Moulana Yunus Patel Rahimahullah

The sound of his words “Allah! Allah!” still vibrate not only within the four walls of Masjid Nur in Asherville, Durban, but in the crannies of thousands of Muslim homes. His ardent plea of “O My Beloved Allah! O My Most Merciful!” continues to be etched in the hearts of thousands, layman and scholars, young and old, from the East and the West, all alike. This blessed soul who captivated the hearts of any who were even favoured with a glimpse at his illuminated face or had an eavesdrop on his charismatic voice was laid to rest in the soil of the most blessed land on earth after Fajr Salah on Wednesday, 13 July 2011.

The skies above the Noble Ka’bah witnessed a spiritual entourage, very seldom seen, moving in Tawaaf around the House of Allah shortly before Maghrib Salah on Tuesday, 12 July 2011. A short while after Salah this trail settled down in one area of the Mataaf benefiting from his pearls of wisdom and subsequently Maulana began experiencing chest pains which was followed by his soul tranquilly departing into the mercy of Allah. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un…

Maulana Yunus Patel rahimahullah was born in about 1945 in the KwaZulu-Natal town of Stanger. As a young boy, a personality which left a lasting impression upon his heart and served as an inspirational role model for him was Haji Bhai Padi rahimahullah. 
As Maulana himself narrated, “One day in 1962, when Haji Bhai just began his efforts of Tabligh, an announcement was written on the notice board in Grey Street Masjid that Haji Gulam Muhammad Padia will be delivering a lecture. After completion of the lecture, Haji Bhai called for help but nobody stood up. So Haji Bhai’s father-in-law volunteered, together with me (a 17 year old young boy at the time) and another elderly man. On another occasion, I decided to accompany Haji Bhai to sleep in the Umzinto Masjid as he was going to be sleeping alone in the Masjid. For hours that night, Haji Bhai kept busy in Tahajjud crying before Allah.

We travelled from Durban to Escourt, then to Ladysmith and further on to Johannesburg. At every town, Haji Bhai implored the people regarding the importance of Deen, however nobody was interested to assist. Throughout the journey, it was Haji Bhai’s crying of two hours every night that never stopped.” (Haaji Bhai Padia Rahimahullah encouraged Ml Yunus Patel Saab to become an ‘aalim)

In the early 1960s Moulana Yunus was one from among the early group of youth who travelled to Darul Uloom Deoband, India, to pursue the studies of Deen. Together with being a student par excellence, he was the confidante of many of his illustrious teachers and served them diligently at home and on travel. 
Upon his return, he served the community of Mooiriver as an Imam and teacher. He was motivated to go there by the fact that at the time there was not a single Aalim serving the Muslim communities between Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle. Even though people in the Transvaal offered him a much higher salary together with house, lights and water, the need of Deen took him to the icy cold town of Mooiriver where he accepted meagre pay and had to live in a tin shanty home. For him the need of Deen was greater.

After four years or so, he moved back to Durban and was instrumental in establishing the first offices of the Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) upon the insistence of Maulana Ansari rahimahullah. For many years thereafter, Maulana Yunus served the Ummah under the auspices of the organisation and subsequently was the secretary general and later the president of the Jamiatul Ulama (KZN). 
During the famous Qadiani Dispute in Cape Town during the early 1980s, Maulana Yunus was part of the team of expert ‘Ulama who prepared the required expert evidence in the court case to defend the honour of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah.

At a time when general indifference towards Deen prevailed and signs of Deen were noticeably rare in the South African society, Maulana established a girls’ Madrasah in 1982 in Asherville, Durban. Students who initially had very little inclination towards Deen, would be motivated with his perseverance and dedication to change their lives within a short space of time.

In recent years, Maulana Yunus became deeply concerned about the unity and wellbeing of the ‘Ulama. He constantly strove to harmonise relations between them at junctures when situations were adversarial. His emphasis was to focus on the broader picture and greater benefit for the Ummah. In his words, “The need of the time is that we can maintain of our different opinions, but if someone has been instrumental in the service of Deen we can differ with him with respect and dignity. On other issues however, we should work together.”

