When Imam Hashim Salie passed away on 2nd September 2021, it brought the curtain down on a wonderful life spent in the service of humanity, Alghamdulillah. In a world troubled by many other darker forces, he shone a light that brought relief, insight and progress wherever he tread. While his involvement and wisdom will be dearly missed, he has left a precious legacy that needs to be uncovered, understood and preserved for the many good things in life that should be aspired to.
This Tribute is a humble attempt by the Boorhaanol Islam Movement to encapsulate that legacy, by celebrating a life well spent, affording his family, friends and colleagues an avenue of release and closure, and recording some of his more noteworthy achievements for posterity. The Tribute consists of two parts, a brief Biography and a composite Calendar tribute.
The Biography seeks to trace the important milestones, challenges and achievements in his life, though due to time and access constraints only an abridged version could be assembled. Nevertheless, the Boorhaanol Islam Movement extends its heartfelt appreciation to all those who so willingly and freely provided insights into his life.
“A young lady, Janpakka or Pakka van Batavia was born a free person in 1755 somewhere in the Indonesian Archipelago. Captured by the Dutch, she was shipped to Cape Town as a slave. She was made the concubine of Johan Godlieb Barends, a free burgher who was born in 1754. Mamma Pakka died just after the emancipation of slaves in 1835, having lived for nearly 7 decades in slavery.
In 1785, she gave birth to a son who was named Carel by his father. She called him Gasnodien. Despite his father being a free burgher, Carel alias Gasnodien (also spelt Gazadien) had the status of the womb that bore him, a slave. Mamma Pakka raised her slave son as a Muslim.
Carel became the first indigenous born Muslim to have undertaken the arduous journey to perform Hajj.
He was hence known as Carel Pelgrim/Pilgrim alias Imam Gasnodien. He was polygamous and his second wife, Saartjie Seppard (Pelgrim), born in 1822 was 37 years younger than him. She too was born in slavery, but was emancipated when the British rulers abolished slavery at the Cape. She was only 26 years old when she passed away in 1848, leaving her 4-year-old toddler son motherless. He was Achmat, and by Islamic tradition adopted the name of his father as his surname, hence Achmat Gasnodien.
Achmat Gasnodien married a woman named Fatima, who is largely unknown and died at a young age too. The smallpox epidemic in the 1880's took a heavy toll. Their daughter was named Asa Gasnodien in 1873. She married the Mauritian settler, Ozier Booley, and became the clan mother of the vast Booley family, having given birth to some 16 babies.
Their eldest daughter was Fatima Booley (born 1895 died 1963). Fatima Booley and Abdol Kariem Booran saw their four first born children dying in the 1919 measles epidemic. Our grandmother, Salaama Booran (born 1920 died in 1982) survived the rampant disease that took many young lives during that time.
Abdol Kariem Booraan died in 1929 in Mecca. Salaama Booraan married Hassiem Peck (born 1912 died 1994) in April 1939. They had one daughter, our mother Mariam Peck (married to our father Edroos Salie) who respectively passed away in 2002 and 2018.
Salaama Booraan (formerly Peck, thereafter Hendricks) was known as Laama Onkel within the Cape Muslim community. She was an excellent seamstress and dressmaker. In 1973 the Apartheid regime bulldozed her house at 8 Oxford Street, District Six. Despite this she resisted being forcibly removed by getting an alternative house at 108 Aspeling Street. Eventually in 1981 she was amongst the last persons to be forced out of District Six under the Group Areas Act. She passed away a mere 9 months later on 1 June 1982. Three children were born of the marriage between Edroos and Mariam Salie: Hashim (1968), Malikah (1970) and Gayaat (1974).”
Ancestry history compiled by Hashim Salie in 2017
The year 1968 signified the start of the Apartheid Government's bulldozing of all the houses and businesses of District 6. It was also the year in which Mariam Salie gave birth to her first child on the 25th February at their residence at no. 8 Oxford St in District 6. Edroos and Mariam Salie named their baby boy Hashim, the title of the great grandfather of Prophet Muhammad, peace be unto him, but whose actual name was 'Amr. During the 6th Century 'Amr had been titled thus because of his outstanding charitable work especially in relation to the pilgrims. He would purchase large loaves of bread, break them into manageable pieces and personally hand them over to the pilgrims and visitors to the Haram. Hashim thus means 'one who breaks bread', a prophetic name indeed.
The first few years of Hashim Salie's life were thus spent in District 6 in the loving care of his parents as well as his grandmother Salaama Hendricks, to whom Hashim became very attached. From an early age Hashim started displaying the hallmarks of a remarkable memory, as his recollection of full feature films he attended with his uncle, Faick Hendricks, in District 6 show. Both his parents imparted a solid religious and moral grounding into him, fertile roots that it seems Hashim had a great appetite for. By day his mother worked as a seamstress at a top fashion house, while his father Edroos worked as a terrazzo plasterer by day and sought knowledge of the Deen at night by attending classes of Sheikh Shaakier Gamieldien, among others. Another person who shaped Hashim's moral character from an early age was Imam Redar Behardien, who was related to Mariam and a close friend of Edroos.
However the social fabric of District 6 was being torn apart by the bulldozers of the Apartheid regime, and having to watch the devastation of houses and livelihood wrought by these draconian measures, prompted the decision by Mariam and Edroos to undertake migration (Hijra) under such circumstances. They acquired a plot of land at no.6 Saturn Close in Surrey Estate, managed to build their own house and moved there in 1970. The blessed abode remained their residence till both passed on, may Allah Almighty grant them both Paradise, Insha-Allah.
In 1970, three months before their migration out of District 6, Mariam and Edroos were blessed with the birth of their first daughter Malikah, followed in 1974 with the birth of Gayaat, making Hashim the eldest and Boeta of his two sisters. This relationship remained cardinal throughout his life, as Hashim served as guide, protector and mentor to Malikah and Gayaat from young till his demise.
In 1974 Hashim started formal schooling in Surrey Estate at Porta View Primary, an English-medium school where he consistently achieved top grades. At the same time, he entered the Darul Islam Madrassa in Pluto Rd, supervised by the illustrious Imam Ismail 'koefyt' Johnstone, ably assisted by his brother, Boeta Said Johnstone. The Madrassa offered a wide range of subjects, including Arabic, History and Fiqh, and Hashim revelled in this environment. Throughout his time at the Madrassa thereafter, Hashim scooped the lion's share of the annual awards, an indication of Hashim's huge potential, as well as his total commitment and discipline to his Islamic studies.
Beyond his formal Madrassa education and exemplary Islamic home environment, Hashim gradually began satisfying his thirst for knowledge by immersing himself in books on a wide range of topics. They focused his attention, propelled his imagination and built his confidence in the live arts.
By 1978, television was a relatively new phenomenon in the country and an Afrikaans-dubbed series called ‘Beste Professor’ was screened from the original English title named ‘Paper Chase’. The plot was set in a Harvard-like law school, and revolved around the relationship between the class of students and a brilliant contract law professor, Prof Charles Kingsfield, who inspired both awe and fear in them in his unremitting determination to prepare them for the practice of law. Professor Kingsfield employed the Socratic Method of teaching, whereby the students are asked to question their assumptions and probing questions are used to develop a deeper understanding of the topic. Kingsfield portrayed the role as a brilliant and demanding teacher, and it was a character that resonated well with the impressionable Hashim. At home he enjoyed his nickname of Beste Professor.
The series ran for two years and it had a major influence on Hashim’s character. He kept the family entertained by emulating the professor with impressive precision, thereafter engaging those around him with the same method of teaching in imparting his knowledge of Islam. He would often answer a question with another question, forcing the questioner to think, then he would help with simple guidance and reference to the Quran. He debated fervently, respectfully disagreeing without hesitation where he could not be persuaded, nurtured in others the skill of thinking cognitively about their thoughts, views and actions, and the ability to incorporate these coherently into life’s experiences. Hashim developed an exceptional gift to listen attentively, to encapsulate the issues at hand and to understand what the pertinent underlying issues were that needed to be addressed. The TV series also buttressed Hashim’s command and eloquence of the Afrikaans language, a facility he maintained throughout his life.
Hashim loved food, ‘lekker huis kos’, not take-aways, ‘wit brood, aartappels en rys’, not meat, rather a bone with marrow in the dish. His best time was to eat with his hands and suck out that bone, ‘ ‘n lekker murgbeen’. He also loved camping, especially swimming and floating, yet on fishing trips was strict to insist on the salaah when the waqt arrived. He engaged his siblings Malikah and Gayaat at Monopoly and Scrabble for hours on end, always keeping score so that they could not cheat. When they had friends over at their house, Hashim would perform a mock nikah as his sisters had to dress up as a bride, alternatively their dolls would be used in a mock qurbaan. He never played sport as a teenager, opting to act as the referee, for he knew all the rules, even though his uncles were ardent rugby players.
Hashim excelled academically at Belgravia High and he was elected Head Prefect in 1985 when the student riots were at their peak. His leadership skills placed him on the podium of many school rallies and protests and Belgravia High was at the forefront of the resistance movement. The spectre of how his beloved grandmother Salaama had been hounded out of District 6 still haunted him, and much of this was channeled in fighting against the injustice and oppression perpetrated by the state. The year 1985 was marked by continual unrest, when students took to the streets to express their disdain for a system that subjected them to intense violence and torture.
Hashim was one of the architects of the symbolic Burial of Apartheid held at Belgravia High on 4th September 1985, an event that attracted a crowd of 5 000 students, activists and community leaders. Placards of Apartheid leaders and symbols had been placed in a coffin as a gesture to signify the demise of Apartheid, and Hashim led the student delegation in handing over a memorandum to the police. However this provoked an angry response from the State when a Casspir flattened the school fence and police fired rubber bullets into the school, dispersing the crowd. Not to be intimidated, the students erected barriers and engaged in running battles with police, who reacted by erecting barbed-wire across Belgravia Road. This event became known as the Battle of Belgravia, which triggered a heightened atmosphere of defiance and a declaration two days later that over 400 schools were to be closed. On the 15th October 1985 the notorious Trojan Horse Massacre in Thornton Road was perpetrated whereby three students were killed, which ultimately led to the declaration of the State of Emergency in the Western Cape two weeks later.
