It is with sadness that the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) announces the passing during the early hours of today, of one of the organisation’s senior and pioneering members, Moulana Muhammad Kaka. Inalillahi waina ilayhi rajiun.

 

After his 1975 return from studies in Karachi, Moulana Kaka worked as a teacher, under the Lenasia Muslim Association (LMA), when Ulama were very few in the area. He also worked in the field of halaal assurance, under Mufti Basheer Sanjalvi RA, eventually becoming the head of the Ma‘kulaat Department within the Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal. He served in this role until when the department ceded to the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA), from the year 2000. Nonetheless, he continued to serve on the SANHA executive committee for at least a decade.

 

Moulana Kaka was imam of Saaberie Jumuah Masjid in Lenasia wherefrom, he would work with other organisations such as the LMA and the Crescent of Hope of South Africa, in areas such as taalim, zakaah welfare programmes, relief, burial services, fighting substance abuse, and youth-counselling.

 

After a period of coordinating activities under “Ulama of Lenasia” who had seen societal challenges that required a diversity of interventions, Moulana Kaka co-founded the first-ever branch of the Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal in 1984, in Lenasia. This is a significant milestone in the history and the growth of the Ulama body now called Jamiatul Ulama South Africa.

Through his wisdom and dedication, Moulana Kaka co-founded many initiatives, a living testimony to his understanding of the multi-faceted nature of the work of Deen, from matrimonial counselling, to outreach in correctional service facilities in the former Transvaal.

 

Several entities such as Radio Islam, the Islamic Helpline, Madrasah Ayesha RA, Lenasia Muslim School, and Ulwazi Skills Development and Empowerment Centre, came into being under his stewardship of the Jamiatul Ulama Branch in Lenasia (now South Gauteng Branch).

 

During his years of service, Moulana Kaka touched many hearts through his selflessness and hard work. He was a champion of community interests, always raising alarm among Ulama, at perceived potential risks of social instability.

 

We ask Allah Subhana wa Ta aala to overlook Moulana’s shortcomings, and accept his contributions in the Service of Deen. We supplicate to Allah Subhana wa Ta aala to grant his servant mercy, and admit his soul to the loftiest stages of Jannah Firdaus.

 

JUSA extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Moulana Kaka, close ones and associates. May Allah inspire us to emulate Moulana’s lived example of simplicity, steadfastness and care. (Aameen).

 

The Executive Committee
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

 

21 Rabi al Awwal 1446 / 25 Sep 2024