Apa Aneesa Moolla Murchie has devoted her life to Islamic education and community upliftment, quietly shaping generations of Muslim women and children with sincerity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. Her journey began at Mueenul Islaam in Zakriya Park, where she completed her Madressah studies in January 1994. She immediately began teaching Aalimah students at Muneeratul Banat in Roshnee (1994–1996), followed by maktab classes at Salsabeelah in Nirvana, Polokwane (1997–2000). In 2001, she taught girls’ maktab from her home in Polokwane before relocating later that year. After performing Hajj in 2002, Apa Aneesa moved to Rustenburg in 2003 and taught Islaamiat at Nur Ul Imaan Muslim School until March 2007. Her teaching was never confined to institutions—it followed her wherever she went, adapting to the needs of each community.

Settling in Leslie, she began visiting the local school every Friday from 2008 to 2022, offering Islamic guidance to Muslim children and participating in religious programs. Her presence became a source of comfort and knowledge. In 2012, Apa Aneesa and Sarah Bibi Karodia launched the Girls Tarbiyyah program in Leslie. By 2023, the initiative expanded to Kinross, making it easier for girls from surrounding towns to attend. Her vision was inclusive, always seeking to uplift others. Her programs were impactful and relevant.

In 2017, she helped organize a major educational event on Shiism in Trichardt for girls and ladies. She also conducted ghusl classes across Leslie, Kinross, and Trichardt, ensuring practical knowledge was accessible to all. Every year before Ramadan, Apa Aneesa hosted programs for women, focusing on the importance of dua, salaah, and Quran. In 2021, she began weekly Tafseer sessions every Thursday afternoon in Kinross, offering women a space for reflection and spiritual growth.

In 2022, she revisited her Bukhari studies under her Ustaadh, Moulana Haneef, completing them in December 2023—a testament to her humility and lifelong commitment to learning. She also helped organize a Zakat program for surrounding towns, ensuring clarity and understanding in this vital pillar of Islam.

Beyond teaching, Apa Aneesa was deeply involved in community support. In 2017, she helped raise funds for the Al Tawheed Centre by hosting a tea, selling second-hand clothing, and repairing facilities. Her efforts were quiet but impactful, always rooted in service. Her salaah workshops and outreach to women and girls reflected her belief that every Muslim deserves access to knowledge, dignity, and spiritual empowerment.

For many of us, Apa Anisa is more than just a mentor – she’s a forever go-to person. From seeking Islamic guidance to life’s everyday challenges, she’s just a WhatsApp away. A true sister from another mother, and a khala in every sense to many children, including mine. Her compassion, wisdom, and generosity of spirit have touched countless lives, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Apa Aneesa’s legacy is not only in the lessons she taught but in the lives she touched. Her work was marked by sincerity, humility, and love for the Ummah. Through decades of tireless service, she became a beacon of guidance and a role model for generations. May Allah accept her efforts, grant her strength, and reward her abundantly in both worlds. Ameen.