Maulana Yunus was honoured with the mantle of Khilafah from two great luminaries, Mufti Mahmoodul Hasan Gangohi rahimahullah and later on Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb. Over the many years, thousands around the globe drank from his fountain of wisdom, piety and knowledge. Scores of people are known to have changed their lives just by sitting in our of his gatherings.
His humility, generosity, concern for the well being of the young and old coupled with his burning love of Allah and his Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam were remarkable traits all embodied in one personality.

Compiled by: Jamiatul Ulema, South Africa (Fordsburg)

Better to nip this rumor now before it spreads even further. Already I received a few emails stating that Paris Hilton has embraced Islam and plans on opening an Islamic School in Beverly Hills!

Firstly, they are all reading this article here:
http://www.dailysquib.co.uk/entertainment/2636-paris-hilton-converts-to-islam.html

A clip from the above link states:

JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia – Former American socialite, Paris Hilton has converted to Islam, her spokesman, Ian Brinkham, has revealed to CBS news.

This article is a satire piece.  If you visit the above website you will find a photo-edited image of Paris donning a headscarf. However scroll to the bottom of The Daily Squib,  the last line on the website.

It states:
© Copyright 2011 dailysquib.co.uk | The Daily Squib is a curious satirical publication and should therefore be taken fu**ing seriously

Excuse the crass language but that’s simply a copy and paste from their website.  

After a back & forth email with a certain Muslim Organization in South Africa, who insists this satire piece is true, i decided to publish this post and squash this silly rumor altogether.

Sadly, the bigger joke is on the Muslims adding in the comments of that site thinking its true.

Something really wonderful happened outside the Tunisian Embassy in London the other day as a crowd of us gathered to continue the demand for justice in the people’s revolution.

I was standing next to a woman, and, with tears in her eyes she revealed she had been inside the embassy that morning to get passports for herself and her family. Her face looked vaguely familiar but I could not remember where we had met previously.Just a few weeks ago she would not have been allowed to put one foot over the threshold but this time she was welcomed like a long lost daughter and given the red carpet treatment by the embassy staff – one even asked if she wanted to meet the Ambassador.

The more she talked the more I knew that we had met previously, but where?

Then we began speculating about the deposed dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and his truly awful wife Leila who, we now know thanks to Wikileaks, fancied her chances of becoming the next leader of Tunisia when her ageing husband either stood down or expired.We both laughed at the irony of the location of their current bolt-hole … Saudi Arabia, The Land of the Two Holy Mosques and wondered how Ben Ali and Leila Trabelsi were coping with hearing the athan, or call to prayer, five times a day.

They had banned the athan from being played on state television, shunned fasting during Ramadahn and dismissed the hijab as being a foreign import and not part of the Tunisian culture.

Let’s just say they made it up as they went along and if they wanted fatwas they would wheel out their tame and obliging $cholars for Dollars.

Ben Ali, a brute of a man who made words and phrases like torture, detention without trial, political and religious persecution commonplace in Tunisia, is also credited with ripping off the hijabs from the heads of Muslim women. He banned them from wearing their scarves in schools, hospitals and universities and other public places. He saw that the Holy Quran was banned and desecrated in the cages and dungeons where prisoners of conscience are beaten if they dared to pray outside of allotted times. His brutal regime brought in happy clappy clerics whose narcotic-style preachings in praise of Ben Ali and his corrupt government certainly had the desired effect … it drove God-fearing worshippers out of the mosques.

No wonder the Muslim youth no longer clamoured to get into masjids on Fridays to listen to these khateebs who spent half the khutbah praising the President and his followers.

To our Christian friends, put it this way – can you imagine sitting in a church pew listening to some vicar or priest urging you to thank God for Tony Blair, George W Bush or Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheyney? Exactly!

