Global Prayer Times

Cape Town, South Africa

Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque)

The oldest mosque in sub-Saharan Africa, founded in 1794 in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town by Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar's followers — a testament to centuries of Islamic faith under Dutch and British colonial rule.

Saturday, 18th July 2026

Cape Town prayer times today

Begins = start of each prayer window for Cape Town. Each mosque sets its own iqamah (congregation) — usually 10–30 minutes later.

🌅
Fajr
06:20
☀️
Sunrise
07:48
🌤️
Dhuhr
12:52
🌇
Asr
15:37
🌆
Maghrib
17:57
🌙
Isha
19:20

South Africa official method · Updated Saturday, 18th July 2026

Fajr

06:20

Sunrise

07:48

Dhuhr

12:52

Asr

15:37

Maghrib

17:57

Isha

19:20

About Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque)

Awwal Mosque — meaning 'the first' in Arabic — was founded in 1794 in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town, making it the oldest mosque in sub-Saharan Africa. It was established by Imam Abdullah ibn Qadi Abdus Salam (Tuan Guru), who had been a political prisoner on Robben Island before being freed. The mosque served the enslaved Cape Malay Muslim community under Dutch and British colonial rule and was a centre of resistance, learning, and spiritual sustenance. The mosque is a national monument and symbol of Cape Town's Muslim heritage.

Address
Dorp St, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, 8001
Founded
1794
Jummah
1:00 PM
Capacity
500+ worshippers
Website
awwalmosque.co.za

Facilities

  • Women's prayer area

Frequently asked questions

Is Awwal Mosque the oldest mosque in Africa?
Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque), founded in 1794, is the oldest mosque in sub-Saharan Africa. It was established by Tuan Guru, a freed political prisoner, to serve Cape Town's enslaved Cape Malay Muslim community.
Where is Awwal Mosque?
It is on Dorp Street in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town — the historic Cape Malay neighbourhood known for its colourful houses, accessible from Cape Town city centre.
What is the Cape Malay Muslim community?
Cape Malay Muslims are descended from slaves and political exiles brought to Cape Town by the Dutch East India Company from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka from the 1650s onwards. They formed one of the first Muslim communities in sub-Saharan Africa and preserved a distinct Islamic tradition for over 300 years.
What are the prayer times at Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque) today?
Prayer times at Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque) follow the Cape Town, South Africa timetable shown on this page. Times are calculated using the region-appropriate method for South Africa and update daily.
What time is Jummah (Friday prayer) at Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque)?
Jummah at Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque) is at 1:00 PM. Times can shift seasonally — confirm directly with the mosque before attending.
Is there a women's prayer area at Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque)?
Yes, Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque) has a dedicated women's prayer area. Contact the mosque to confirm arrangements.
Is there parking at Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque)?
Parking availability near Awwal Mosque (Palm Tree Mosque) varies by location in Cape Town. Check with the mosque directly or use local street parking / public transport where available.

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