PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGO: NONE
09 July 2020
AL JAMA-AH MOURNS DEATH OF RENOWNED ISLAMIC SUFI SCHOLAR SHEIKH SERAJ HASSAN HENDRICKS OF AZZAWIA INSTITUTE IN WALMER ESTATE, CAPE TOWN
THE AL JAMA-AH is saddened by the passing of Cape Town’s renowned Islamic Sufi scholar Sheikh Seraj Hassan Hendricks of Azzawia Institute. Sheikh Hendricks succumbed after a long battle against the Covid-19 virus. We pray the Almighty grant him a high place in paradise and place contentment in the hearts of his wife, Aunty Rhoda Hendricks, their three children and the Sheikh’s students.
The Azzawia Mosque Institute has for many years played an important role in the community giving leadership and high moral guidance in accordance with Islam. The Azzawia Institute is well known for celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the traditions of our forefathers dating back to 350 years ago. Sheikh Seraj and his brother Sheikh Ahmad followed in the footsteps of their grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Salih Hendricks who laid the foundation of Azzawia 100 years ago.
Sheikh Seraj was also the Gakim of the Crescent Observance Society with the responsibility to announce the dates of the two Eid Festivals celebrated by Muslims. The Eid Festival of Sacrifice will be held later this month and his absence will sadly be missed at the sighting of the new moon. He was also a Sufi and well respected in the Sufi World Order. His teachings have reached many beyond the borders of Cape Town, South Africa and the rest of the African continent. Sheikh Seraj leaves a legacy of nearly a century and Muslims look forward to this tradition being carried on by his successor.
AL JAMA-AH President and Member of Parliament, Hon Ganief Hendricks served as secretarial aide to Sheikh Seraj’s late uncle, Sheikh Magadie Hendricks when he served as President of Majlisush Shura. Sheikh Magadie was also a Gakim a role traditionally performed by Azzawia for decades. Hon Hendricks will also submit a Motion Without Notice to Parliament to honour his legacy.
We pray the Almighty grant Sheikh Seraj a high abode and in the protection of the Almighty.
For further details contact:
Hon. Ganief Hendricks
AL JAMA-AH PRESIDENT AND MEMBER IN PARLIAMENT
Cell: 082 780 2573