My sister and I both wondered how Leila would view having to wear a black abaya, all enveloping cloak and veil, every time she steps outside her new home in Jeddah. I’m sure the Saudi religious police will be on hand to give the former hairdresser some encouragement. Of all the places in the world those two had probably expected to end up I think it’s a fair bet Saudi was no where near the top of their list as they boarded the flight from Tunisia. In fact what wouldn’t I have given to see the expressions on their faces as the pilot delivered the bad news. Sorry, we can’t get clearance for London, Paris, New York, Monaco or Geneva but how does Jeddah sound? It was Ben Ali’s barbaric actions and abuse of the most basic human rights which prompted me to first go and stand outside the Tunisian Embassy in London way back in November 2006 and protest in defence of our Tunisian sisters … and their right to practice Islam.

This man and his godless wife despised the religion of their birth so much and everything it represented that they did their best to turn the country in to a secular state. Did they do it to please themselves or the western powers which courted them and pretended to be their best ever friends? I remember in February 2009 driving through Tunisia with the Viva Palestina convoy encountering literally hundreds of Ben Ali’s henchmen who did everything in their power to stop us from praying and attending Friday prayers.

The horrified expressions on their faces when we stopped our vehicles in the middle of the road and prayed in the street is something I will remember for ever.

I recounted the tale to the sister outside the embassy and again we both laughed at the ultimate irony Ben Ali and the light-fingered Leila (she is reported to have looted 1.5 tons of gold as she fled) were now languishing in Saudi.

How poignant, having been shunned by their fickle friends in the West,  it was Muslims who came to their rescue. Forgiveness is a major element in Islam and while it is far too early for Tunisians to even begin to think about that F-word, the ex-president and his wife should be grateful that some Muslims are prepared to show them the sort of mercy Ben Ali and Leila could never show their own people.

Now that he, in particular, has time to reflect on the brutalisation of hijab-wearing sisters, practising brothers and human rights campaigners, I wonder if he will discover the beauty of real Islam and not the distorted, diluted version he tried to force on his people?

I turned to the woman outside the embassy and wondered out loud if Leila will ever discover the beauty of the hijab. The words were barely out of my mouth when I suddenly recognized this woman.

We had first met in 2006, outside the Tunisian Embassy in London, at a protest. She had told me at the time in graphic detail of her own detention, abuse and torture at the hands of Ben Ali’s thugs.

I will never forget her dramatic words back then as she said in a shakey voice: “I came to London with my hijab still in my pocket.” I remember being moved to tears by her story.

And now she is planning to return but with her head held high and wearing her hijab with pride.

* British journalist Yvonne Ridley is the European President of the International Muslim Women’s Union

The recent wikileaks releases have sent shock waves around the world exposing the views of western diplomats regarding foreign governments and individuals. Causing a mixture of embarrassment and political incidents, the leaks have left the American government scrambling around the world to maintain damage control. In addition to America’s humiliation, the leaks have given the world a better understanding of western views of other heads of state, as well as confirmation of the true nature of the Muslim rulers.

The leaked documents give candid accounts of meetings with many leaders, exposing their real concerns and views. A number of documents focus on the deep concern towards Iran, where many Arab nations repeatedly raised concerns over Iran. King Abdullah claimed Iran was meddling in ‘Arab matters’ and called the state liars. Abu Dhabi’s crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan also suggested that the US should send in ground forces if air strikes were not enough to "take out" Iranian nuclear targets. Egypt’s intelligence chief general Omar Suleiman called Iran "a significant threat to Egypt….supporting jihad and spoiling peace," furthermore Hosni Mubarak told a US congressman, "Iran is always stirring trouble". These statements amongst many others actually encourage military action against the Ummah.

