السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing on behalf of Zeenatul-Islam Masjid, Kensington Muslim Jamaat, to nominate our dedicated muezzin, Muhammad Alli, for your esteemed recognition.

Why Our Muezzin, Muhammad Alli, Deserves Recognition

In any masjid, the role of the muezzin is vital, and our muezzin, Muhammad Alli, brings an inspiring level of devotion and humility to this role. His dedication, despite personal challenges, has impacted our Kensington community profoundly. Muhammad consistently goes above and beyond in his responsibilities and never asks for praise or assistance, making him truly deserving of this recognition.

A Call to Prayer that Inspires Calm

One of Muhammad’s most notable qualities is his voice—a source of peace for our congregation. Strong yet calming, his adhan fills our masjid, inviting us to set aside worldly distractions and focus on our connection with Allah. His voice doesn’t just call us to prayer; it’s a reminder of devotion, reverence, and sincerity. Each adhan reflects his love for Allah and the honor he holds for his role. Regardless of the time, whether early morning or late evening, he delivers the adhan with the same dedication, showing how deeply he values this duty.

Muhammad’s adhan has become a beloved sound to our community members. His voice has a way of easing tension and bringing calm to the masjid, and those who hear it feel an instant connection to their purpose in coming to the masjid. His call to prayer resonates not only with the words but also with the devotion behind them, making it an experience our community treasures.

A Humble Character with Silent Strength

Muhammad’s humility is perhaps his most remarkable trait. He never speaks about his own difficulties, choosing instead to quietly handle them. For example, he did not have a gas tank for heating his food, so he made a small fire instead. It wasn’t until we noticed ash around the masjid that we realized his situation. This wasn’t an isolated incident—Muhammad consistently avoids drawing attention to any of his needs, instead greeting everyone with kindness and a smile, no matter his own circumstances.

During a tragic shooting incident at our masjid last year, Muhammad’s calm response further demonstrated his strength. While others were understandably shaken, he stayed composed, even offering reassurance to those around him. His quiet strength and trust in Allah during that difficult time were a source of inspiration for the entire Kensington community. He doesn’t seek praise, but his actions speak volumes about his character, showing us all the power of sabr and tawakkul.

Unmatched Dedication to the Masjid

Muhammad’s responsibilities go far beyond delivering the adhan. He singlehandedly ensures that the entire masjid is clean and organized, creating a welcoming space for everyone. He does this with care, from cleaning the prayer areas to maintaining the wudhu khana. One day, we even saw him stacking two chairs and placing a third on top to reach and clean the fans, ensuring that no dust would disturb those praying. His commitment to the comfort and respect of our congregation goes beyond what is expected, and he carries out these duties with no expectation of recognition.

Despite not having personal facilities, like a private bathroom, Muhammad never complains or asks for more. He performs all his responsibilities with humility, focusing on serving the Kensington community. His dedication reflects his sincerity and deep faith, and it shows in every corner of the Masjid he cares for so diligently. Muhammad’s commitment to keeping our masjid a clean, peaceful place is a blessing to our entire community.

An Inspiration for the Kensington Community

In a world where people often seek recognition, Muhammad stands as a true example of humility, patience, and devotion. His actions have taught our Kensington community how to serve Allah with contentment, even in challenging situations. He doesn’t speak of his hardships to others, not out of pride but out of a desire not to burden anyone. His selflessness and quiet endurance are examples that inspire us all to live with more shukr and sabr.

In summary, Muhammad Alli is more than just a Muezzin to us; he is an inspiration. His clear, steady adhan, his calm strength, and his tireless work behind the scenes make him someone we feel privileged to have as part of our community. Our community is blessed to have someone who models such faith and dedication, and we pray that Allah rewards him generously in both this life and the next.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for considering our nomination. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further information.

Submitted by Ahmad Vorajee (Musallee), under the guidance of Ahmed Essack (Head of Islamic Affairs)

Zeenatul-Islam Masjid, Kensington Muslim Jamaat 

Masjid Address: 26 Minerva Street, Kensington, Johannesburg 2101