Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
Durban community stalwart Ebrahim Jadwat – a founding member of the MuslimYouth Movement (MYM) – was honoured by Islamic Forum for his lifetime work in the field of da’wah and activism.
Pushing 77, Jadwat has now healed after fighting for his life when he contracted COVID-19.
The tribute to Jadwat was held at the Suleman Lockhat Centre, Durban. The event was chaired by fellow activist Dr Ahmed Manjra, who highlighted some of Jadwat’s achievements that benefited the community at large.
Apart from being a founding member of the MYM, he was also instrumental in founding several other organisations, including SANZAF, the Islamic Medical Association (IMA), and the Islamic Da’wah Movement (IDM).
Manjra described Jadwat as living up to the Quranic verse, which says: “Encourage what is good and forbid what is evil”. Manjra said that this verse was the “epitome of the life of Ebrahim Jadwat.” He continued, “From the time he became conscious of his responsibility towards this ummah that became his life’s mission – to invite people to good.”
Some of the achievements of the MYM were highlighted, such as the formative years of conventions and outreach, MYM’s expansion into other organisations, and its ideological phase of camps, halaqats and political activities.
In his presentation, Jadwat spoke about the early years when many Muslims were either indulging in unethical lifestyles or being drawn to Marxism. This dilemma prompted Jadwat to initiate a positive alternative for Muslims. Jadwat emphasised the need for Muslims to read the Qur’an with understanding and to encourage critical thinking.
It was Jadwat’s trip to Europe in 1966 that led him to meet influential figures such as Sayyid Ramadan, the son-in-law of Ikhwaanul Muslimeen founder Hasan al Banna, at the Islamic Convention of Geneva, and Muzzamil Sidiqi who holds a PhD in comparative religion. Jadwat said he was “in awe of individuals who were seeking connections between enlightened Muslims of the world”.
Jadwat also drew attention to the early “Natal” and “Transvaal” Muslim communities who, upon arriving in South Africa, set up mosques and madrassahs to ensure the establishment of Islam in these regions. This was critical in ensuring that future generations would have established institutes for the continuation of Islam in South Africa.
The event was well attended by members of the community, who also shared their memories and anecdotes of Jadwat. A befitting tribute was also paid to wife Rashida Jadwat, who served as the backbone to Jadwat’s mission and was described as “the force behind the man”.