Hashim was in his Matric year and when the Trojan Horse massacre happened, his parents feared for his safety and decided to send him by train to a distant family of Edroos in Bosmont. Hashim dutifully accepted this decision by his parents and his only complaint was that his host family lacked ‘lekker tamatie kos, te min suiker’. Needless to say, upon his return, Mariam welcomed him back with his favourite ‘ tamatiekos with sopbene’, a treat Hashim enjoyed immensely. He persevered throughout the boycott period to still study as well as attend extra tuition classes, and matriculated with an excellent academic achievement. He was subsequently accepted at UCT to study for a B. Comm. degree.
As a youngster Hashim always said he wanted to be an Imam so that he can make his parents proud. While the Holy Quran was an overriding presence in the Salie household, Hashim wouldn’t skip a day of madrassa as his Arabic and Islamic studies prospered under the tutelage of his beloved Imam Ismail Johnstone. For his 21st birthday in 1989, Hashim requested to undertake his Fard hajj, and thereafter the holy cities called him back over and over again in his lifetime. His upbringing, lived experiences and natural gifts had instilled in Hashim a strong character, established him as a deep thinker, yet he developed a great willingness to tackle and solve any problem.
In 1988, while still studying at UCT to become an accountant and aged only 20 years, Hashim joined the Crescent Observers Society of SA (COSOSA) and immediately made an impact with his enthusiastic approach to the scientific aspects of moon-sighting (hilal) and great knowledge of different aspects of astronomy. Later he accompanied various delegations to other towns like Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and George, educating their Muslim leadership about the scientific aspects of the hilal.
His positivity was infectious, and COSOSA was taken to another level of efficiency. He was responsible for cataloguing the history of all sightings of the moon since 1945, recording each Islamic month along with all the names, places and times pertaining to that event. Such a spreadsheet of documented history was testimony to the eemaan and diligence of a special Muslim minority community, and was widely lauded by delegates at Hilal Conferences around the globe.
After completing his B.Comm degree at UCT in 1989, Hashim enrolled for a teaching diploma at the same institution the following year, a skill that came to be of immense value throughout his life. He then entered the corporate world as an employee of KIC, the appliance company, for whom he worked for some time. Thereafter Hashim opened his own accounting practice, H.S. Accounting, at the premises of AL Petersen Accountants at 466 Imam Haron Road in Lansdowne. There he was joined by Mr Muain Abdurahman, and by 2002 they had bought a house at 81 Belvedere Road, Claremont and continued practicing there for the next several years. Later Muain and Hashim moved to another house in Imam Haron Road which they had bought and having sold the property in Belvedere Road, conducted their business from there. Tragedy struck in 2010 when this house in Imam Haron Rd caught alight and was burnt to the ground.
As an accountant, Hashim spent his billable hours not necessarily on clientele that would be most profitable to his practice, but included amongst them a vast number where he felt he could add real value and contribute to the overall wellbeing of society. Many a time, individuals or institutions would arrive with their financial records in disarray, often accompanied by financial irregularities and Hashim not only had to mediate between the opposing parties, but fix their financial and internal controls to ensure future prosperity. Such a unique skill set was also often utilized in formal contract signings which was accompanied by inspiring and thought-provoking Islamic advice to the couple and family members. At other times, having completed the financials of an individual pro deo and perceiving a healthy profit, would strongly remind that individual of his/her charitable obligations. Hashim wore his accountant suit to make ends meet, but wearing his thoub was where he was really at.
Yet by far Hashim’s most lasting legacy of his professional practice was that he managed to integrate his internal moral value system into his accounting practice, and foremost amongst these was his belief and trust in the ability of others by granting them opportunities of internships that few others would have considered. These opportunities not only provided momentum to the career pathways of many, but instilled confidence and belief at a crucial stage of their lives. Whether it was in the secular or religious fields, Hashim’s mantra was to develop young professionals so that he can embrace them as his peers. It was a philosophy that bears testimony to his unselfish nature, and speaks volumes for his maturity that was way beyond his years.
That maturity manifested itself already in his teens when he served as the Secretary of the Darul Islam mosque committee at the age of fifteen years old. A versatile skill set emanating from his deep faith in his Creator (yaqeen), struggle for equality and universal justice during his high school days, facility with Arabic language and jurisprudential issues sitting at the feet of his mentors, as well as facility with the Afrikaans language and Socratic method of teaching imbibed from his Beste Professor days, prepared Hashim for the important role he was to play in society.
In 1991, as recorded in the Taraweeg Survey of the Boorhaanol Islam Movement, he was appointed as Imam of the Noor el Hamedia Mosque in Long Street, Bo-Kaap, on the recommendation of Imam Abass Kamalie of the nearby Palm Tree Mosque in Long Street. Due to the chronic illness of Imam Abass, Hashim had deputized for him during jumuahs and on several ‘big’ nights, and based on Hashim’s familiarity with the Hanafi math’hab instilled into him by his mother Mariam, the greenhorn 23-year old was appointed to that post. Imam Hashim served that congregation till 1992.
In 1999, the Imam position at the Masjiedul Manaarul Hudaa in Manenberg became vacant and on the recommendation of Imam Redah Behardien of Majlishush Shura, the mosque committee appointed Imam Hashim to the post. He served the impoverished community of Manenberg with distinction for the next 12 years until 2011, despite his mounting responsibilities in other sectors of society. The feeding scheme he initiated in the Manenberg area will remain a lasting legacy of his impact on that community.
Darul Quran
In 1995 Sheikh Siraj Johaar, long-serving Imam at the Nurul Islam Mosque in Buitengracht St in Bo-Kaap and hafith protégé of the legendary Sheikh Salih Abadie, was pondering the way forward for some of his own haafith graduates who had returned from overseas studies, when he was recommended to approach Imam Hashim by among others, Sheikh Ihsaan Davids, Sheikh Shafiek Roberts and Sheikh Noor Scott, all of whom resided close to Imam Hashim and knew him well. Sheikh Siraj’s proposal to Imam Hashim was that they open haafith schools for these returning students, a proposal Imam Hashim accepted without hesitation.
At that time Imam Hashim was only 27 years old and he assumed the administrative responsibility of running the first two haafith schools opened in the Hidayatul Islam Masjid in Kensington and Masjid Rahman in Steenberg. There were no registration or tuition fees, and needless to say, Imam Hashim administered them efficiently and without compensation. Thereafter, further schools were opened the following year in Masjid Mansur in Mountview, Woodlands Masjid in Mitchells Plain (1997), Masjid Rahmaan in Hanover Park (1998), Masjid Nurul Islam in Heideveld (1999), Masjid Shaafi in Bo-Kaap (2000), Sunni Masjid in Kromboom (2003), Masjid Nurul Islam in Bo-Kaap (2004), Aries Rd (house) in Surrey Estate (2010) and Taurus Rd (house) also in Surrey Estate in 2014.
Once again the philosophy of Imam Hashim came strongly to the fore at the schools, namely empowerment, so that the school can be but a stepping stone for its students to pursue their dreams and ambitions. In the religious field, both Sheikh Siraj and Imam Hashim facilitated the placement of their graduates at overseas institutions, while in the secular field, Imam Hashim’s academic record as well as his persuasive manner, convinced hesitant students of successfully navigating the transition from hifz to academia. Thus today Darul Quran has among its alumni chartered accountants, engineers, IT specialists, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, gynaecologists, opticians and sport scientists, while on the religious front shuyoogh who studied in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Syria and South Africa, graduating in various faculties of Hadeeth, Fiqh, Tafseer and Quranic sciences. All of them represent a true legacy to the tireless efforts of Imam Hashim.
The SA Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is a lasting testimony to one of Imam Hashim Salie’s greatest achievements and encapsulates his monumental contribution to the building of the new democratic South Africa. When Imam Hashim joined the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA), forerunner to SAIPA, in 1995, it was overwhelmingly ‘Afrikaner, pale and male’. From that point it seems that Imam Hashim was a man on a mission, and his prolonged struggle is a salutary lesson on how to effect true transformation in our highly unequal society. Imam Hashim’s mantra was that transformation should not take place at all costs, but that quality should accompany transformation. It was a philosophy he was prepared to roll up his sleeves for, and the seeds he planted in the nineties and early noughties, has borne fruit with a rich harvest over the past decade.
Having joined the regional branch, he realized that involvement was the key to transformation and he thus embarked on a crusade to cajole fellow disadvantaged professionals to step up and play meaningful roles. As with black professionals in other sectors, their motivation to get involved was initially lacking and their uptake slow. This was where the patience, insight and most importantly, the capacity for human development by Imam Hashim came strongly to the fore. He had an exceptional gift of listening attentively to whoever addressed him, as well as the inner discipline to treat all individuals as equal, which allowed him to perceive the human element in each individual. He also fully appreciated that accounting was the common factor among people of diverse backgrounds, but that common intersection required unpacking for all its constituents to prosper. He thus viewed each person as an individual first and considered their development holistically. Due to this holistic approach to human development, he advocated for alternative solutions based on respecting individual world views and backgrounds and this ultimately contributed to an overhaul of the assessment and grading in the accounting profession.
Education and Learning
In Imam Hashim’s words ‘education and learning is a calling from Allah to fulfill our worldly purpose (amaanah) to humanity, but education without learning through challenging the facts does not enhance life and development’. Imam Hashim was passionate about education in the accounting profession, and he systematically set about that task throughout his tenure at the organization.