These accounts show the intimate relationship between the US and the Muslim rulers, where these leaders are raising their fears hoping the US will help them. The appreciation and care shown to the US is remarkable. In a discussion with the US, Saudi King Abdullah said, "We (the U.S. and Saudi Arabia) spilled blood together" in Kuwait and Iraq, the King continued, and Saudi Arabia valued this tremendously. Friendship can be a difficult issue that requires work, Abdullah said, but the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have done it for 70 years over three generations. "Our disagreements don’t cut to the bone," he stated. Zardari showed similar appreciation for US help during the Pakistani elections stating, "We are here because of you."
However the most staggering example of this relationship was from Yemen’s president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who assured the US that missile strikes conducted in his own country by the US in Yemen would be claimed as a Yemeni army assault, and he would "continue saying the bomb are ours, not yours." One of the leaked cables showed in one attack 41 local residents, including 14 women, 21 children and 14 other Muslims were killed. General Petraeus on the same issue but in another cable is recorded as saying that the attack had caused the deaths of "only" three "civilians".

Whilst the Muslim rulers continue their relationship of subservience to the West the US views the world only in terms of its national interests. As captured in the leaks Turkey has been used to negotiate with Iran regarding their nuclear ambitions and was even reprimanded by the US when they weren’t dealing with Iran adequately. The cables show that US diplomats have grave doubts about Turkey’s dependability, quoting one high-ranking government adviser as saying that Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu would use his Islamist influence on Erdogan, describing him as "exceptionally dangerous." Regardless of how much help Recep Erdogan has given the US over years with Iran, Israel, Iraq and Gaza, the AKP’s commitment continues to be questioned.
A number of the leaked cables show pure condescension of the Muslim rulers. Chief of the Defence Staff Jock Stirrup stated that although Zardari has "made helpful political noises, he’s clearly a numbskull.", furthermore Permanent Under-Secretary for Security Affairs Peter Ricketts characterized Zardari as having "not much sense of how to govern a country…I fear he talks and talks but not much happens." This is not the first time the US has backed a less than desirable leader as an ally since their objective is not to promote a leader who will bring his people progress but one who would be an active accomplice in their global plans.

The wikileaks cables have only come to confirm the widely held belief that our rulers are exceptionally inept in their role. The cables prove that in addition to merely being concerned about building palaces and holding on to power, they are also delusional, seeing their role in the US grand schemes as indispensible and privileged. The cables show the world that our leaders are quick to give help to the west in order to gain some crumbs, happy to sell their own people to achieve western aims.
The leaked cables show us that the US is only concerned with the pursuit of its interests in the world and an ally is seen merely as an aid to attain these interests. These leaders leave our Ummah vulnerable to the interests of the west, happy to accommodate them where the only vision is to please their colonial master.

To gain protection from the colonialist wolf and progress as an ummah it’s time we had the vision for the true Islamic ruler as seen in Khaleefah’s of the past who followed in the way of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

via: http://islamicsystem.blogspot.com/2010/12/wikileaks-confirms-treachery-of-ummahs.html

Twelve teenagers from the Reach For A Dream Foundation were taken on an outing to the Kwantu Private Game Reserve, situated 80 kilometres from Port Elizabeth. The Reach For A Dream Foundation  fulfills the dreams of children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have been diagnosed as having a life-threatening illness by a medical practitioner. The foundation aspires to alleviate some of the strain (which often affects the whole family), by creating a different environment for the child – one that is not focused on her/ his illness.

Established on the 7^th of July 1988, the organization made it’s very first dream come true. So the journey of dream fulfillment began. Little J C Steinman was treated to a wonderful birthday celebration with rides on a pony and a motorcycle. Officially named the Reach For A Dream Foundation in 1999, the organization defined its core purpose as “fulfilling the dreams of children of any race, colour and creed between the ages of 3 and 18 faced with a life-threatening illness.”

On Saturday 16 October 2010, twelve teenagers were treated to an outing of a lifetime by the Kwantu Foundation. Their first stop was the Kwantu Elephant Sanctuary where they were greeted by four giant African elephants. As they asked questions they all had the opportunity of interacting with these gentle giants by touching them and feeding them up close and personal.

