausoleum. Complimentary colours were then selected to complete the inner sanctum as well as for the shrine as a whole in keeping with and enhancing the entire structure.

It is my fervent hope that I have been able to competently fulfil the task with which I was entrusted and that this mausoleum will remain for always as a tribute to the great saint who inspired it. I pray also that the pilgrims who visit this shrine will find added solace and peace of mind amid the beautiful surroundings created out of love and respect for this revered saint who has done so much for the cause of Islam.

The Archives, Museum, Ashurkhana and Library

This building was officially opened on 2 Rajab 1413 (26 December 1992). The design is architecturally based on the old Yateemkhana in the Darbar at Riverside. It was constructed through the kind generosity of the Osman Dada Family of Osman Spice Works of Durban.

The Museum contains, among others, the following.

1.     The pillow, bedding and blanket of Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA.

2.     His leather sandals.

3.     Yellow hat, given to him by his Sheikh.

4.     Bamboo pen.

5.     Ink container.

6.     Tasbih.

7.     Medicine bag.

8.     Ink well.

9.     Staff given to Hazrath Moulana Abdul Latief Qadi RA by Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA when conferring Khilafat.

10.   Sword presented to him by the Sultan of Zanzibar, Sayed Hamid in early 1900.

11.   Candle - presented to him by the then Imam of Musjid-e-Nabawi when he went for Haj.

12.   Scale used to measure medicine in the Dawakhana.(Dispensary)

13.   Grinding stone.

14.   Watch.

15.   Water pitcher used during his travels.

16.      Tookhdaan - spitoon.

17.   Wagon of Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA which was bought by him in 1895 from Berger Brothers, (cnr of Umgeni & Harvey Roads).It was used as a means of transport for building the Soofie Mosques in the Durban area and the Mazaar Shareef of Hazrath Badsha Peer RA.

Hand Written Kitaabs here are:

1.     Holy Quraan written by great ancestor of Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA in 1102 AH (1690).

2.     Sharhe Minaj, in Persian, written by Soofie Saheb’s ancestor in 1104 AH (1692).

3.     Sura Yasin written by his ancestor in 1151 AH (1718).

4.     Masnawi in Persian, by one of his ancestors in 899AH (1493).

5.     A kitaab on Fiqh written in Arabic by Qadi Abdurahman in 1251 AH (1835).

6.     Dalail Khairath written in Arabic by Qadi Mohamed Ibrahim Ibn Qadi Nur Mohamed and presented to Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA. This Manuscript was written in the Holy City of Mecca in 1235 AH (1819) and published in Bombay in 1289 AH (1872).

7.     Dalail Khairath in Arabic of Hazrath Moulana Abdul Latief Qadi RA, presented to him by his Ustad, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Nur Mohamed Pani Patti RA in 1300AH (1882).

8.     Kitaab in Urdu written by Hazrath Shah Imam Abdul Latief Habibi of Soofie Darbar, Cape Town especially on the request of his brother-in-law, Hazrath Shah Goolam Mohamed Soofie Sani RA. in the early 1950’s. It contains Salawat, Poems on various Aulias which were used as standard work at the Darbar, Riverside.

The following are some of the Relics that were used at the Khanqah, Riverside

1.     Antique lamp- used in the Musjid.

2.     Flower vase belonging to the Moghul era.

3.     Oil painting of Mazaar Shareef by R. Lucas in 1911.

4.     Paan Dabba-container for betel nut and betel leaf.

5.     Brick, bolts and nails retrieved during renovation work of Mazaar Shareef at Riverside in 1985.

6.     A Quraan stand which was used in the Musjid at Riverside at the time of Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA.

The following amongst others, are on display in the Museum

1.      Photocopy of the Passport of Hazrath Soofie Saheb RA.

2.     Certificate of domicile issued to him.

3.     Names of his Khulafas.

4.     Names of his Sajjada Nasheens.

5.     His Geneaology.

6.      Newspaper clippings on the demolition of part of the Darbar at Riverside by the Group Areas Act and also the rebuilding of the Darbar.

7.     Brief history of Hazrath Sheikh Ahmed Badsha Peer RA.

8.      Photocopy of the birth certificate of Hazrath Shah Goolam Mohamed Soofie Sani RA. Besides the above that have been mentioned, there is a wealth of information in the Museum and the Archives.

THE SUNNAH OF FEEDING

In keeping with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet SAW, cooking meals and feeding the public is an integral part of the activities at the Soofie Darbars in Riverside and Kenville throughout its long and rich history.

The following are some of the cooks, among others, that participated in the preparation of meals for the various functions:-

Hajee Naboo, Hajee Mohamed Cook, Hajee Mullah (Mullahs Cafe), Hajee Ahmed and son Mohamed Cassim Beemath (Manjra’s Cafe), Hajee Mohamed, Essay Janay ( Mandhi Bhai), Ebrahim Bhai, Habib Bhai (Habib Painter), Hajee Sulaiman Manjra (Manjra’s Caterers), Mohamed Bhai, Shaik Hoosen, Badsha Bhai, Mohamed Yusuf, Kader Hoosen, Hassan Aziz.

During the days when sheens were the order of the day, in the absence of paper plates, the following names are associated with the washing :-

Ahmed Mayet, Mohamed Atcha, Ismail Kader Hidat, Abdool Sattar, Farouk Roop.

Too many personnel, too numerous to mention, were and are associated with the catering and the distribution of the langar (niaz food) over the years. Their services are greatly appreciated.