Al-Qalam 
Screenshot
Our communities face escalating threats. We have seen violent attacks on musallees, desecrations of masjids, and coordinated islamophobic campaigns amplified through social media, etc.
In view of these threats, SAMNET proposes the formation of an Association of Masjid/Musallah Trustees.
Our trustees have a wealth of knowledge and experience with: Rezoning and land issues; Building plans; Architecture and design; Vendors; Type and suitability of carpets; Sound equipment; Fundraising, finance, and maintenance issues and security.
This knowledge can be shared, especially where new projects are envisioned and with communities that do not have this expertise and experience.
At present, when one mosque faces a threat, trustees in other communities may not be aware of it. There is no rapid alert system. Each community often responds in isolation, without the benefit of what others have learned. Protocols, security resources, and best practices are not shared nationally.
The Association of Masjid Trustees creates the infrastructure for collaboration. It is a nonpartisan (not affiliated to any madhab, group, body) national network where trustees can share threat intelligence in real time, coordinate emergency responses, pool resources, and develop tested protocols.
The association does not replace or compete with the imam or the ulema group that a musjid may be affiliated with. It is not intended for fiqh issues, etc. That remains the expertise of the resident imam and ulama.
The association is a practical tool for trustee collaboration on security, safety, and community protection.
It enables faster response to emerging threats; shared learning across communities; Joint advocacy with law enforcement; Coordinated resource deployment; Trustees working together as a national network rather than in isolation
We would like to start by creating a database and WhatsApp group to facilitate this and, from there, progress towards a memorandum, association, office bearers, etc.
This is purely voluntary. We propose two trustees from each institution.
The following information is required: Name of masjid/musallah; Chairman of the musjid board; Physical address; Email and telephone numbers; Proposed names and contact details of two trustees;
If interested, please send your information to the following: info@samnet.co.za or on WhatsApp: 084 333 3979
South African Muslim Network (SAMNET)
Durban
