A Beacon of Inspiration and an Epitome of Contentment….

We were relatively new members of the reasonably small and diverse muslim community of Randburg, when we were welcomed with open arms by our beloved Muazzin Ebrahim.

Indeed, it is only Allah who will be able to give our Muazzins the full reward for everything that they do, but nevertheless, the least we can do is to attempt to explain the impact our respected Muazzin has had on our hearts and this community.

The Randburg Musallah serves a diverse community of muslims from various backgrounds and nationalities, many of whom have not seen their families for years. Muazzin Ebrahim has been taking care of this Musallah for over 20 years with an unprecedented level of dedication and passion. This Musallah means everything to him, and nothing would make him happier than to see it filled to capacity on a daily basis for every salaah.

He has dedicated his life to this Musallah making daily sacrifices hidden to many of us, all with the biggest smile on his face always. His goal is to bring this Musallah alive with deeni activity and provide a sense of belonging for all our muslim brothers. A place they will turn to first should they be experiencing any sort of problem. Our Muazzin not only calls out the azaan punctually in the most beautiful manner as a reminder for us to come for salaah, but he personally encourages and reminds each individual about the next salaah. I see the worry and genuine concern in his eyes when he does not see a brother for salaah and goes the extra mile by even phoning us should we not be present in the masjid for the day. This sincere concern extends beyond salaah as he is always enquiring about everyone’s well being to see where he can assist.

In today’s fast paced lifestyle, it is very difficult to find such a genuine and sincere person who will call you just to find out how you are, as people will only generally phone you when they need something.  Mine and your worries involve thinking when we are going for our next holiday or which of the latest gadgets to buy, but his worry is how will I get more brothers to the masjid for salaah. He is a true symbol of contentment and serves as a personal reminder for myself whenever I feel despondent. His smile and friendly nature is true proof that only working towards your Akhirah will lead to true happiness and success.

Another unique quality of our Muazzin is that he fulfils the role of a Mutawali (trustee) of the Musallah as well. He arranges ulema to deliver the Jumu’ah khutbahs and special programmes throughout the year, hufaaz to lead taraweeh, and provides iftaar for the community as well as meals on significant nights of the year. He also participates in collections for various charity organisations and takes it upon himself to improve the lives of the less fortunate members of our community. He is also serves as the principal of the madressa that he runs at the Musallah with his wife, Apa Maryam. He always encourages the kids to dress Islamically and teaches them to respect the sanctity of the Masjid. He also creates opportunities for the youth in the community by taking them on excursions and involves them in community feeding.

Muazzin Ebrahim has been the means through which many lost individuals have found the beauty of Islam. He walks through the local marketplace on his daily errands reminding the shopkeepers of salaah and the Musallah. Over the years, many individuals have approached him to accept Islam as well. He also hosts jamaats at the Musallah and serves as a representative for the community in various meetings regarding the matters of deen.

His compassion, wisdom and selfless service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Our Randburg Musallah continues to exist today through the efforts of this simple selfless individual, respected Muazzin Sheikh Ebrahim.

May Allah continue to bless him with good health and reward him abundantly in this world and the hereafter.

From the Omar family of Randburg