Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
For Tazkiyaah Amra, the establishment of an Islamic library in Sydenham, Durban, in honour of her late father, Mohamed Amra, is a dream come true.
After years of planning, coordinating and adding to the collection of important Islamic literature, the dream has been realised. The Mohamed Amra Islamic Library officially opens its doors at the Mariam Bee Centre this Saturday. Some 160 invited guest will attend, and various speakers will address the audience.
This project, said Tazkiyaah, is a “remarkable new chapter” and a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to fostering a culture of reading, learning, and knowledge within the South African Muslim community.
Mohamed Amra (1957-2021) was a driving force behind numerous community initiatives, including the Muslim Youth Movement, the Muslim Students Association, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, and the Islamic Forum. He also co-founded the Wonder Academy of Excellence, a preschool and primary school grounded in Montessori philosophy. His unwavering commitment to uplifting the community was evident in all his endeavours, including the establishment of Baitul Hikmah, a bookstore aimed at making Islamic books more accessible and affordable.
Said Tazkiyaah: “In Islam, the importance of reading cannot be overstated. It is not merely a pursuit of knowledge but a sacred act of spiritual growth. The very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began with the command “Read!” (Iqra’ in Arabic). Through reading, individuals can deepen their connection with Allah, gain profound insights into the purpose of life, and acquire the wisdom needed to navigate its challenges. This is why promoting literacy and learning is such an integral part of Islamic tradition”.
The Mohamed Amra Islamic Library is a project initiated by his friends and family to honour his legacy by continuing his lifelong mission. The library currently houses over 3000 books, many from Mohamed Amra’s personal collection, supplemented by contributions from others who share his vision.
“Globally, libraries serve as vibrant hubs for community engagement and learning, addressing the needs of children, youth, and adults alike. These institutions continuously evolve, responding to social, cultural, economic, and political shifts in their communities. Community libraries, in particular, have shown tremendous potential in fostering literacy development and lifelong learning through diverse services and successful outreach initiatives.
“The Mohamed Amra Islamic Library aspires to be such a space – a place of collaboration, community engagement, and joy for all, young and old, InshaAllah. We hope this library will not only preserve Mohamed Amra’s legacy but also inspire future generations to pursue knowledge, relish in the joy of reading, and contribute to the betterment of their communities”. She told Al-Qalam that planned offerings include book clubs, reading circles, and children’s activities, among other services.
The Islamic Forum has called on all community members to join this “inspiring journey” by signing up as members from 2nd September 2024. Readers can look forward to a diverse selection of titles covering topics such as motivation, spirituality, history, personal development, social sciences, Qur’anic commentary, and books for children of all ages, among others.
Tazkiyaah invited all community members to become part of the journey by signing up as members from 2 September 2024.
For enquiries, please contact the library manager at library@hikmah.co.za.
