Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

04 September 2025

2-minute read

Sometimes, the most remarkable individuals in our communities are the unsung heroes, those who serve quietly, behind the scenes, in moments of deep grief and need. Fayaaz Cassim, a dedicated volunteer with the Saaberie Chishty Burial Committee, is one of them. He is among those who carry out one of the most sacred duties in Islam — assisting in the burial of our loved ones, performing the ghusl, and standing by families in their time of loss.

Hailing from the small town of Groot Mariko in the Northwest Province where his mindset was shaped by the tight-knit community, Fayaaz gives credit to his parents for his capacity of “going the extra mile for anyone.” His journey started during the height of COVID-19, when fear and uncertainty were everywhere, and both Fayaaz and members of his family were afflicted by the virus but subsequently recovered. On seeing a post by the Saaberie Chishty Burial Committee
requesting for volunteers to assist with burials, Fayaaz was grateful that their lives had been spared, and without hesitation, was spurred on to sign up for the position. Fayaaz was on the frontline: ensuring that our brothers and sisters were laid to rest with dignity.

Fayaaz says that the bottom line is to do for the pleasure of Allah. There is a certain type of satisfaction that one gets from involvement in community work, and he feels that you need to “put yourself in the position of the next (person),” and make dua that Allah accepts your efforts. Beyond burial work, he is also involved in a daily ‘food drop’. This is an initiative where individuals go out onto the streets every night to supply stranded and destitute people with a meal and a bottle of water.

For him selflessness means carrying out the task put in his path “without seeking recognition or reward from those you assist.” His advice for listeners who may want to be of service to their community but don’t know where to start is to reach out to organizations to see where they can assist. Fayaaz concluded with the motivational quote: “the first step doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to exist.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and Brother Fayaaz Cassim here.