Upholding Tradition vs. Meeting Practical Needs

The shortage of Old Age homes in the Muslim community in South Africa has become an increasingly pressing issue. While traditionally, the responsibility of caring for ageing parents lies with their children and family members, modern realities have made it difficult for many to fulfill this duty. The cultural and religious emphasis on providing familial care for elderly parents is deeply ingrained within the Muslim tradition, making the decision to turn to Old Age homes a sensitive topic. However, as societal structures shift and evolve, there is a growing need for facilities that can accommodate our religious and cultural needs while maintaining dignity and respect.

The Cultural Norm of Familial Care in the Muslim Community

In Islamic tradition, caring for one’s parents in their old age is not just a duty but a deeply held value. The Quran emphasizes the respect and care that children should show towards their parents, especially in their later years. We are raised with the understanding that we will provide for our parents as they age, ensuring that their needs are met with compassion and love. For many, moving a parent to an Old Age home might be viewed as a failure to uphold these values, which further complicates the situation when external factors make at-home care difficult.

Balancing Tradition with Modern Realities

Despite the cultural expectation of familial care, the modern world presents new challenges that make it harder for many families to fulfill this role. Economic pressures, such as the rising cost of living and the need for both partners in a household to work, have left many without the means or the time to adequately care for their elderly parents at home. Urbanization has also led to the fragmentation of extended family networks that traditionally provided collective care.

Furthermore, changes in family structures mean that many elderly individuals may not have children or close relatives available to provide care. In these instances, Old Age homes become a practical necessity. Yet, finding care options that align with the Islamic faith, such as ensuring Halaal food, religious observances, and gender-sensitive environments is a serious challenge.

In other religious communities, such homes have long provided a safe haven for the elderly, where their religious practices and cultural identities are upheld. It is essential that Muslim communities recognize the importance of such facilities for their elderly, who may no longer be able to rely on family care but still need to live in an environment that supports their beliefs and practices.

While traditional familial care is undoubtedly our first choice, it is crucial to recognize that Old Age homes, when designed with cultural sensitivity, can offer a supportive and dignified alternative for elderly individuals. The existence of these facilities does not undermine the value of familial care but instead acknowledges the reality that not all families are in a position to provide care at home. However, such initiatives require awareness, investment, and support from both the community and broader society.

Exploring The Benoni Muslim Care Centre

This month, I had the opportunity to visit the Benoni Muslim Care Centre, which was established by the Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation and the Lakefield Muslim Jamaat just a few years ago. Observing the unsuitable living conditions at a previous care centre the board members had visited was an eye opener for them. The visit made them realise the need for a senior care facility in the community, and a niyyah was made.

Today, with the support of the community and many donations later this beautiful facility is testament to what can be done when a community comes together for a cause greater than themselves.

A walk through of the facilities with the management team revealed a tranquil home in a serene and environment. The garden areas outside are well maintained and pretty with white rose bushes planted all along the front of the main building. There is even a well tended vegetable garden at the back of the building. The common facilities were neat and comfortable where patrons could come together and mingle as they would in a family environment. There is also an outside recreation room where functions can be held.

This facility only takes females and most of the rooms are sharing, so maintaining privacy and modesty is much easier in this environment. We chatted to some of the elders who were happy for the visit and one of the oldest ladies even showed us her sewing. Well into her nineties, she still keeps busy with her sewing machine from her days as a professional dressmaker.

The Benoni Muslim Care Centre offers, 13 en-suite bedrooms with mini kitchenettes and can accomodate 20 people. Meals are nutritional home style cooked meals, with refreshments in-between. They have qualified care givers and weekly nursing visits with a medical doctor on call. There is housekeeping, laundry and 24-hour security.

It takes a special kind of person to work in this environment. Bonds are formed between carers and elders and the reality is that many of the elders pass on during their time at these facilities. The staff here were warm and had an obvious connection with the elderly mothers present. A definite sense of trust prevailed which is probably the most important part of a decision in choosing a home for one’s parents.

While there are still very few Muslim Old Age Homes across South Africa here are more options for those who may need them. Please leave a comment if you know of others and we will add them.

Muslim Old Age Homes in South Africa

Johannesburg

1. Nigel Muslim Care Centre, Jameson Park Nigel 
   Apa Safiya Rahim 066 253 2373
2. Benoni Muslim Care Centre, Westdene Benoni
   084 786 6937, info@bmcc.org.za 
   www.bmcc.org.za
3. Darul Hasanah, Impala Park Boksburg
   079  480 9679
4. MZB Mothers & Fathers Home, Jeppestown Johannesburg
   011 614 7786 / 011 617 7787 
   mzb.co.za
5. Khadija tul Kubra Care Centre, Lenasia
   011 854 2402 
6. Ahmed Mia Cassim Male Centre, Lenasia
   011 854 1158
7. Darushifa  Care Centre, lenasia
   076 086 8991

Cape Town

Beitul Aman, Wynberg
021 761 1542
www.beitulaman.org.za

The South African government provides subsidised old age homes Western Cape based for seniors needing 24-hour care. If you or your loved one is over 60 or 65 for females and males respectively, they could qualify for this government initiative. Apply directly to the individual old age homes. Some are also housing complexes which have security. These are are mixed communities but each little home is independent. The complete list of WC Gov.’s Residential Facilities for Older Persons can be found here.

One of them known to have Muslim management but open to all is:
Beaconvale Frail Care Centre, Mitchell’s Plain
021 376 1440

Durban

Darul Yatama Wal Masakeen, Sydenham
For Women: 031 208 1915
For Men: 031 209 8720

IMA Baytul NUR Care Centre, Sherwood
031 209 7838