Edendale Ramadan Food Project 2011: April 2011

The inspiration for young Sis. Tameemah was a visit to Greater Edendale Muslim Society (G.E.M.S) which her grandfather was one of the founding members. Please feel free to review the booklet and contribute to the capital expenditure on the project.

All the Praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of Alamin (mankind, jinn and all the exists).
The Most Gracious, The most Merciful
The only Owner of the Day of
Judgement You (alone) we worship and to You (alone) we ask help
Guide us to the straight way
The way of those whom You have bestowed Your grace,
not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger,
nor of those who went astray.

In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

G.E.M.S - Greater Edendale Muslim Society
An initiative to assist the people of greater Edendale are
through Islamic Philosphy, secular education, welfare
improvement and skills development.

ContactGreater Edendale Muslim Society
Ghamiet Aysen, President
Ph: 082 081 46 46
82 Bazley Ave, Sydenham
Durban, South Africa 4091
Office – 27 -33 3422 688
Email – gems@telkomsa.net

Administrator
Farhana Gannie
Ph: 076 933 1786

Deputy Secretary & Creche Co-ordinator
Fatima Dlamini
Ph: 076 902 6769

Deputy Chairman & Creche Co-ordinator
Mohammad Tami
Ph: 079 746 6088

Treasurer
Salim Goga
Ph: 083 996 8886

Additional Members
Fazila Mkhize Ph: 0744 291 712
Sabeeha Mpanza Ph: 0786 229 418

Invitation“True piety does not consist in turning your faces towards the east or the west - but truly pious is he who believes in God, and the Last Day; and the angels, and revelation, and the prophets; and spends his substance
- however much he himself may cherish - it - upon his near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and the beggars, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage; and is constant in prayer, and renders the purifying dues; and [truly pious are] they who keep their promises whenever they promise, and are patient in misfortune and hardship and in time of peril: it is they that have proved themselves true, and it is they, they who are conscious of God.”(Surat Al-Bakarah: 177)

On behalf of the Greater Edendale Muslim Society (G.E.M.S), We invite you to
see first hand the Edendale project. We are open for any suggestions. We hope
that this proposal will give you an insight to the purposes of your donations.
We ask Allah to help and guide us to what He loves. This community fulfils the
Islamic requirements to accept zakat, sadaqah and other forms of donations.

HistoryDuring the apartheid era, Edendale was badly affected. People mainly live in huts and small houses. To date there are now over 4000 Muslim reverts. Many people in this area, about 30 a day die of aids resulting in many orphans. The Muslim community is comprised of all black Africans who are reverts to
Islam. It is very possible with Allah’s guidance that the whole area of 25,000
could become an Islamic village.

IMAGINE !!! An Islamic village of Muslim reverts.

Mission StatementTo support the total development of the communities by engaging in a process of sustainable planning; in order to improve the quality of Islamic life by introducing and maintaining a culture of basic learning, Islamic values and to teach basic skills to meet the development challenges of a new South Africa.

LocationEdendale is 60km from Durban in South Africa (home own of Ahmed Deedat). It is a rural area comprised of many hills and the houses are scattered over kilometers.

The Challenge“THEY WILL ASK thee as to what they should spend on others. Say:
“Whatever of your wealth you spend shall [first] be for your parents, and
for the near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer;
and whatever good you do, verily, God has full knowledge
thereof.” surat Al-Bakarah: 215

Unfortunately the financial resources are not available. Your generosity will help
alleviate this problem and allow progress at a faster rate.

ObjectivesHelp those in need for the sake of Allah; so that in times of need Allah may help
you.
• To build an all encompassing Islamic Centre.
• To make the Muslim community of Edendale self-sufficient and independent.
The aim is to create employment for the Muslim reverts; Islamic education
and provide good food and clothing for the children and orphans at the
schools.
• To educate the Muslims and others about the glories of Islam and to teach the
Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam.
• To provide welfare services to the needy and to establish burial facilities for
Muslims.
• To publish and distribute literature, periodicals, magazines, books etc.
• To promote Islam amongst non-Muslim communities and expound its virtues.
• Create factories for sewing and crafts, etc.
In extensive research into the communities need, we have found issues to be
extremely complex and multifaceted.
• No knowledge of Islam
• Inadequate facilities and resources
• Socio-political factors
• Unemployment (70%)
• Many orphans
• Decades of neglect
• Severe deterioration in condition
The Messenger of Allah said that Allah has said:
“O son of Adam!, spend, I will spend on you!” (Muslim)

Past achievements“And the pious (person) will be far removed from Hell; He who spends his
wealth in order to purify himself” (Surat Al-Layl 17-18)

