In a heartwarming celebration of devotion and service, Sheikh Hassan Ismael Tambala, the beloved Muazzin of Camperdown’s Jaami Masjid, has been announced as the winner of the Muazzin Umrah Giveaway.

The initiative, inspired by a Ramadan program on Radio Islam highlighting the invaluable contributions of Muazzins, garnered an overwhelming response from communities across the nation.

Sponsored by Al Barakah Bank and Khidmatul Awam Pilgrim Services (KAPS), the giveaway invited submissions to honour Muazzins for their dedication and impact. Among the many inspiring entries, Sheikh Hassan’s story stood out, reflecting his exceptional commitment to faith, community, and humanity.

After months of deliberation, his heartfelt nomination secured him this well-deserved recognition. Featured below is the winning submission for Sheikh Hassan.

Nestled in the heart of Camperdown, we are blessed to have an extraordinary individual, Sheikh Hassan, as our cherished Muazzin.

Sheikh Hassan is the Muazzin of the Jaami Masjid or better known as the Town Masjid.

His journey began in the humble village of Shoiab, Malawi, before arriving in South Africa in 1996 where Sheikh took a job as a caregiver initially in Ladysmith. Every now and again, he used to give the Azaan in the Ladysmith Masjid. The people of Ladysmith took very well to him because of his humility and beautiful voice. His love for Deen was exceptional, but due to the fact that Ladysmith already had a Muazzin, he continued with being a caregiver.

Alhamdulillah when our Masjid was ready, Marhoom respected Dr. Hansa of Ladysmith, having ties with the Khatib family of Camperdown, suggested taking Sheikh Hassan as our Muazzin.

Alhamdulillah, Sheikh has been our only Muazzin since and we can truly say that we are privileged to have him. Alhamdulillah, his wife joined him with their then 18 month old child the following year.

Today, I will not talk about Sheikh Hassan’s beautiful voice but of his humanity.

Sheikh Hassan’s warm smile and open arms have welcomed countless foreigners, who gather at his home every Friday after Jummah Salaah for nourishing meals, which are cooked by Sheikh Hassan himself with help from his wife.

His love for his brothers in Islam is unparalleled. He knows each and everyone in our area by their name. Foreigners also come to him with their problems. He will personally go and deliver hampers at night to them whenever someone hands something over to him to distribute. When meat is given to him for distribution, he will not rest till every single parcel is distributed. Many foreign students from the Darul Uloom still call him to chat after they return to their own country.

His love for Arabic infuses our community with a sense of belonging. Though not an Aalim, his passion inspires us all. Whenever we have a new revert ,he takes it upon himself to teach and encourage them to come to the Masjid. The joy that he expresses when he hears someone has accepted Islam brings a smile to our faces as well.

As a devoted father to five sons and two daughters, and proud grandfather of three, Sheikh Hassan’s legacy flourishes. One son is an Aalim, another a Hafiz, while a third follows in their footsteps.

In times of need, Sheikh Hassan is our rock. Whether stranded on the highway or seeking shelter, he is always there, offering a helping hand or a listening ear. He watches over the elderly, ensuring they feel valued and cared for.

When floods ravaged his hometown Masjid in Malawi, Sheikh Hassan rallied the Malawian community to rebuild the Masjid in his and the surrounding area. He told each one of them to contribute from their own salary before they ask for help from the Muslim community. With the help of our local community he has also organised wells to be built in Malawi.

His selflessness shines brightly – never asking for anything in return, and his dedication to our masjid and community is unparalleled.

To adults, he’s a respected friend, to the elderly a dependable ally, to youth a loyal mentor, and to little ones, a loving father figure. Sheikh Hassan embodies the spirit of compassion, kindness, and community.

His presence brings comfort, inspiration, and hope. In every shared smile and every act of service, Sheikh Hassan exemplifies the very best of humanity. Truly, he is a worthy candidate for this honour, a testament to the power of selfless love.

Radio Islam’s congratulatory message to Sheikh Hassan: 

Mubarak to Sheikh Hassan, the heart and soul of Camperdown’s Jaami Masjid, on being recognized as a true pillar of humanity and winning an Umrah trip!

From his melodious Azaan to his unwavering dedication to community service, Sheikh Hassan embodies compassion, unity, and the essence of selfless love. This Umrah trip is a well-deserved reward for his tireless efforts and the countless lives he has touched.

May Allah bless him and his family abundantly and accept his efforts in His path.