Silent workers who seek no recognition or publicity are the backbone of this Community. These are those individuals who in different walks of life have quietly dedicated their lives in the service of the society. From Mombasa, Mulla Abdulrasul Khaki falls into this category of personalities for which posterity will remain indebted to.
Mulla Abdulrasul was born in Mombasa on 15th March 1926. From a very young age he had a special interest in Islamic History and Fiqh and thus, he sought the company of Ulema to further his knowledge.
In 1944, the Huseini Night School was established in Mombasa under the able leadership of Late M. M. Jaffer and Mulla Abdulrasul joined as a teacher.
In 1956 when Alhaj M. M. Jaffer passed away, Late H. M. Nasser took over as the Head Master of the school with Mulla Abdulrasul as his deputy. Few years later, Mulla Abdulrasul succeeded H. M. Nasser as Head Master of the Huseini Night School.
In addition to his role as a Madrasah teacher, since 1956, Mulla Abdulrasul had been an active member of the Ghusl Kafan Committee and over the years, taught scores of individuals on the related practices and masael. To his credit, he trained three generations of pupils active in this field. He has also cooperated with the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya in running classes on Ghusl Kafan for Muallims from rural areas.
Apart from teaching in Huseini Night School and later on at the Huseini Madrasah, which he continued to serve until the year 2000, Mulla Abdulrasul also took special interest in conducting special classes for adults on Islamic History. For years he also ran special classes for prospective Hujjaj to acquaint them with the masael for Hajj. In early 1970’s, Late Dr. Jafferali Asaria, who was then the Hon. Secretary of the Federation of K.S.I. Jamaats of Africa, initiated the idea of adult classes for ladies. Mulla Abdulrasul conducted these classes on Fiqh, History and Muaamelaat (dealings) and indulged in interactive discussion with the participants seated behind the screen.
Imparting religious education and conducting classes in Fiqh and Islamic history has been the lifelong mission of Mulla Abdulrasul. Such was his dedication that despite his age and a heart by-pass surgery that he had to undergo, followed by eye problems related to Glaucoma and retina detachments which limited his vision and curtailed his passion for reading, Mulla Abdulrasul was ever ready to conduct classes, even if it be for one student.
Furthermore, while on a visit to London for medical treatment, at the request of Mulla Asghar, Mulla Abdulrasul conducted special classes on Fiqh for the new converts to Islam. Mulla Abdulrasul believed that for a religious leader (whether male or a female) to be effective, one must engage in social activities and be seen to be part of the society. All through his life, he practiced this outlook.
While engaged in business, his doors would always be open to visitors to walk in without appointment to seek clarifications on masael of Fiqh, matters related to matrimonial disputes or on interpretations related to the Islamic laws of inheritance. Women often telephoned him to seek clarifications and guidance on a variety of religious questions.
In 1974, Mombasa Jamaat convened a special Open Forum for ladies to review rites, rituals, customs and traditions practiced by the community. It was recognized that no effective changes in our traditions could be brought about without active involvement of the ladies section. The entire managing committee of the Jamaat, accompanied by late Maulana Aqa Haider and Mulla Abdulrasul sat behind the screen as participants reviewed a wide spectrum of traditions and the changes proposed. Another sphere of his active involvement had been in match making and as a member of the Marriage Reconciliation Committee. In addition, he is also an effective Zakir delivering Majalis in Gujarati for which he has travelled to Madagascar and to Paris during Muharram.
In appreciation of his services, Mombasa Jamaat awarded him with a citation and the Federation of KSI Jamaats of Africa presented him with the Huseini Medal while the World Federation of KSIMC presented him with the Al Baqir award in recognition to for his outstanding work in Tabligh.
Mulla Abdulrasul is a shining example of how individuals can have a lasting impact by dedicating their lives in servitude to the community and promoting our faith.
During the visit to Mombasa by the Africa Federation Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan who was accompanied by Alhaj Fazleabbas Bhanji, he recalls that Mulla Abdulrasul was very keen in following up on the Madressah syllabus and the number and the frequency of Madressah classes in several Jamaats including Mombasa; for both girls and boys. He underscored the need to increase the number of classes and the teaching of the holy Qur’an with meaning and understanding of the Holy Book.
May Allah (SWT) in His Mercy bless Mulla Abdulrasul with longevity and good health and increase in his tawfeeqat so that he may continue to provide inspiration to all those who devote their lives to serve in the way of Allah (SWT).
Source: AFED Archives Section
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
28th May 2021 / 15th Shawwal 1442 A.H