Next the boys after enjoying some snacks and drinks, departed on a breathtaking big 5 game drive at the mystical Kwantu Private Game Reserve. Miss Inge Human branch manager of the Reach For A Dream Foundation says “Our game ranger was wonderful and told us lots of interesting facts about the animals we saw “! Then came the “highlight” of the outing, the boys had the opportunity of playing and interacting with lion and Bengal tiger cubs. Miss Human says “ All the fresh air made us very hungry and they thoroughly enjoyed the buffet lunch that awaited us”

The Kwantu Foundation aims to fulfill the dreams of people from all walks of life and is successfully running under the auspices of its Executive Chairman Yossuf Jeeva. CEO of the Kwantu Foundation Shakir Jeeva says “ We are particulary pleased to be able to be part of fulfilling the dreams of these young children. The beauty hidden in Africa’s true natue is unbelievably astounding.These young souls are at times so entrapped in the challenges of their daily lives that they very raley receive the opportunity of experiencing the power beneath the bed of Africa!”

Inge Human says “ All the boys agreed that this was the best day ever, with lots of good memories made to carry them during the difficult times!”

On Wednesday 13th of October 2010 local charitable organisation, the Bismillah Trust, hosted 22 seniors from the Vistarus Community Centre in Sydneham, a centre that caters primarily for the destitute citizens of Port Elizabeth. There was a feeling of excitement as the Bismillah Trust Social Services team arrived at the centre. The program commenced with a motivational talk for the elderly. Afterwards each person received some spending money for the day and the residents were transported to the Greenacres Mall to enjoy some shopping and a wholesome lunch.

Vistarus resident Mrs. Lynne du Plooy wrote a warm letter of gratitude “Thank you Mr. Yossuf Jeeva so much for blessing me. It was greatly appreciated, after all it is the little things one does for each other that count in life. Your blessing enabled me to purchase more wool which I need to carry on blessing others with bed socks which I crochet and knit for the elderly. I was able to bless another five people with your blessing! May you be most richly blessed for your generosity, kindness, caring and love for others.”

Ray Wienand, a 73 year old man, wrote “As a European Christian, it fills my heart with a deep sense of profound pride, wellbeing and joy to be a South African Citizen. Just to know that there is someone or some organization that still happens to care for the countries citizens of yesteryear’s”. He further wrote  “It is with a heart filled with pride that I congratulate you on doing a job well done, and may the Almighty God bless you, guide you and keep you in His Peace, both now and forever more.”

Executive Chairman of the Bismillah Trust Mr. Yossuf Jeeva acknowledged the sentiments shared and has made a sincere commitment to persevere in empowering and  enlightening the citizens of this beautiful country.

Each week the Bismillah Trust (an organization involved in social services for the last 25 years) embarks on various different acts of social welfare. Amongst the many programs the trust is involved in, is the senior citizen program. Last year the Bismillah Trust hosted 2000 seniors and hope to reach 4000 by December 2010.

The Bismillah Trust was established by Mr. Yossuf Jeeva 25 years ago with the sole intention of empowering local citizens living in impoverished areas and is funded exclusively by Mr. Yossuf Jeeva.

Ml Moosa Leher, Bismillah Trust Director of Social Services says; “We are grateful to the Almighty for keeping the Trust growing from strength to strength. It is a team effort with a wonderful role model to follow. People willing to assist physically are more than welcome to contact me at the Bismillah Trust.”

Our good friend Nanima.co.za & 1000gooddeeds.com are behind this fantastic initiative.  Lets help them reach their target in no time!

If 500 muslims can just donate $5 (R35) we’ll be nearly done with this initiative and hundreds of Muslims in the Grasmere community will benefit!

In this time of social media, facebook and twitter.  Many of the older generation still think social media is a waste of time and dare i say ‘haraam’ – Nearly every single person reading this is on Facebook or Twitter,  lets put our differences aside and show the true power of social media and the Ummah!