Firstly he served as Chairperson of SAIPA’s Examination Committee, where he enthusiastically supported the development of competency-based assessments and the rubric grading system; secondly he was among the first to qualify as an assessor for the monitoring and evaluation of trainees in the profession; thirdly he was instrumental in the implementation of the Accounting Olympiad which attracted 11 000 participants across the country; fourthly he successfully lobbied for the registration of learnerships as a qualification registered at NQF level 8; fifthly he was a valued member of the Project Achiever programme’s management team; sixthly he played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance to the International Education Standards; seventhly, as Chairperson of the Western region, he spearheaded the Saturday Forums as well as the Young Professionals Forum and eighthly, he played a major role in the implementation of the process for the establishment of approved training centres (ATC) to develop a pipeline in the profession.
Most importantly was his eagerness to impart with his vast knowledge of the accounting profession and assist young individuals who needed guidance or advice.
Formation of SAIPA
By 2005 Imam Hashim’s hard work was beginning to bear fruit and at a seminal annual national conference of the CPA held at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Imam Hashim served as the master of ceremonies and in ‘suiwer’ (fluent) Afrikaans quoted from the Bible and the Quran, finally urging the delegates to embrace change and elect its first non-White Chairperson. Leading up to this watershed moment Imam Hashim had worked tirelessly to convince other non-White professional accountants to take office within the structures of the organization, and among them was Saleem Kharwa of Durban who at that stage was the second Vice-President of the CFA.
Saleem Kharwa was duly elected at that historic meeting, and together with Imam Hashim they set about effecting many changes to the structures and philosophy of the CFA. A name change was among these, and it was thus under the watch of Saleem Kharwa that the Institute of Professional Accountants(SAIPA) was born. Soon thereafter Imam Hashim was elected as a Board Member where he served two full 4-year terms, as well as an Exco member of SAIPA. Imam Hashim also served on the Transformation and Disciplinary Committees, as Chief examiner of Professional Evaluation(PE) and two terms as Western Region Chairperson until 2019. For SAIPA he has left big shoes to fill, but he implemented a succession plan through his passion for humanity.
Boorhaanol Islam Movement
In 1994 the Tricentenary Commemoration, spearheaded by the Boorhaanol Movement under the guidance of Boeta Achmat Davids, was the springboard for a lifelong friendship between Imam Hashim, Achmat Kamalie, Mogamad Shaheed Jacobs (MSJ) and Abdul Muhaimin Bassier. The programme celebrated 300 years since the arrival of Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar at the Cape, heralding the establishment of Islam at the southern tip of Africa. Imam Hashim’s first formal contribution to the Boorhaanol occurred in 1997 when he commenced his ‘Believe and Perform’ series in the Boorhaanol Newsletter. When Boeta Achmat passed on in 1998, his position as Co-ordinator of the Movement was taken over by MSJ, who served the organization in that capacity till 2014.
Over that period Imam Hashim played an invaluable mentoring role, as his administrative, accounting and jurisprudential knowledge came to the fore. In 2003 Imam Hashim got more formally involved with the organization when he took over from Hadji Goosain Abrahams in doing the Annual Financials of the Boorhaanol Movement. He was then instrumental in the registration of the Boorhaanol Trust and the drafting of the Trust Deed, pivotal legal documents related to the acquisition of the Boorhaanol Centre in Pentz St in Bo-Kaap, and later the historic Boorhaanol House in nearby Almonda Street. Imam Hashim was also instrumental in the Maghrajaan Programme, both in concept and name.
The word Maghrajaan was developed jointly between Mohammad Groenewald and Imam Hashim, and means festivities, carnival or fair. It was started in 2008 as an eve-of-Labarang Programme whereby food is prepared in big 100-liter pots for distribution to the poor on Eid. Donors are encouraged to participate in cooking the pots of food, which is done in the open air on the Boorhaanol forecourt. With the Covid lockdown intervening since last year, the majority of the 43 pots of food were outsourced into the community for which they were destined. While Imam Hashim also served as a member of the Boorhaanol’s Editorial team, to quantify his immense contribution to the Movement would be difficult as he always avoided the limelight, yet was always on hand to give advice on a myriad of issues.
The Cape Muslim community being rich in tradition and culture, much of which may not necessarily be fully understood by the younger generation. If one then adds a religious leadership education rooted in a foreign culture, many misunderstandings and clashes may result. This formed the backdrop to the series of annual programmes held under the auspices of the Boorhaanol Movement for emerging leaders of the Cape Muslim community, the first of which was held in July 2009 over 3 days at the Cape Suites Hotel in Strand Street, Cape Town.
Imam Hashim, by virtue of his extensive contact with many of the students studying overseas, his own knowledge and experience as an Imam as well as his association with many of the local ulema fraternity, played a pivotal role in designing the content of the programme on the one hand, and its execution in developing the Imamat skills among the participants on the other. Amongst others, the programme aimed at developing the Ulema of tomorrow into effective and dynamic leaders, to impart critical skills in the areas of leadership, strategy and communication, while updating them on the latest developments and trends affecting the local and global Muslim community.
A total of four of these annual conferences were held until 2013, and it served as an invaluable platform to better acquaint students with current ulema, while also acting as an important stepping stone in the induction of young Imams as community leaders. By the time the 4th conference was held in 2013, a number of attendees at the first conference in 2009 held various Imamat and teaching positions within the community.
The Boorhaanol Movement has published the annual Taraweeg Survey from 1988, and the following year Abdul Muhaimin, Achmad Kamalie and Achmad Kiyaam decided to drive through to the Worcester mosque one Saturday during Ramadan to verify the details of the mosque as published. The following year Imam Hashim, MSJ, Achmad Kamalie and Abdul Muhaimin undertook a similar journey to deliver copies of the Boorhaanol‘s Taraweeg Survey to the Worcester Mosque over 100 kilometres from Cape Town. In typical Cape Muslim fashion, their trip started late and when boeka time arrived, they were still on the N1. With traffic zooming past them, boeka was taken under a bridge followed by Maghrib salaah. Under that bridge a tradition was born, for not only did these long distance trips over Ramadan weekends become part of folklore, but having boeka along the way at a proper facility like a picnic spot became the norm.
Subsequent trips were properly planned and those boeka stops prepared for, with each person being assigned items on the menu. Imam Hashim was always responsible for bringing the hot soup which either his mom or Malikah made. Achmad can vividly recall that is how he first met Malikah and Gayaat with them in the kitchen frying bollas for the boeka stop. Initially these trips occurred every Saturday, with the Manenberg Mosque jamaah aware that Imam Hashim would take off from his duties at the masjid to go ‘musaafir’ on these trips.
Achmad was responsible for planning which mosque would be visited by contacting the Imam or committee ahead of time to confirm their Taraweeg details and advising them of the impending visit. MSJ was well acquainted with many of the Imams and committees having served as Head of the Council of Masaajid. Typically the Imam of the masjid would recognize their presence and invite Imam Hashim to convey a few words of naseeghah, an invitation Imam Hashim always accepted. After Taraweeg the group would engage with the Imam and committee members to discuss the state of the Muslim community in that town or suburb. It also afforded them the opportunity to verify the Taraweeg details and take pictures of the huffaath and Imam for future publications. The longest trip was a week-long one to George, Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and East London in MSJ’s VW Minibus, with overnight stops in various resorts or hotels. Uniquely in Uitenhage they made Taraweeg at two different mosques in one night, half in each, just for the experience. In PE they were escorted around by Imam Sadaqah to all the mosques, especially those from where people were displaced due to the Group Areas Act.
Apart from the cameraderie, the best aspect of these trips was the quality time the group had to discuss and debate various issues confronting the community and it was often from these robust discussions that new ideas and projects arose. On some trips a guest like Sheikh Ighsaan Davids or Sheikh Ebrahim Charles would accompany the group, and their input would be highly valued. Poignantly, during Ramadan 2021, both Imam Hashim and MSJ were not in the best of health, but both insisted on the trip. For MSJ it was his first trip out of the house since lockdown and Imam Hashim had just recently been discharged from hospital with a catheter. On that final trip Imam Hashim’s vehicle was used, it was driven by Sheikh Ighsaan Davids and they visited the mosque in Saldanha.
Soon after his appointment as Imam in Manenberg in 1999, Imam Hashim saw the need for a feeding scheme based at the mosque. Instead of the conventional route of raising funds helter-skelter and planning the logistics of the scheme, Imam Hashim spent the next two months educating a core group of male and female volunteers on the etiquette of how to serve people food in a dignified manner, quoting from stories of the Ambiyaa in the Quran, wisdoms of the Prophetic(pbuh) example and other moral imperatives. Most famous of these imperatives was his ‘gekke ekke’ caricature, repeatedly censuring the one who praises himself, and drumming that message into his audience on a weekly basis during Jumuah. He decried haughtiness, pride and selfishness, which he maintained had nothing to do with poverty.
Imam Hashim used to ensure that Qurbaan meat was utilized throughout the year, while two groups of ladies prepared the ingredients for the weekly distribution of the 200-300 portions of food on Thursdays. The residents of Manenberg brought their own containers along, and each portion could serve 2 to 3 people. The people of Manenberg loved Imam Hashim, and he loved the people of the area. During one Eid Imam Hashim found a woman living under a staircase with her grandchildren. He promptly laid a table with the most delicious food and he had his Eid lunch with them. Although her dependents were Muslim, the granny was not, though many years later through the Grace of Allah she accepted Islam. Imam Hashim served humanity without any expectation, he only served Allah. Another humorous anecdote pertains to a Muslim household where wine was consumed freely and many illegitimate babies were born. Imam Hashim would dutifully perform the namegiving ceremony, after which the father would always insist ‘moenie vir Imam dai wynglas gee nie’. Imam Hashim was seen as a father, a friend and an Imam, he was family to many in Manenberg.
