I’m living in a small town called Vryburg.

Our muezzin is not just a muezzin. He is a teacher, Imam, social worker, soccer coach and an amazing example to everyone in our small community.

I have quietly observed Sheikh and his family and the role they play in our community is highly under rated.

They embody what a Muslim family should be and alhamdulillah I aspire to live such a beautiful islamic lifestyle as they do.

Sheikh Khalil has sacrificed so much by staying in Vryburg.

He is from Malawi and Appa Sauda his wife is from Zimbabwe.

They barely see their own families and barely leave the town as his role here is vital.

He helps those in need by distributing food parcels and has never told anyone who it is that is in need.

I admire the fact that he keeps the dignity of those individuals that are struggling.

Appa Sauda helps him with his distribution efforts. I know this because whenever I am able to spare a little bit she told me how it works. Complete anonymity from the receiver and the giver.

Only they know who the individuals that give are and those that receive. Alhamdulillah.

Every day after Asr all the boys play soccer outside sheikhs house which is in the masjid parking lot and Appa Sauda supervises and cheers them on!  Once the boys are ready to go home she messages the mothers or watches the boys go home.

Every Sunday Sheikh and a few other men take the boys to a local stadium and coaches them in soccer. Their goal with the soccer is to keep the youth interested in sports and not haraam pursuits. They start with dua and end with dua and Alhamdulillah they’ve been playing for over 4 years now.

Sheikh organizes a bicycle marathon around our little suburb once a year and it’s quite a sight to behold From the oldest child (17) ro the youngest (3) are trailing behind Sheikh and happily screaming. Alhamdulillah.

Sheikh has gentle patience with every child and what is most amazing is that the kids don’t want to leave madressa. Some of the past students have continued right till matric.

Subhanallah.

Sheikh has even organized a palestine 🇵🇸 drive with all the kids on their bicycles.

Again, what is heartbreaking is that Sheikh has barely seen his own family in all the years he has been in Vryburg.

I dont think anyone deserves this as much as Sheikh Khalil and Appa Sauda.

I hope that he does insha Allah win this competition and to be honest I haven’t even written half the things that our Sheikh has done.

Alhamdulillah