Ismail Rasuli Mbewe or Muazzin Ismail as is fondly known by the greater community of Nirvana , Polokwane has been the Muazzin of our community since 1996. Muazzin is originally from Malawi , but has been in South Africa for many years. He has tirelessly held the lofty position of Muazzin at Masjid ul Firdaus till now.

We have had many Imams over the years , many have left and some have passed on , but our Muazzin Ismail has continued to serve the Ummah for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Five times daily his voice is echoed in the neighbourhood of Nirvana calling us and reminding us for the time of Salah. This voice has become a household voice in our community that even our mothers and sisters at home will enquire from their male family members on the wellbeing of Muazzin Ismail as his voice was not heard for the Azaan.

Muazzin’s Azaan is not comparable to the voices of the Haramain or the other well known Masaajid around the world. It’s a simple Azaan with his own style but his piety resonates from his voice.

Muazzin Ismail is not just the Muazzin of the Masjid , he is the face of the Masjid. Before the time of Salah , Muazzin will ensure that everything is in order in the Masjid. He will ensure the entrances to the Masjid are open , the Imam’s musallah is in place , open the windows , there’s enough lighting in the Masjid , the sound system is in order.

Muazzin Ismail even knows the places of some of the regular Musallees and attends to their comfort as part of his good nature. Muazzin is the first in the Masjid and the last to leave after Esha Salah. Many times there are programs after the Esha Salah and Muazzin wil come and switch off the lights , close the windows and lock up after everyone has left. He does all of this without a complaint. Summer or winter , rain or snow , Muazzin is on duty no matter the circumstances. Quite often there are Nikahs in the Masjid out of Salah times but Muazzin Ismail will gladly oblige to keep the Masjid open and have everything in place. He makes an excellent host in the house of Allah (SWT) welcoming guests from out of town.