Edroos Salie, father of Hashim, learnt at the feet of Sheikh Shaakier Gamieldien and was also very close to the current President of Majlisush Shura, Imam Redar Behardien who, in turn, was also very close to Imam Hashim. Thus it was natural that Imam Hashim would be involved in the structures of the organization from an early age. He served as Vice-Chairman on the Exco, headed the organization’s Halaal Trust and was their delegate to the SA Hajj and Umrah Council(SAHUC). However it was in his role as financial consultant to the organization that he was of greatest value, imparting guidance and advice and being able to arrange funds when needed.
Imam Hashim joined SAHUC in 2005 as the Shura delegate in the Western Cape and soon thereafter was appointed the Assistant Treasurer. In 2006 he was appointed as Head of the Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA), whereupon he effected many improvements in the service of the Hujjaj. Included among these were obtaining access cards from the Airport Authorities that assisted SAHUC in meeting Hujjaaj before immigration; ensuring that complaints made during Hajj were heard and adjudicated at source and not brought to SA after the event; and improving communication between SAHUC, Operator and Pilgrim with information flow from KSA authorities.
Imam Hashim also laid the foundation to bringing the Accredited Hajj Operators closer to SAHUC by including them in decisions when making changes to the prescribed application requirements for Hajj Operator Accreditation; becoming more engaging with Operators both in SA and KSA; and assigning a dedicated mission worker to an Operator to assist with dispute resolution.
In 2011, he participated in the World Hajj and Umrah Foundation and delivered a paper on Hajj Administration in SA which was lauded by delegates who requested further engagement for implementation in their countries.
As President of SAHUC (2012-2013) Imam Hashim led its delegation to the KSA for Protocol discussion with the Hajj Ministry. He also served as Treasurer of SAHUC for many years and his prudent accounting policies has helped the organization to maintain sound financial structure.
Imam Hashim joined SAHUC in 2005 as the Shura delegate in the Western Cape and soon thereafter was appointed the Assistant Treasurer. In 2006 he was appointed as Head of the Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA), whereupon he effected many improvements in the service of the Hujjaj. Included among these were obtaining access cards from the Airport Authorities that assisted SAHUC in meeting Hujjaaj before immigration; ensuring that complaints made during Hajj were heard and adjudicated at source and not brought to SA after the event; and improving communication between SAHUC, Operator and Pilgrim with information flow from KSA authorities.
Imam Hashim also laid the foundation to bringing the Accredited Hajj Operators closer to SAHUC by including them in decisions when making changes to the prescribed application requirements for Hajj Operator Accreditation; becoming more engaging with Operators both in SA and KSA; and assigning a dedicated mission worker to an Operator to assist with dispute resolution.
In 2011, he participated in the World Hajj and Umrah Foundation and delivered a paper on Hajj Administration in SA which was lauded by delegates who requested further engagement for implementation in their countries.
As President of SAHUC (2012-2013) Imam Hashim led its delegation to the KSA for Protocol discussion with the Hajj Ministry. He also served as Treasurer of SAHUC for many years and his prudent accounting policies has helped the organization to maintain sound financial structure.
This brief biography of Imam Hashim Salie was compiled by the Boorhaanol Islam Movement as part of a Tribute to an exceptional human being who had served his community and country unselfishly for all of his 53 years. Such a biography can never do justice to the task, we unreservedly apologize for any errors or omissions committed in that process and request that any such be brought to our attention so that it may be corrected on our digital version.
The Boorhanol Islam Movement extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have assisted in providing information for the compilation of this biography. Whether it took the form of verbatim copy of tributes or voice notes submitted, or paraphrasing thereof, the biography would not have possible without these contributions. May the Almighty reward all of you for your sincere efforts in providing a fitting finale to our beloved Imam Hashim Salie.
The Calendar Tribute is a bit more nuanced, for we wanted to pay homage to Imam Hashim’s passion for education, alongside a tribute to underline the various roles he practiced in his lifetime. It must be emphasized that space constraints only allowed us to concentrate on 12 of these roles, which we considered the most important, and the contents of each page were built around each of those themes. Our sincere gratitude and thanks are extended to all those who submitted these tributes under a tight deadline, for we wanted publication to occur before the 100 days of Imam Hashim’s passing was commemorated.
The education pieces were chosen for its wide applicability, with the aim that the Calendar will have utility value in the future, Insha-Allah. We unreservedly apologize for any errors in this publication, and request that any such errors be brought to our attention timeously so that they may be corrected in our digital version.
This digital version of the Tribute is a much more comprehensive account of the Biography and Calendar, compared to the printed version mainly due to the availability of more space.
Prof Rashied Small
IMAM HASHIM THE EDUCATOR - by Prof Rashied Small
I have engaged with Imam Hashim on all topics, but all generally gravitated towards education. During my engage and interaction I found him to be a scholar and educationist of note. What made us click was that fact that our education philosophies were entrenched in our deen and the Islamic principles. It all started with our initial discuss on the first iyaat revealed to our beloved Nabi Muhammed (saw) “iqra…” which laid the foundation of our educational escapades. Linked to this way the scholastic discussion about the mission and vision of Nabi Muhammed (saw) which laid the foundation for using education to uplift and benefit humanity. Hashim was always there to bring our discussions on education, especially in the accountancy profession, to the fundamental principles of the deen.
His contribution to the principles of value education was entrenched in the moral principles of Islam, while the introduction of competency based education for professionals were grounded in the teaching principles of our deen, especially the practices in the Muslim communities of the Cape. The madrassa system where the emphasis was to develop character, values and skills to conduct our lives as true Muslims form the founding implementation practices our the competency-based model. Competency-based education models are based on the principle of technical knowledge which we grounded on the principles and tags or of the Quran, the applied skills of the technical knowledge which were built on the study of the sunnah of Nabi Muhammed (saw) of how to live and practice the Quran and the deen; and the professional attribute which were based of the study of the moral conduct of the Nabi Muhammad (saw) towards people with dignity, respect and equity.
Hashim also ensure that the teaching and implementation the education processes must capacitate people to apply the principles to different situations that satisfy the context of the situation similar to the development of the mathaabs. Those most important contribution made by Hashim was his insistence that education must contribute to learning and development for the future , ensuring that it evolves continuously to meet the changing environment, and lastly that life-long learning is the fundamental for the survival and evolution of communities and society. Our relationship in the education field was to serve as sounding boards for each other, but also to stretch our understanding to new boundaries and frontiers. Hashim never resisted change and new or innovative ideas in education, but never compromised on his grounding in and the principles of the deen. His o pop adding does not only leave a vacuum in the development of education but to me a greater scholastic partner, sounding board and humanitarian in the field of value and moral education.
Over the six year period of the education project and with the drive of Imam Hashim we were able to produce more than 3,900 professional accountants who are able to think and add value to businesses and the economy. Shukran for the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Imam Hashim to the accountancy and education profession.
THE STUDENT – by Sh Muhammad Adams
While a great scholar like Imam al-Bukhari’s magnum opus, Sahih al-Bukhari is revered for preserving a good part of the Prophetic Sunnah, little is known about the personal sacrifice upon which this monumental work rests. One incident has al-Bukhari setting out to Nishapur and receiving a hero’s welcome that was enthusiastically promoted by the local hadith scholars. As soon as the popularity of al-Bukhari became widespread and his hadith circles started to dwarf those of the local hadith scholars, the latter conspired to extinguish his popularity. Al-Bukhari became the target of a vicious slander campaign and was finally abandoned by the local students whereafter he unceremoniously left Nishapur.
An important comparison can be drawn between the great scholarly personalities such as al-Bukhari and those who selflessly serve the Muslim community such as my dear friend Imam Hashim Salie. While they may vary in stature they do have the shared experience that whatever the impact of their remaining legacy, it has been earned by navigating the difficult path of human interaction. Perhaps only those closest to my dear friend would know of his most challenging moments. The following hadith sharply brings into focus the time he has dedicated to the Muslim community: “The believer who mixes with people and endures their injury is better than the believer who does not mix with people nor endure their injury” (al-Tirmidhi). With the active role he has played in the Muslim community it is inevitable that he would have been emotionally injured, at times, but continued to serve the community despite these setbacks. We thus beseech the Almighty Allah to cover him with His mercy, expiate his sins and grant him the Highest place in Paradise.
Ambassador – Shaheen Essop (SAHUC)
AMBASSADOR – by Shaheen Essop (SAHUC)
Where does one begin to start a tribute of a man whose heart was bigger than his appetite for a good soup.
I was privileged to have met Imam Hashim Salie (Allah yar Hamhoe) back in 2005 when we both joined SAHUC. Imam in the Western Cape and myself in Gauteng.
Not having met before, one tends to be a bit cautious in diving into friendships without prior knowledge of anyone, however, this was not so with Imam Hashim Salie.
From the onset, we became good friends and shared many a good discussion around Hajj and other matters of common interest.
What stood out for me about Imam Hashim, was his primary concern for the community around him and the worry of what happens to the community one day when he is no longer around.
Imam Hashim and I shared various platforms in the SAHUC environment where his contribution to sound corporate governance, fairness to the Hujjaj and Hajj Operators and strict adherence to the Protocols (service level agreements) entered with the authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the benefit of the SA Hujjaj.
Imam Hashim and I never always agreed on matters – but I could always count on his counsel to discuss various issues and find the best way to bring resolve.
During his tenure as the Head of the Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Imam Hashim worked tirelessly with the various mission workers and other role players to ensure that the Accredited Hajj Operators were brought closer to SAHUC. One such example is the “daddy program” – assigning a dedicated mission worker to a hajj operator in order to assist with dispute resolution etc. In addition, he always told the operators that success of Hajj for South Africans is a combined effort and not an individual effort on both sides.
