On Saturday 30 August the madrassa (mosque) at 20 Zenith Road, Vanguard Estate will be a lively hub of colour, flavour and community spirit with its annual bazaar.
“We are hosting our annual Vanguard Madrassa Fundraising Bazaar and the countdown has begun for one of Vanguard Estate’s most anticipated community events,” imam Sheikh Ebrahim Isaacs said. “The bazaar starts at 10:00 and closes at 16:00, and the public is invited to taste the flavours, buy gifts and soak up the atmosphere.”
Founded by visionary families in the Vanguard Estate, Welcome Estate and Heideveld areas, the madrassa began in the garages of Fatima Galant and Asa Jappie in the 1970s. By 1977 the dream of a permanent home became a reality when the community purchased the land in Zenith Road. Since then, thousands of Vanguard Madrassa Fundraising Bazaachildren have passed through its doors, gaining Quranic knowledge, Islamic understanding and life-long values.
Today the madrassa serves nearly 100 learners with a dedicated team of six teachers and an admin officer.
Classes run from Monday to Thursday afternoons, with special Saturday-morning sessions for senior high-school learners. Its facilities are in constant use for courses, marriage guidance, fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) classes, haj (pilgrimage) and umrah (miscellaneous visit to the holy places) classes, Qur’an hifz (recitation) and tafsir (interpretation) classes, community thikr (Islamic devotional prayer) gatherings and monthly complete recitations of the Qur’an.
“The bazaar is about giving back,” Isaacs said. “Every rand spent supports the Vanguard madrassa, which has been a pillar of Islamic education since 1969, nurturing generations of learners and strengthening the community. The Vanguard madrassa is a shared legacy. Supporting the bazaar helps ensure it continues for generations to come.”
Those attending the bazaar can expect a feast for the senses – sizzling hot meals, freshly-baked cakes, mouth-watering sweets and irresistible treats. “You can browse stalls brimming with plants and gardening treasures, clothes and high fashion trends,” Isaacs said. “Come and hunt for thoughtful gifts, including those birthday presents you’ve been meaning to get and explore tables stacked with toys, clothing and bargain finds. I guarantee surprises await round every corner.”
For more information contact the madrassa on 079 408 1519.
