Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 22-03-2017
The Muslim Community in Atholl in Sandon are up in arms following the circulation of an e-mail calling for the mobilization of residents to block the construction of a masjid in the area.
In the mail the Trent and the Mosque Objection Committee say they are working hard to collect all the necessary evidence that show the mosque will have a very negative effect on the suburban nature of Atholl.
“Please support blocking this application and ensure that we eliminate irregularities and unscrupulous groups from not complying with the laws of our country.”
In January, the town Planner and trust representative of The Almazaahir Institute of Islamic Studies Trust said residents did not understand that there were adequate solutions to objections raised by them for the construction of a masjid in Atholl Gardens in Sandton.
General objections which include traffic congestion, parking, water usage and the athan have frequently been raised by irate residents whenever a masjid is planned fearing it may imbalance the equilibrium of the area.
Spokesperson for the organisation Zaid Cassim told Radio Islam in January that approvals of reports from a traffic and civil engineer have been granted by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and Joburg Water.
Cassim says they even have a solution to the athan which residents says will increase noise levels in the area.
“The call to prayer is not on a loud hailer but it through the Bilal system (indoor athan home transmitter), it’s amplified, so they don’t seem to understand all of those things until it’s presented at the hearing.”
The committee says it has a strong team of professionals will be representing them in their objection to the mosque.
At the same social cohesion activist Yusuf Abramjee have encouraged Muslims to remain calm.
“We call on the community to show restraint, to act with tolerance and also to let the process run its course. We don’t want to provoke anybody. We are peace loving citizens and we want the mosque to continue and we want the permission to be granted.”
A site visit and hearing is expected to take place tomorrow at 9 o’ clock.
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