Imam Hashim was stern in his decisions regarding resolution and did not compromise any of the processes and policies of SAHUC in carrying out his tasks.
All in all, Imam Hashim Salie in my humble opinion was a “diamond” that will be sorely missed in the corridors of Hajj as well as in the communities that he so tirelessly worked in.
No amount of words can give an exact account or tribute to a giant that has been lost to the community.
I make dua that ALLAH SWT forgives him for any shortcomings and grants him Maghfirah in the highest station of Jannah Insha-Allah.
Maankyker, Moon Sighter – By Imam Mogamat Yusaf Pandy
Moon Sighter – Imam Yusuf Pandy
I, Imam Mogamat Yusaf Pandy, chairman of the Crescent Observers Society (COSOSA) take great pleasure in paying tribute to the late Imam Hashim Salie.
I had the privilege of knowing Imam Hashim when he was with the hafiz students of Sheik Siraaj Johaar. In 1988 he joined the COSOSA team. Those days we had our meetings in Newfields and later moved to the MJC 's offices.
Imam Hashim was always very enthusiastic about the moon sighting and displayed great knowledge of the different aspects of astronomy. He could tell you the exact age, time and phases of the moon as the science interested him immensely.
Imam Hashim went on various excursions to Kimberley, Mossel Bay, George and Port Elizabeth, educating the Imams and scholars about astronomy.
His enthusiasm was infectious as it brought positivity to the group. He would willingly share his knowledge and introduced other moon sighting organizations which assisted us in taking our sighting to another level.
He was actively involved with our society from 1988 to 2000, attending meetings as well as the sighting venues at Signal Hill and Three Anchor Bay. His input was always valued.
Sadly, due to his other commitments he was no longer able to commit to our society, however his enthusiasm did not waver.
He is sadly missed and will always be remembered as a 'Maankyker', may Allah SWT grant him a high place in Jannah, Aameen.
EXAMINER - By Prof Jade Jansen
Examiner – Prof Jade Jansen
I met Imam Hashim Salie when he requested me to become an examiner for the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). We developed a personal relationship which contributed to the profession and my personal development beyond the exam.
Initially, we focused on my role in the exam and its purpose, structure and content, which was technical in nature but over time this focus evolved into the holistic development of people. Imam Hashim had a deep understanding of education and always sought fairness in all processes involving the development of students. What impressed me most was how he viewed each person as an individual first and considered their development holistically. He brought in the human element, in a much broader way than is usual, into every discussion. In a way, although he was not necessarily much older, chronologically; his maturity and caring made him somewhat of an older brother or father to many of those who were under his tutelage.
Because of his holistic approach to education and human development, he advocated for alternative solutions based on and respecting individual world views and backgrounds. This contributed to an overhaul of how we assess and grade in the accounting profession.
Imam Hashim’s respect for diversity was admirable. His love for his religion was unavoidable as it was evident in how he lived its values day to day.
IMAM / LEADER - By Sh Waseem Abrahams and Sh Ebrahim Charles
Imam / Leader – Sh Waseem Abrahams
IHS was an imam, “one the leads”, in the true sense of the word. He led by example in countless aspects in his role as imam. He had a firm conviction that an imam was duty-bound to serve within a community rather than only guiding the congregation from the pulpit. His Imamat duties were therefore not limited to the mimbar or even the walls of the masjied.
In spite of him being an academic and self-confessed book worm, his true passion lay in performing the daily pastoral duties that comes with Imaamat work. He was fond of saying that the imams relationship with his congregation is life long journey from when we hatch (doepmal), to when we match ( engagement) and Attach ( Marriage) , being there when we detach (Mediation) and finally presiding over when we dispatch (Janaazah). These services he felt are in fact the true essence of what it means to be an Imam of a community.
One remarkable quality of IHS was that he had the ability to interact with people from all walks of life, always making those around him feel like he was one of them. His constant drive to relate to people on their level, is what made Imam exemplary in the role as a community leader. In particular he went to great lengths to find out what the trending issues and crazes among the youth were to be able to relate to them and remain relevant to the times.
Imam / Leader – Sh Ebrahim Charles
An example which comes to mind, is when a mother and father came to imam with the concern that their son has denounced Islam and had became a Satanist. The son refused to take advice from family, teachers and counselors. Reluctantly this young man agreed to meet with IHS. I remember Imaam satting down with the young man and asked him bluntly why he believed what he believed, genuinely trying to understand this individual’s perspective without any judgment. The young man contended that the world is filled with so much hatred and violence and that no loving God would allow these things to happen. Imam Hashiem’s response to him was “you know, I think you have a point, tell me more ”! The young man was shocked that an imam would take such a stance. The two conversed on many subsequent occasions and with the Grace of Allah and IHS’s wise counsel, this young man not only returned to Islam but later even became one of the Muatthins at the Masjied.
Another stand out quality was that had a deep concern for the living conditions of the community he served, especially the poor and needy. Even though he kept a very demanding profession, he always made time for the grassroots issues. He frequently made house visits and in particular whenever he visited a home an impoverished person, he would at once make himself at home. In so doing removing any barriers that his mureeds may have felt.
As a scholar, he believed that there was no shyness in discussing the heaviest of issues and dared to tackle topics which others steered away from. This unique quality set him apart from many of his contemporaries. When debating a matter from an academic stand point he was not hesitant to speak his mind even in a unsympathetic or let’s say colorful manner. But when it came to applying these issues on the ground and impacting people’s lives, he had the wisdom to handle people with so much compassion that one was surprised this was the same person who was so severe just a moment ago.
We are often asked what was the legacy which Imam has left behind. The best was to answer that would be with the hadith of Abu Hurayrah;
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
This Hadeeth highlights the 3 aspects of his legacy. He left behind structures for charity which are still serving communities today. He imparted knowledge to Mahsaaikh and community leaders which continues to benefit others, and finally, the young scholars whom he had mentored and ‘adopted’ continue to pray for him.
His concern with the ummah was evident even in his last words to us, “Do what you do best … keep servicing the ummah and always remember the duties we have to our community”
THE JURIST - by Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe (Abstract Summary of Full Tribute)
Jurist – Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe
As I mourn our brother, days come where I overwhelmingly feel his absence with tears building up with questions as to why he left so soon. We still had so much to cover. I thought we were still going to grow old together.
Hashim was at peace in his last few minutes, humming along as I recited to him. I assured him that we all love him and that I come with love, peace and duahs from our sister, Malikah (under Iddah) and all our other loved ones, family and friends.
He was a sound jurist of Islamic jurisprudence. He clarified Shariah principles with ease as he untangled contemporary problems in our society. Undoubtedly he had a unique but self-effacing ability to reach each and every person he so engaged.
Not only was Hashim our brother, he was a leader, compassionate, strong with a will which could not be undermined, a presence which cannot easily be forgotten, a confidante and yet also someone who enjoyed a good laugh. He avoided the company of gossipers. Backbiters, anonymous critics and skewed journalism he referred to as all species of the spineless.
Hashim vehemently decried the unequal treatment of persons, for Allah created us all as equal. He took a proactive role in the liberation struggle, taking the lead at Belgravia High during the 1980s. He was fearless creating awareness that apartheid was a grotesque man-made ideology and a crime against humanity.
Compassion and kindness to the disadvantaged and disenfranchised was his mantra. He would not let injustice or poverty unfold by looking the other way.
Our Boeta was undoubtedly the best version of a jurist, a community leader, a pioneer, scholar of Islam, son, brother, uncle and friend to all of us.
We miss him, but his contributions will remain bright, endearing and enlightening as a legacy for generations to come, Alghamdulillah.
NOURISHER (SOCIAL OUTREACH) – Achmad Cupido
Nourisher – Achmad Cupido
Nourisher – Achmad Cupido
Our thanks, our gratitude to Allah, who has given us the humankind, and an ingenious communication which were communicated through our beloved prophet (saw). The prophet’s (saw) lifestyle and his humanly manner were highlighted and teach by imam Hasim through the Manenberg feeding scheme.
“His believes were his thoughts, became his words, his words his actions, and his actions his habits, his values and his values his destiny” NIYAH”, and aim, “die kinners moet iet”. He made sure this is our point of departure: “jou niyah moet reg wies”.
The Manenberg feeding scheme were not only but a feeding scheme. With imam Hasim leadership he established, management, supervision, and entrepreneurial skills. This were made sure by stern leadership, compassion, love and understanding ” no compromise”. This were dealt through the “balance”…. Everything has to balance other than that it will fail.
Although we dish out food to the underprivileged, Imam Hasim believed that the human being should progress, and be treated with dignity at all times.
Examples of this is when he sent some women through the Islamic Dawa movement for a toekamanie course.
His reflection of love I recall when on Eid he dish a table for a woman who stayed in Irvine street under the staircase with her grandchildren. He laid a table with the most delishes food and had his eid lunch with them. Although her children were muslim , she was Christian , through the grace of Allah she accepted Islam later, Alghamdoelielaah.
With his unselfish support the following derived from the community, BComm graduates, gafith children, spiritual leaders. And businesswomen and men.
An aunty in Gonubie with 17 grandchildren he established a business, naam (“gegie vir 15 klein kinders, en 2 agter klein kinders”), meeste van hulle getrou. They saw him as a father, a friend, and imam, he were family to many in Manenberg.
Imam Hashim were appointed by SHURU for three months to restore issues at the mosque in 2001 (I think) after Sheikh Gafieldien and Imam Omar.
He grows a love so big for the people, although he resigns in january 2012 as imam of Manarul Hudaa he never let goes of his passion, the feeding scheme.(until he died in 2021)
His message over the years to the people of Manenberg- “gekke ekke” reflects the true education of obedience to Allah and to serve humanity through all avenues of live.