With the help of the All-Mighty and then the help of some generous donors, and
the limited resources at our disposal, we have made progress, but we need
premises, facilities and finance to co-ordinate the rapid growth of Islam in the
area.
1. There are people who are reverting to Islam constantly.
2. Establishment of Islamic institutes (madressahs)
3. Feeding the children at these institutions at least twice a day – approximately 600 children, many who are orphans.
4. Elementary training for teachers, Need trainers to train teachers.
5. Distributing food parcels during
Ramadan (about 600)
6. Distributing gifts for all children on
Eid day (about 600).
7. Feeding the community on Eid day
(incl. drinks, plates, tents etc.) for
about 4000 people.
8. Purchase of a second hand van.
This is used as a hearse.
We cannot rest now on past achievements.
Conversion (Re verts)
On 23rd October 2009 730 people reverted to Islam.
Inshallah there is possibility of many more become Muslim.
Is lamic education
The Messenger of Allah said: “When a
person dies all his good deeds cease
except for three: a
continuous act of charity, beneficial
knowledge, and a righteous son who
prays for him.” (Muslim)
Programs have to be devised in
various groups.
• There needs to be 2 in administration
working full time.
• Head teacher who will also give
lectures to adults.
• 2/3 trainers – to train the teachers
• 30 Teachers and assistants – to teach
the children.
• Men’s programs.
• Woman’s programs.
• Dawah to the non-Muslims in the
area.
• Constant teacher training outside in Durban etc.
Requirements for the Madressah’s (Islamic Schools)
• At present there is very little material.
• We need cash or kind (in material form)
• Quran and Arabic reading books.
• Qurans and Islamic books in the Zulu Native tongue.
• Pens and Pencils.
• Colouring books and crayons.
• Whiteboards and accessories.
• Exercise books.
• Quran stands.
• Chairs and tables.
• Other stationery
Typical Time Table at the Madrass ah
07.00-8.00am Receive Learners
08:00-8:15am Assembly
08:15-8:30am Morning Ring
08:30-8:45am Kalimah/Surahs/Duas
08:45-9:00am Salaah - Practicals
09:00-09:30am Arabic Single Letters/Testing/Worksheet
09:30-10:00am BREAKFAST/TOILET ROUTINE/OUTDOR PLAY
10:00-10:15am Discussion on the Theme of the Week
10:15-10:45am Workseet/Workbook - Relating to the Theme
10:45-11:00am Numeracy
11:00-11:30am Workseet/Workbook on Numeracy
11:30-12:15am Creative Activities/Painting/Tidy up!
12:15-12:45am Literacy
12:45-13:00pm Workseet/Workbook on Literacy
13:00-13:30pm Lunc h/Toilet Routin g/Outdoor Play
13:30-13:45pm Story Time
13:45-14:00pm Relax
14:00-14-15pm Assemble /Departure
Fee ding program
The Messenger of Allah said: “the best charity is to feed an empty stomach”
The Messenger of Allah said: “Verily money is enticing and sweet. So how great
is the Muslim who gives to the poor, the orphans and the wayfarer”. (Al-Bukhari)
At prese nt
• Daily feeding programs in the Islamic schools for approx 600 children.
• Ramadan food parcels for minimum of 600 people in 2011.
• Eid meals for 4000 people.
We have raised funds in the past. In the meantime we will try to become self
sufficient.
GEMS 2011 Expenses
39%
8%
4%
10%
18%
7%
12%
Ramadan
Madressah Needs
Transport
Outside Training
Children’s Food Daily
Rent
Teachers Pay
2010 2011 2012
Ramadan 30,000 35,000 40,000
Children’s Food Daily 100,000 120,000 140,000
Madressah Needs 20,000 25,000 30,000
Rent 10,000 12,000 15,000
Transport 30,000 40,000 50,000
Teachers Pay 45,000 55,000 60,000
Outside Training 10,000 25,000 30,000
Total 253,000 312,000 365,000
2010 2011 2012
Madressah 16 18 20
Children’s Food Daily 650 700 750
Reverts 3500 4000 4500
Ramadan Parcels 650 700 750
Children Parcels 650 700 750
Eid Food 4000 4500 5000
Teachers & Trainers 32 36 40
Toilets improvements for Madressah US$ 50,000, Equipment US$ 10,000
0
800
1600
2400
3200
4000
Madressah Childrenís Food Daily Reverts Ramadan Parcels Children Parcels Eid Food Iftar Teachers & GEMS Number of Resources
2006 2007 2008 2009
Emp loyme nt
The Messenger of Allah said: “Money will never decrease because charity
except that Allah will add to his honor” (At-Tirmidhi)
In order to create employment we have to establish various business ventures,
the majority which would be incorporated in the building project. This will help in
employment and self sufficiency. These includes:
Shops
• Bakery
• Supermarket including fruit and vegetable
• Clothing shops for new and second hand items
Factories and se rvices
• Clothing (requires machine and textiles)
• Mattress Factory
• Souvenir workshop
• Computer training etc.
Madress ahs
