The Muslim Judicial Council in Cape Town has condemned the deadly attack on the Imam Hussain Mosque in Durban.
Three men stormed the building in Verulam on Thursday, attacking three worshippers with knives.
Police said the armed suspects then set the mosque's library on fire before fleeing.
The injured were rushed to hospital, where one of the men later passed away.
Kwazulu Natal police said the motive for the attack remains unknown.
In a statement on its website, the Muslim Judicial Council said that "this act – so violent and repulsive of nature – is unprecedented in South African history."
"We further condemn the senseless killing of innocent individuals at the centre. Life is sacred and must be preserved and protected. Whether it is a mosque, synagogue, church or any other sacred place of worship. The space must be protected at all costs. Such a heinous act cannot be allowed to be repeated".
"We remind South Africans that the makeup of our society is one of religious, cultural and ethnic diversity and tolerance. These qualities are what makes South Africa so unique as a country. We should make every effort possible to preserve our uniqueness and diversity from all forms of threats," the MJC said.