Let this legacy of Imam Hasim Salie, to read and explain the quran with an open and crytical mind shape and nourish our society in Manenberg
Mag Allah ons bewaar
EN BAIENG TRAMAKASIE
ADMINISTRATOR - By Ganief Hendricks
Administrator – Mogamat Ganief Hendricks MP
As a member of the Booley clan, Imam Hashim Salie was revered as a leader. His mother, Mariam, and my mother, Ghaironiesa Hendricks nee Booley, were first cousins. Imam Hashim and I were very close. I remember him being passionate and fluent in Arabic because his father had a strong love for Arabic and studied under Imam Ismail Johnson. He was an avid reader of Arabic literature and travelled frequently to Saudi Arabia.
Imam Salie was the Treasurer of Majlisush Shura Al-Islami, a member of the legislative department which had a Shariah Court. He ensured sound administrative compliance. He was also the spokesperson of Shura for Hajj and Umrah matters and excelled nationally.
Imam Salie served in the past as a Board Member and as Chairperson of SAIPA’s Examinations Committee. He was a valued member of the Project Achiever programme’s management team and played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance to the International Education Standards. As an accounting professional he assisted many Muslim and sporting organisations to ensure financial compliance.
As an MP, I consulted with him on Islamic Legislative matters and miss his advice. He passed on at a young age, but the community benefited a lot from him.
Accountant - by Shafiek Dollie
Accountant – Shafiek Dollie
I have known Hashim at a professional as well as at a personal level. My writing this tribute is to acknowledge the contribution he made to the accountancy profession, especially in the area of professionalisation and human capacity development. I met Hashim as a colleague and fellow member of the South Africa Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) in the days when accountancy professionals in South Africa other than CA(SA)’s were not given its true recognition.
This is where our journey started with the purpose to elevate accountancy professionals in terms of quality service delivery as well as gaining its rightful recognition. The achievements through the sacrifices of Hashim included amongst others (i) the evolution of SAIPA members from being recognised as accounting technicians to professional accountants which is on par with all professional accountants globally; (ii) the registration of learnerships as a qualification registered at NQF Level 8 with Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO), (iii) amongst the first to qualify as assessors for the monitoring and evaluation of trainees and training practices in the profession; (iv) the implementation of the Accounting Olympiad for SAIPA which attracted 11,000 participants across the country; (v) the implementation of the process for the establishment of approved training centres (ATC) to develop a pipeline in the profession; and (vi) the development of infrastructure in the Western Cape to support and connect SAIPA members.
The passion with which Hashim immersed himself in this arduous and often impossible task was underpinned by his personal sacrifices, but the rewards were the admiration by those who obtained the Professional Accountant (SA) designation. Hashim’s passion for human capacity development resulted in the development of members through the SAIPA Western Cape regional structure into leadership positions, himself serving in on both regional and national structures for about 20 years. He was instrumental in, amongst others, the establishment of forums where members could discuss problems, share experiences and collectively develop practical solutions; expansion of institute’s footprint in districts in the outlying areas (plattelandse dorpies) under the umbrella the Western Region; the establishment of the Young Professionals Forum for newly qualified professionals to network and share knowledge and experience; and lastly, but not least, the hosting of regional, national and international events to elevate the status of accountancy professionals and the accountancy profession.
May Allah grant you a high abode in Jannatul Firdous my colleague, friend, and brother.
MENTOR - by Makkie Gasant
Mentor – Makkie Gasant
My earliest memory of Hashim Salie was when I was about 6 or 7. It was at our home in Surrey Estate, my brother s friend, standing at our door.
Hashim played a tremendous mentorship role in my life, initially as an Arabic language tutor. I remember returning from Umm al Qura University after my first semester, needing assistance. My mom had recommended him, and it always amazed me how he arrived at the first time within minutes after I had made the call. That first lesson led to many a discussion and debate. Whether it be the value of the Arabic language scale system or Asha’irah vs Salafiyyah, Hashim used to enjoy engaging and did so strongly. Critically though, when it was all done, it was as if it had never happened.
But it was during my internship at his accounting practice that I really got to see what he was all about.
Sometime during my first few days of internship, I accompanied him to one of his investments that he had held. At the time I was quite in awe thereof, and he could probably see that I think. I remember his words to me at the time, “I could have had more wealth if I really wanted to”. I remember because it was not what he had said, but how, not in a boastful tone, but very much in his advisory one. I remember thinking at the time that it was just an idle boast, but as I spent the years with him, found it very much to be true.
As an accountant, Hashim spent his billable hours not necessarily on clientele that would be most profitable to his practice but included therein a vast amount where he felt he could add real value and contribute to the overall wellbeing of society. I recall one client, a local mosque. Their financial records were 5 years behind, not an unusual occurrence, but in addition there had been financial irregularities by one of the members. From the time the disgruntled and concerned mosque members arrived together with their shoe box containing bank statements, invoices, and the like, Hashim oversaw the update and completion of all their financial records, mediated between the confessed wrongdoer and the mosque committee, negotiated the repayment terms of the wrongdoer to the mosque and advised on the mosque’s financial and internal controls to ensure future prosperity. That was just his skillset.
On another occasion, I remember being called into his ‘boardroom’ in Belvedere road to witness a contract signing with one of the low-cost housing projects he was acting as an administrator to. It was scheduled to be a 5-minute sitting. I left the room about 2 hours later, having signed as a witness to the housing project, but also as a witness to a Nikah he put through thereafter. This included his inspiring and thought-provoking advice to the couple and family members. Again, that was just his skillset.
He wore his accountant suit to make ends meet, but wearing his thoub, or overalls as he referred to them was where he was really at.
But it was his quality of being able to put others before himself that far superseded any other qualities he may have had. Many others I am sure can testify to this. He granted me an opportunity to be at his practice solely because I had been a student in Saudi and trying to find my feet at the time. There were risks to hiring a non-finance graduate, but he was willing to bear that.
I last saw Hashim about a month before his passing. My wife and I had gone to visit him, with the intention of providing moral support. He was not bedridden, but in bed. As the conversation continued, he provided insightful and relevant advice on the upbringing of teenagers, even more remarkable considering he had no offspring of his own. We left with him giving and advising when he probably should have been the one receiving. With Hashim it ended, just the way it had always been.
Translator – Fatima Allie
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Dr M Majedi Bassier - On behalf of the Boorhaanol Publications Committee
At the janaazah of IHS on the 3rd of September, the idea of a Tribute to him was mooted in the light of the multifaceted role that he played in the affairs of the Boorhaanol Movement as well many other organizations over the past 3 decades. However it was only about 2 months later, on the 6th of November, that a meeting was convened of the Task Team(TT) that met to finalize the details of that Tribute. Members of that TT were as follows: Mohammad Groenewald, Abdul Muhaimin Bassier, Sh Muhammad West, Achmad Kamalie, M Majedi Bassier, Sh Waseem Abrahams, Sh Ebrahim Charles, M Aadil Bassier and Kiyaam Bassier.
The Task
The challenge of the task lay not in the paucity of material, but rather the wealth of it.
How do you encapsulate the notion of a 10-yr old boy teaching his younger siblings the Deen via the Socratic Method, in the best tradition of Prof William Kingsley of Beste Professor fame?
How do you convey the satirical mastery of the 11-year old boy whose mimicry of the finger wagging PW Botha, having the Salie family in stitches?
Or the precocious administrative talents of a 15 yr old teenager entrusted by the illustrious Imam Ismail ‘konfyt’ Johnstone to be the Secretary of the Pluto Rd mosque Exco?
What about the bravery of the 18 year old matriculant who handed over a memorandum of demands to the Apartheid Army that led to the Battle of Belgravia and ultimately the Trojan Horse massacre?
Or the patience and ingenuity of the young ‘maankyker’ who recorded on a spreadsheet the details of each moon sighting at the Cape since 1945?
Or the compassion of the Imam of the Manenberg mosque that established a feeding scheme that till today conforms to his famous mantra that ‘die kinders moet iet’
The list goes on and on…..
The short answer is that you can’t.
Additionally, the 100 days commemoration of his passing was only 35 days away, which left precious little time to accomplish the task.
Luckily the Boorhaanol had previously produced Tributes in honour of Al marghoom Imam Abdurahman Bassier, Boeta Achmat Davids and Dr Imam Saleh Adams, and thus had some knowledge of how to proceed.
Our first task was to inform the siblings of Imam Hashim, Malikah and Gayaat, to obtain their blessings and support as well as their input. Alghamdulillah, both of them gave their wholehearted support, not only then, but throughout this hectic journey.
The Package
After some lengthy debate, the TT settled on a plan they felt would go some way in honoring the legacy of our beloved IHS on the one hand, but would also be achievable in the short space of time before the 11th of December. The plan consisted of 3 parts, firstly a printed and digital Tribute in the form of a Calendar, secondly a Commemorative Event coinciding with the 100 days when the Tribute would be launched, and thirdly, the launch of a Memorial Fund in honour of Imam Hashim.
1. The Tribute : 2 parts
A) Brief Biography: this was an impossible task as Imam Hashim’s life was so full that all the details could never be included due to the constraints of time and space. However, a valiant effort was made, thanks largely to all the wonderful people who knew him and shared their invaluable insights into his life. One could almost feel the intense love and respect that they all had for him, the deep void that still exist 100 days on, and the comfort that something is being done to capture the legacy that Imam has left behind.
A. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
A. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
B) Composite Calendar: this part of the Tribute endeavored to outline the most important roles that IHS played in his life, and we settled on 12 of his most important, like Imam, educator, ambassador, mentor etc. In addition, the TT felt that IHS’s passion for education had to be reflected in the Tribute, and so each page has, alongside the tribute rendered by an expert or close associate of him in that field, an education piece of utility value to assist readers in the future. Among these would be duas that can be rendered for exams, duas when embarking on journeys, tips on how to write an Islamic Will and even the recipe of how to make a 100 liter pot of akni.