As the number of children increase more teachers will be required and more
classrooms needed.
All listed above should create employment for at least 250 people including
teachers.
Building project (STA GE 2)
The Messenger of Allah said: “When a person dies all his good deeds
cease except for three: a continuous act of charity, beneficial knowledge,
and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Muslim)
Your valuable contribution will assist this ambitious building project in giving the
Muslim Community a permanent Multi Purpose Centre that can develop good
Muslims, create employment and become self-sufficient. Mud huts are used
presently.
We are Inshallah going to buy some old buildings which we will renovate and fit
out. These could be used as factories and shops which will create employment
as well as ongoing revenue to work toward self sufficiency.
This Centre will have the following:
• Prayer area for 500+
• Wudu area for men and woman.
• 14 class rooms for Islamic purposes, Hall for lectures or bigger salaat area etc
(class rooms have movable dividers).
• Minaret
• Canteen
• Parking area
• Computer centre
• Imam’s residence
• Caretaker’s residence
• Recreation area with facilities.
• Library and book store.
• Rooms for volunteer Muslim doctors
and medical needs.
Approximate cost US$400,000
Cost of buildings - US$ 80,000
Have to furnish the above. This includes fixture and fittings, furniture, madressah
equipment, freezer, fridges, stock etc. Need to obtain machines, computers and
related goods.
Buses will be required as the area is vast and there is a very limited transport
system. Second hand buses could cost around US $80,000.
Summ ary
InshAllah, Allah willing, this project will develop into an Islamic village. The
population is about 35,000 and only by the help of Allah and only Allah knows
that we can revert the entire area to Islam, InshAllah
STA GE 3
G.E.M.S has to look at ways of becoming self sufficient whilst at the same time
creating employment.
A. Bakery Proposal Approximate cost US$70,000
1. Premises 150sqm - brick & mortar, roller shutter door.
2. Store room and office
3. Require stainless steel sheets on the floor as the trolleys when moving from
the oven are hot and tend to damage tiles and concrete floors
4. Three phase 150amps and electricity
6. At full capacity, able to produce over a 24hr shift approximately 2000 loaves
of bread. An additional oven could increase production.
7. We need all the plant and equipment needed to set up a bakery
8. The equipment will be reconditioned to save costs
9. This bakery will create employment, be able to sell bread much cheaper
profits go towards feeding and educating the children.
10. Inshallah we only need US$65,000 Allah will shower his richest blessing
upon the sponsor and increase their Rzik.
11. This could be a donation or in the form of a loan to be paid in 18 months.
B. Mattress factory
Simple mattress with foam and covering machinery, building tools etc..
Cost Approximately US$50,000
C. Clothing Factory
Try to obtain 2nd hand machinery.
Building textiles etc...
Cost Approximately US$40,000
D. Convenience Store
Building, Texture and Fitting Stock,
flooring etc...
Cost Approximately US$70,000
Approximately cost for Stage 2 is
US$230,000
All the above buildings could be built on one premises.
STA GE 4
A. Primary School Approximately US$400,000
Approximately 400 Children
Building and all facilities and playground maybe a dormitory.
B. High School Approximately US$500,000
Approximately 400 students
Building, all facilities and playground
STA GE 5
Purchase 50 Acres for:
1. Agriculture
2. Chicken, Eggs
3. Anima farming
4. Crops, vegetables and fruit
Approximately cost US$300,000 including plant, machinery, stock and fencing
etc.
The messenger of Allah (SAW) said:”Verily money is antiquing and sweet so
how great is the Muslim who gives to the poor, the orphans and the wayfarer”
(Al Bukhari).
Summ ary
Total cost approximately US$1,830,000 (all stages).
Excluting feeding and educational program.
There are many ways to assist:
1. Financially or in kind of even labour.
2. A personal visit is encouraged greatly.
3. Adopting a stage or part of even one Madressah (US$10,000 PA)
4. Cash
5. Cheques to a collector or G.E.M.S bank A/C
6. Bank debit order, pay by the month
7. Direct deposit to the G.E.M.S A/C
8. Pledge, pay over a period of time.
Allah bless you your family and increase your Rizik and give you good health
Inshaalah.

Edendale Ramadan Food Project 2011

Thursday, 28 April 2011

Greater Edendale Muslim Society (G.E.M.S)

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Ramadan Food Project 2011