Est. 2008 · Cape Town
Project Maaida began in one kitchen, baking for four families. Alḥamdulillāh, through the generosity of our community, it has grown into Qur'an classes, workshops, and sister helping sister intiatives.
"Spread the greeting of peace, feed the hungry, and pray at night while people are asleep — you will enter Paradise in peace."
Sunan al-Tirmidhī - aunty zulfa must give me the correct hadith
Our Growth
What started as biscuits and cakes baked in one kitchen has grown, year on year, into Qur'an classes, workshops, through the support of our community.
Founded — feeding 4 families
Baking biscuits & cakes for families in need
First 100 luxury hampers for the elderly
Eid food parcels introduced
"Project Maaida" name is born
Assisting up to 600 families
Qur'an classes, workshops
A peer-support network at the heart of Project Maaida — sisters in our community walking alongside one another, offering a listening ear, practical help, and connection when it's needed most.
Learn MoreGrowing Beyond Food Parcels
What began with food parcels has grown into an ongoing community service.
4 Mosques · 130+ Students
Weekly Qur'an classes running across four partner mosques in our community.
Read more →Faith & Wellbeing
Strong Believer Workshops and Narcissistic Abuse Workshops supporting our community.
Read more →Every Eid
Our founding work — Eid food parcels and luxury hampers for the elderly, still going strong.
Read more →Our Projects
A closer look at specific projects — each with its own story, page, and impact.
Ta'ām
Our food initiative, inspired by the du'ā for a table sent down from heaven.
See this project →Nabāt Hasan
Nurturing goodly growth in faith and character, as told through the story of Maryam (AS).
See this project →Ta'awun
Sisters fixing one another's crowns — mutual assistance in Allah's cause. Watch this space.
See this project →Established 2008
Project Maaida was founded by Zulfa Bayat, who began by baking biscuits and cakes for four families. The name itself was inspired by Sūrah al-Māʾidah in the Qurʾān — "the table spread" — and it's this spirit that still guides everything we do today, from food parcels to Qur'an classes and community workshops.
"A table laden with treats for the less fortunate in our communities — for themselves and their families to enjoy, In Shā Allāh."
Read our full story →What's On
Pack a hamper, sponsor a parcel, or join us on the day — see what's coming up.
Assist us to assist others — 200 tickets available at R200 each, in aid of Project Maaida.
A workshop from an Islamic and psychological perspective with Mualima Zulfa Bayat and Sameeha Elias.