If nothing else, IHS was a leader, in whichever field he participated, and we felt it incumbent to capture a slice of his quotable quotes that will endure for many years to come. Who of his jamaah in Manenberg will ever forget IHS’s “gekke ekke” caricature of the person who thinks too much of himself, or his oft-quoted insistence that we must never turn kids away from the masjid, however noisy they may be, as long as they are aware that it’s a place to find solace, peace and a warm meal.
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
2) Commemorative Event
The Cape Muslim community traditionally commemorates the passing on of their beloved after 100 days, so as to grant the nearest and dearest a further opportunity to effect closure on their loss. Today’s Programme encompasses both that spiritual element, as well as the platform for some family members and others to share their insights into our Imam. Algamdulillah, on today’s Programme will also be the handing out of copies of the commemorative Tribute, to which so many of you have contributed. We hope you find it useful, both psychologically as well as a tool of empowerment, a true tribute to IHS.
3) Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund (IHSMSF)
The TT felt that, while this Commemorative Event and The Commemorative Tribute were worthy legacies to honour IHS, a more longer term instrument had to be created to best encapsulate what IHS stood for in his lifetime. IHS fought for the dignity and empowerment of all people by developing their innate potential at every opportunity, and his designated stomping ground for many years was the impoverished suburb of Manenberg.
To ensure transparency and accountability, we have gone to some lengths to open a dedicated bank account at alBaraka from and to which funds will be operated. This Memorial Fund is thus a vehicle of empowerment and upliftment of the people of Manenberg and surrounds, and our humble appeal is to assist us financially on this journey by pledging any amount that will bolster the Fund on an annual basis.
May we take this opportunity of thanking you in advance for the trust you have invested in the vision of Imam Hashim, for the commitment you have displayed in the upliftment of the community of Manenberg, and may Allah Almighty reward you and your family abundantly with ghayr and barakah. Who knows, from the proceeds of your investment, another Abdullah Ebrahim may emerge that will light up the world stage with his or her version of ‘Manenberg’, insha Allah aameen.
I thank you and bid you
Assalamu alaykum waragmatullahi
Introduction - by Judge President Jagyaa Hlophe, Brother-in-law of Imam Hashim, Husband of sister GayaatAs-salamu alaykum to all my brothers and sisters in Islam. It is an honour for me to be a part of the commemoration of, not only the passing of Imam Hashim, but also the life that he lived. I would like to thank the Boorhaanol Islam Movement for hosting this occasion in honour of Imam Hashim.
My name is Jagyaa Hlophe, husband to Gayaat Salie-Hlophe. I first met my wife in May 2013, where after I had the honour of meeting my brother-in-law in October 2013. I have known Hashim for a period of 8 years, thus I am suitably qualified to speak on behalf of the Salie family. On 26 April 2015 when I got married to my wife, Hashim played a very active and supportive role in the wedding. Since then I have become closely related to the Salie family.
Imam Hashim Salie as a Professor and a jurist of Islamic law
My wife has given a very detailed account of my late brother-in-law and his role as a Professor and jurist of Islamic law. In addition to what she has said, he was a very well-known Islamic scholar. His contribution was enormous, he always availed himself to those who sought his counsel without fail. He gave selfless advice to many people at any given time. He was a highly regarded Imam in the Islam community.
As an Islam scholar, he always found new ways to engage us on Islamic topics and to think critically in respect thereof. He provided guidance in respect of Islamic laws and teachings. He always referred to the Holy Quraan and the teachings of Islam as a solution to any adversities one may have faced.
Hashim’s Charity Work
Hashim believed in education. He believed that education was the key to success, prosperity and self-reliance. He recognised that there are many children that come from hitherto disadvantaged communities, children who would go to school without food. Therefore, he realised that such children would not be in a position to acquire education and that is why he believed, in his own words “die kinders moet eet”.
Thus, he started a charity many years ago that operated largely in the Manenberg and Gugulethu area in which food would be prepared and donated to schools and deserving communities. Hashim pioneered this, he spent a lot of personal money to ensure there was food prepared and he was also assisted by many people. This charity still continues to feed the hungry. Imam Hashim literally fed thousands of poor pupils and helped many of them to go school. He had a very generous heart and was always willing to share and give to those in need.
Contribution in Politics
Imam Hashim Salie was very politically astute. He was the President of the SRC at Belgravia High School in the early 1980’s at a time when there was a mock burial of Apartheid which was indeed his brain child. He had several confrontations with security police and had to subsequently go into hiding. Even presently, we have not fully achieved his dreams of total liberation of the oppressed. Indeed, he was right, we have not achieved the complete liberation of our people. The fact that we still have thousands of people who are evicted from their homes, we have countless homeless people and those begging for food. Thus, we have not achieved total liberation of the oppressed. The struggle for genuine equality, redistribution of resources, including land, is far from being over.
Profession as an Accountant
As an Accountant, Hashim was a highly regarded professional. I know this because he hosted a big conference comprising of nearly a thousand accountants across South Africa, at the ICC in Cape Town. On the 20th of October 2017 he invited me to deliver a paper on the topic of whether a Trust is a juristic entity or not. I could see that he was highly regarded by his peers as an Accountant. We all know how much pro bono work he did for family members and poor communities without charging them anything or at least the bare minimum.
As a Community Leader
He was a very well-known religious leader. He was indeed an Imam of note and highly regarded as such. There are highly regarded Sheiks in our midst who had the honour of being taught by Imam Hashim.
Conclusion – Hashim as a Person and How He Was Viewed At Home
Hashim was very humble, reliable, dependable, smart, intelligent, polite, God-loving and a God-fearing person. He was an imposing figure who was very articulate and an orator of note. He loved his nieces, nephew and his sisters Malikah and Gayaat. Those who knew him well knew that Hashim loved his food very much. Once, while he had dinner, the chair which he sat on broke. As he fell, he had a potato in his hand which he did not let go. Instead, he first sat and ate the potato before he got up again.
In conclusion, Hashim died prematurely and left a huge void in the family. In fact, last week I consoled my wife who was tearful as she missed her brother. I visited Malikah who also painfully said how much she miss her brother. Hashim will never be forgotten, we will continue to keep his memory alive.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Shukran to all my brothers and sisters.
COMMEMORATIVE TRIBUTE TO IMAM HASHIM SALIE (Al-mahroom)
By Prof Rashied Small
Imam Hashim Salie is a giant of a man is physique, but even more so amongst the fraternity and development of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), as well as it evolution to the current Professional Accountancy Organisation (PAO) it is today. I would like to briefly touch on his contributions to SAIPA and the profession at large under four areas, viz. (i) SAIPA as an institution, (ii) professional assessments, (iii) education development, and (iv) human development.
SAIPA as an Institution
Imam Hashim has contributed significantly to the evolution of SAIPA from its earlier stages of being IAT which provided a home for the accounting technicians, to SAIPA which provides a home for professional accountants rendering services, other than audits, in practice, private sector (commerce and industry) as well as the public sector. Throughout this journey of SAIPA (40th anniversary during February 2022), Imam Hashim contributed significantly in the development and implementation of structures that serve the members, while at the same time supporting the sustainability of the institution. The footprint of his contributions can be measured by the following: (i) the expansion of infrastructures to support members at district level, (ii) the infrastructures develop to support young professionals, and (iii) the implementation of succession and leadership planning within the structures of SAIPA.
Professional Assessments
Imam Hashim was chairman of the assessment processes of SAIPA which ensured the integrity and quality of assessments of graduates meet the proficiency standards of the profession. He never compromised on compliance to assessment standards but was equally tough on ensuring compliance to examination legislation with a focus on authenticity and fairness to the candidates. He was a rock in guiding the examiners of the responsibilities of compliance to the assessment standards and balancing it with fairness to the candidates. His major contribution in the area of assessment policies and procedures is the transition of mark-based examinations to competency-based assessments which involves the transformation of from a technical-based to skills/competency-based assessments. In addition to the transformation of the assessment process Imam Hashim also contributed to the introduction of a competency-based rubric grading system that focused on assessing the skills and competencies of the candidates rather than focusing on the regurgitation of the technical knowledge.
Education Development
Imam Hashim’s most significant contribution to SAIPA was in the area of education where he integrated the principles of Islamic education and learning into the secular educational landscape of the professional pathways. Imam Hashim focused on education from a platform of learning development that contribute to capitating people to add value to their learning experiences beyond the professional qualification.
Imam Hashim contributed to implementing the strategies of Islamic educational development into the education system of SAIPA as follows:
(i) a focus on the fundamental principle of the technical knowledge (principles-based teaching and learning framework) – this is based on the fundamentals of the Quran that lays down the principles,
(ii) a focus on developing the skills to apply the technical knowledge in the workplace (applied skills in different situations) – this is based on the principles of the Hadith of our beloved nabi Muhammed (saw),
(iii) a focus on divergent and critical skills to develop simple, practical and implementable solutions to complex – this is based on the mathaabs of the scholars of Islam who never violated the principles of the Quran or the essence of the Hadith, but used them to find solutions in the context of the environments prevailing (the Quran is for all times and circumstances), and
(iv) a focus that education and training must enhance the moral values of humanity – this is based on the principles that the mission of our beloved nabi Muhammed (saw) was to contribute to the well-being of humanity.
Human Development
Imam Hashim’s contribution to SAIPA and the profession was admired by many that have crossed his path, always mention how he has touched and changed their lives at both professional and personal level. Imam Hashim was always focussed on the development of people to ensure that they meet the goals and aspirations of becoming the best they can be as professionals. To this extent, Imam Hashim was extremely hard on everyone involved in developing people along their path to becoming professionals, to such an extent that many training providers (principals of Approved Training Centres), facilitators preparing them for professional life, and even examiners/assessors feared him for his passion in putting the interest of the candidates first. Furthermore, Imam Hashim was also involved in the initiation of implementing structure to support learners through the implementation of the National Accounting Olympiad including the development of support material to enhance the performance of learners in their matric examinations.
