Juma Masjid, Durban’s most historic mosque will remain closed till further notice until it is assured that it is safe for worshipers to make use of the mosque.
According to the chairperson of the Juma Masjid Trust, AV Mohamed, Juma Masjid, also known as the Grey Street Mosque, planned opening for prayers on Monday.
By afternoon, the block of flats that forms part of mosque was gutted by fire.
The Mosque flat is the largest of its type in the southern hemisphere.
“In view of the government restrictions of 50 people, we were going to officially open the mosque yesterday (Monday) but the area that people use to enter the mosque from the street is now an issue after the fire that took place, and the place is not considered safe enough for the public to be moving about in,” he said on Tuesday.
“We will not reopen in view of the safety hazard. The mosque will remain closed indefinitely until the safety of worships and shop owners have been sorted out.” he continued
However, the Denis Hurley Centre, a faith-based community organisation, offered its hall for Friday prayers till the mosque reopens.