This is seriously not difficult at all, MyUmmah receives over 400 readers a day.   Surely we can all part with R35!
Simple click the CHIPIN button on the left of this page to donate.

Prophet(SAW) said: “Whosoever shares in building a masjid for Allah, even if it is as small as a bird’s nest, Allah (S.W.T.) will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Ahmad)

Find our more about this as well as the finer points of this donation drive and more importantly where the money is going!

http://1000gooddeeds.com/2010/10/04/masjid-makeover-grasmere-south-africa/

I recently attended a Zakaah course in Johannesburg, the presenter made a striking comment in that he said something to the effect: times have changed and while Zakaah was only payable on a few items in the Prophet (S.A.W’s time, it is now payable on many more items. The reason for this was these items were not common in the Prophet (S.A.W)’s time. An example of such an item would be shares. This is a perfect example of Islam adapting to a new era.

A stigma that has plagued our society for some time now is the status of women in Islam. The west is of the opinion that we are oppressed and our own community does not make this any easier for us. Many Muslims are against sisters gaining an education and starting some sort of career for herself which basically leaves us stuck between a rock and a hard place.

We, as Muslims, need to realize that Allah has instructed us to gain knowledge from the cradle to the grave. It is thus our responsibility to acquire knowledge but in doing so we should have a clear intention and uphold the practises of Islam. We should always be Allah fearing in everything that we do.

Also, being a businesswoman is not a new phenomenon, if we look back at history; Khadija (R.A) was a businesswoman. Nabi (S.A.W) used to conduct business on her behalf and she later became his wife.

Nowadays we get the  Lion King theory, in that man wants to be seen as the sole provider for his wife and family. Once again, if we look back at Khadija (R.A’s relationship with Nabi (S.A.W) prior to marriage, he was her employee. He did not feel intimidated by her and he had a great amount of respect and love for her. A mother is seen as a child’s first teacher and thus would it not be beneficial for any family to be taught by an educated mother? I am by no means suggesting that sister’s usurp the power of the husband and run the household but brothers, would it not be a great benefit to have a wife who could manage the finances of the home so that you break even or even in such a manner that the household allowances get carried over to the next month?

In conclusion, I think like everything in life, we need a compromise; sisters remember to seek knowledge but never forget that you are a Muslim and do not get so caught up in the power driven corporate ladder that you neglect the Sunnah of marriage and your family. Brothers encourage the sisters to get an education so that they positively affect your home and they can utilise this knowledge to benefit your children and even you.

Sister Sadiyya Mosam

Pearls from the Path is a collection of relevant and thought provoking anecdotes and stories gathered from the books of Islamic history. A rich collection of stories with powerful lessons for everyone, Pearls from the Path will ignite your passion for Islamic history and illustrate the priceless heritage that Muslims have left for all of mankind. Discover amazing tales of heroism and bravery, marvel at the lengths that the scholars of old would go to in order to gain knowledge, be amazed at the trials that pious men have faced, and take heed from the mistakes of men through the ages. Adults can learn valuable lessons that will help them navigate the complex modern world, while the youth will learn that history has an important place in both the present and the future. Whether you want to expand your existing knowledge or introduce your family to the wonders of their Islamic heritage, this compilation of short stories will serve as an invaluable resource. For those interested in Islam, or who want to know more about Islam as a way of life, Pearls from the Path serves as an effective bridge towards the understanding of Islam and Muslims.

Cover: Glossy Paperback
Pages: 183
Size: 21 X 15cm
Text: 2 colours
Volume 1 and Volume 2 now available

For orders and stockists contact:
Muslims at Work Publications
Tel : 011 656 9156
Cell : 073 183 0721
Email: info@muslimsatwork.co.za

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Received this news clip scan via email,  Islam spreading in Soweto, South Africa (click on the image to enlarge)