The grave of a prominent Muslim cleric, who was an imam at one of the oldest mosques in South Africa, has been declared a provincial heritage site.
Imam Abdol Rakiep (1867 – 1905) is buried at Mowbray Cemetery. He was an imam at the Nurul Islam Masjid. The mosque, in a small lane off Buitengracht Street, was founded in 1844 and is the third oldest in the country, according to SA History Online.
Imam Rakiep was instrumental in teaching and spreading Islam, which he started at only 17, said his great-grandson, Muttaqin Rakiep, at the AF1 Centre in Lansdowne, last Friday as some 30 people gathered for the unveiling of the heritage-site declaration plaque.
“When we look at the contribution that he has made, we see that he is someone that we can hold in esteem so that our younger generation can take lessons from,” he said.
“Our people have found themselves in a situation of cultural perplexity because of the marginalisation of their narrative. We are bringing things back to them, and I am grateful to you for taking this initiative.”
Heritage Western Cape council chairwoman Reyhana Ganie said heritage should be a living, breathing part of our lives and a testament to our shared history and diversity.
“As we honour Imam Abdol Rakiep, we pay tribute not only to an individual but to enduring values, traditions and stories that have shaped our community.
“His legacy reminds us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. Together we embark on a journey to preserve our heritage, celebrate our diversity, and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”
Ron Martin, chairman of Heritage Western Cape’s inventories, grading, and interpretation committee, said: “The story of Cape Town is not complete without the story of Islam. Islam always preached equality in an unequal society.”
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais described Imam Rakiep as a prominent community leader and a trendsetter of his time.
“As a young man, he already led the community as the imam of the mosque. He preserved the artefacts and literary works of his ancestors, which in turn were preserved by his descendants. When he obtained a property in District Six, he developed a model of self-sustaining endowment,” she said.
“We salute Imam Abdol Rakiep as a visionary leader, who exemplified servant leadership. He was a person who helped build South Africa and Cape Town to what it is. He showed us what can be done and showed us the way. We owe it to his family to follow his lead and continue to build this beautiful country.”