The Habibia Siddique Muslim Brigade is set to celebrate 70 years of existence. NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI reports:
In the vibrant streets of 1952 Cape Town, a pivotal moment in South African Muslim history occurred. As the late Moulana Muhammed Abdul Aleem Siddiqui (RA), a respected leader in the global Islamic community, landed on the Cape shores with a mission to spread the teachings of Islam.
Upon his arrival, he was greeted by the sounds of a Caledonian Pipe Band. However, when he arrived at Habibia Muslim School in Rylands, Athlone, in that same year, he was not met with the same jovial sound. This contrast inspired him to ignite a shift in thinking among the youth, urging them to form a brigade that reflects their beliefs. This message continues to echo through history, fostering a legacy of empowerment and unity.
In an exclusive interview with Muslim Views, the Secretary General of the Habibia Siddique Muslim Brigade (HSMB), Moegamat Armien Lucas, expressed that 70 years later, the seed planted by Moulana Siddiqui continues to blossom through the Brigade.
‘Officially launched at Habibia Muslim School in Rylands, Cape Town, in 1954, the renowned Muslim Pipe Band (Brigade) continues to carry Moulana Siddiqui’s legacy. Despite his demise during Hajj in the same year, the HSMB was launched. Moulana Siddiqui’s teachings and vision continues to be a guiding force to not only the Brigade but to all those whose lives he has touched, shaping their values and principles,’ said Lucas.
Under the motto ‘love, loyalty and labour’, Lucas says the brigade continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the Muslim community, offering dhikr programmes and youth initiatives that leave an indelible mark.
‘Despite having faced numerous challenges such as the Group Areas Act which resulted in a decrease in membership with members scattered all over the Cape Flats, the organisation, through the commitment of its leadership, still functioned effectively nurturing the youth who became leaders in various fields,’ said Lucas.
He also states that among the highlights of the organisation’s seven decades of enriching experiences and impactful endeavours, the Youth Day Event of 1982 stands as an inspiration to the ummah.
‘This monumental gathering, which was held at the Athlone Stadium as a collaboration with Madaris across the Western Cape, showed the strength and impact of a united ummah. The remarkable occasion consisted of a range of qiraat (Quran recitations), qasida (poetry), and empowering presentations by our youth, etching a significant chapter in our illustrious history,’ added Lucas.
He also notes that the journey of the Brigade extends beyond regional borders as Brigade tours to various parts of the country fostered bonds of love and understanding among members and embody the spirit of unity and camaraderie that defines the Brigade’s collective mission.
Underscoring the importance of dhikr (remembrance of Allah ) in the Brigade, Lucas says at the heart of their endeavours lies the transformative power of dhikr.
‘The dhikr plays an important role in not only serving as food for the soul of the believers who listen to the Brigade, but it fosters spiritual bonds among our members and instils a profound sense of belonging, especially as we collaborate with Moulood Jamaahs during the sacred month of Rabi-ul-Awwal when celebrating the birth of our beloved Nabi Muhammad (SAW). Our Sunday programmes commence with a short dhikr, underscoring its integral role in our community interactions and collective pursuits.’
He further expresses that among its objectives, the Brigade aspires to secure a premises of its own and to establish reliable means of transportation.
‘Furthermore, we are dedicated to empowering more youth to actively engage in our organisational activities, while also striving towards planning transformative umrah tours and immersive journeys to Indonesia and Malaysia,’ said Lucas.
As the Brigade commemorates 70 years since its establishment, Lucas calls on the public to come together and embark on the next chapter of the Brigade’s journey.
‘We are thrilled to announce our upcoming celebrations. On February 29, we will host a spiritually uplifting dhikr at the Habibia Soofie Masjid, which will also be broadcast live on Voice of the Cape Radio at 8pm. Additionally, plans are underway for a Khatamul Quran and dhikr event in October, alongside a Gala Dinner Event, details of which will be revealed soon,’ he added.
The Brigade also extends a heartfelt invitation to all ex-members to join them in sharing their experiences and supporting the brigade in any capacity.
‘Through the years, our resilience and dedication has sustained us, and now we call upon the unwavering support of our community to bolster our continued efforts through financial contributions and participation in our fundraising initiatives,’ he said.
Join the Brigade’s 70th celebration activities as they honour the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the promising horizons that lie ahead.
For more information contact Moegamat Armien Lucas on 083 302 5152, email: habibiabrigade1@gmail.com or visit their social media page on Facebook: @Habibia Siddique Muslim Pipe Band.