The passing of Imam Hashim Salie is a major loss to me personally in implementing educational changes in the profession but also as a colleague and friend, and to SAIPA and the profession the loss of the guidance in their development is even more significant.
Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate the achievement and contribution of Imam Hashim Salie to SAIPA, the profession and all those whom he toughed throughout his lifetime.
Shukran
Coming soon
MESSAGE FROM Malikah Salie - by Fayruze Fakier, Cousin.
I greet you all with Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullah, the universal greeting of peace.
I hope I will do justice in paying tribute to our beloved Hashim, my only brother. Hashim was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year (2021). I accompanied him to all his chemotherapy sessions.
We were excited as he was reaching the end of these sessions. He could then ring the bell which is an achievement for a cancer patient in the oncology unit. Unfortunately, Hashim passed on due to Covid, in the week of his last session. However, he can be proud of so many other achievements beyond ringing the bell.
I shared our family home with Hashim for 48 years of my life. We have very fond memories of Hashim. Since a young age, he was always direct, he was stern but remained true to himself throughout. He said a thing like it is. I believe he was born clever, intelligent, gifted, a leader, and most importantly, in a nutshell: Hashim was born to serve.
I asked him once whether he is on the organisation that saves the penguins, and he jokingly said: "Ja, die perre, die donkiekarre en die losse honne!”
He was active on a vast number of platforms, with oceans of knowledge. Our parents, Edroos and Mariam, had noticed since a young age Hashim wanted to be an imam, and nurtured him to always carry the lamp of Islam with him.
Through the years, he carried out so many religious duties. He had time for all of it. He never hesitated to do various things on the same day - be it making dua for pilgrims before leaving their homes; in the next hour performing a nikah; later giving a lecture in accounting (his profession) at a conference and in the evening giving naseegah or words of wisdom at the bridal room of wedding ceremony he performed that morning! How he did it, was just amazing! He didn't turn anybody away, no matter at what time it could be they needed his assistance. Our Boeta, was just one of a kind. One in a million.
Ever since my son Aadam was born and grew up with Hashim in our home, Hashim said we must “give our children roots and give our children wings”. Through roots, we preserve our culture and traditions, and heritage which was very important for him.
At Boorhaanol and other organisations, he could practise those values dearest to him.
His love for the Afrikaans language, and how to preserve it for our youth, then Mouloods, cutting of rampies, were all important.
He wanted to make our maternal grandmother, Hajja Salama Booraan proud. He was the apple of her eye. When she, like hundreds of families were forced out of District Six, Hashim vowed to become an activist during his high school years, to lead the students in the height of the struggle. He wanted to bury the monster of Apartheid, so that he could help reform, transform and in his way preserve our culture and heritage, to honour our grandmother.
He was instrumental in playing a pivotal role in the Holy Cities in the Saudi Kingdom. Being with SAHUC for two terms, Hashim secured bilateral agreements not only for South African Hujjaaj, but also for Africa, as a continent not only for the Hajj and Umrah Operators, but also for our young shuyoog studying abroad. His input there was awe-inspiring. I heard, he sprinkled his love all over Makka and Madina, SubghanAllah. He flew across the miles for many years to put these negotiations in place.
Ramadaan and the two Eids were the highlights of Hashim’s year as then he was in his element! He helped Boorhaanol as an advisor with the Taraweeg survey, Boeka Treats, the orphanage outreach and the famous Maghrajaan project, cooking for Labarang Day so that all in need of a meal, could enjoy Eid too.
I always got the apron afterwards; he was so proud to hand it to me! He had road trips with members of the Boorhaanol team to break fast or boeka on the long road. Then I had to make whatever Hashim felt like having. He loved food, especially home-cooked meals! There had to be vegetable soup and mince samoosas, not with any other filling. He never skipped a night of Taraweeg. He visited different masjieds as the keynote speaker or visiting Imam.
He ran the soup kitchen in Manenberg even after holding the post at Jordaan Street Masjid. The feeding scheme continues to this day, Algamdulilah. He loved to slaughter, one day he was running late. Everyone was ready but he wasn't here when we had a qurbaan. He rushed in and told me he needed to fetch the sheep. I went out and low and behold “a candid camera moment” – Hashim was so desperate to bring the sheep to our house, he loaded them in his car on the front seat, even putting on safety belts for them!
On the evening of Imam Abduragmaan Bassier's janazah, he borrowed my car. He came home but parked it overnight on the pavement. Next morning, it was gone. I was frantic. Hashim, however, remained as cool as a cucumber and said firmly that the stolen car was a non-issue for him, and it was more “afthal vir hom” to attend Imam’s Janazah. He said: "Boorhaanol is in my heart, Imam is my family, the stolen car means nothing to me" and he left for Bo-Kaap on 25th of July 2004.
I thank the Boorhaanol Islam Movement for this beautiful and insightful tribute and the Arwaag on his 100 days. Hashim was a person larger than life, who has left big footsteps to fill. I hope Aadam and Gayaat’s daughters will be given the opportunity to be part of the Boorhaanol family and continue his legacy, Insha Allah.
I salute Hashim. While almost during the last week of his life, he still performed the burial procedures/Janazah of my own husband, Siddeeq Railoun, who passed away at home, due to Covid. He said he would feel hurt if I asked anybody else to do it. Frail, sick and weak, he was determined as he never broke his Niyah. Nine days later Hashim passed away too.
We have lost two anchors and advisors in our lives. I have to navigate a new way forward for Aadam and me. I thank all of Hashim’s family, friends and friends that became family; for the part you played in his life. I pray that he has left a small piece of himself in all your hearts.
May Allah most high be pleased with both Hashim and Siddeeq. May Allah forgive them and all Marghooms for their shortcomings. May Allah be pleased with them and grant the deceased Jannatul Firdous, Ameen.
And as Hashim would always end off … Baie Tramakassie.
AADAM’S TRIBUTE by Zimkhitha Gunguluza, Household child raised by Imam Hashim
My Boeta as an iconic character. He was brave until the very end. I will miss my uncle whom I have lived with since I was born. He hardly watched TV, always busy with a pen and paper and working on his laptop.
He always had time to play with me. We played “sword fights” and I would jump from the windowsill onto Boeta’s big stomach!
He loved food, tomatoe bredie, pumpkin food was his favourite and bread! Ramadaan will not be the same as Boeta will sit ready, waiting for the athaan and say "bismillah my klong, ons het hard gepwasa, iet lekker!” then he said we must see who eat the most fritters but he was the winner! I loved Boeta more than boontjie curry.
Eid cannot happen if there wasn’t big mince pie with egg inside. Mom couldn't buy anything ready. She had to bake and cook everything.
Boeta told me that it’s important to have qurbaan at our home for the barakah but also for children to see and understand the meaning of it.
Boeta loved looking for the moon. he took me with to Green Point by the lighthouse and he explained over and over where to look. He even worked out the time to sight the moon. I could never see it myself.
The trolley dash happened every year, but during the lockdown it ended. However, Boeta still bought me an Xbox. I love playing on it. He took me and Sisipho to Ratanga Junction, and the aquarium, but mostly he was lazy to walk around so Zimkhitha had to always tag along. The last outing Boeta planned for us was going to Grand West and I really enjoyed it. My favourate moment was when my dad and I went fishing, and I caught 2 Galjoen fishes for the first time and Boeta was in hospital then but he insisted that my mom grill him one of the fishes I caught.
Boeta was the best, always caring and loving and giving so much of himself to anybody and everybody that needed anything. Having to lose Boeta so shortly after losing my father is very sad, but they both have taught me to put Allah first and be the best Muslim I can be, Algamdulillah.
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
My relationship with Al Marhoom Imam Hashim Salie stems from the fact that both Imam and myself served the Manenberg community. He, as the Imam of Jordaan Street Mosque and I, as the principal of Phoenix High School down the road of the mosque. He often visited the school to deliver talks to the learners. He had his finger on the pulse of the community. He spoke their language and empathised with their struggles and daily challenges. He would always challenge the staff to produce learners that can be role-models in the community.
This challenge was always taken up by the high schools but we couldn’t assist these talented and intelligent learners beyond matric because of financial constraints, both on the part of the school and the community. It was always disheartening for Imam and the teachers when learners who we know had the potential to excel academically fell by the wayside after matric because they couldn’t afford the application fee needed by the tertiary institutions. We sometimes financed some of these students ourselves and are very proud of how far they’ve come in their careers. Here are just some of those success stories.
1. Imam Hashim would regularly challenge my learners during jumuah to study so that the masjid must have an Imam from Manenberg. He used to say,”Ek woon in Surrey Estate. Hoekom moet ek hier Imam wies. Een van julle kan mos die Imam wies.” I am very proud to say that the current Imam at Jordaan Street Mosque is Sheikh Abdullah Lakay, an ex-learner from Phoenix HS, who completed his studies at Al-Azhar University. His successful completion of his studies was made possible by his family and more so by the financial support of the community in the form of Eat-n-Treats and Cake Sales. Imagine there was a Bursary Fund at the time which would enable young men and women to pursue their dreams.
2. Another success story is that of Cohen Charles. Another ex-learner of Phoenix HS who completed his Honours Degree in Linguistics in Oslo, Norway. The article about him appeared in News 24 in 2019. When Cohen matriculated, he so much wanted to continue studying but didn’t have the money to pay for his application. Like with so many other learners, we encourage them to apply online and when the application was successful then the school would source the finance for the application fee. This source would most times be by the teachers donating towards the fee.
There are many other success stories, some of which are now teaching at schools in Manenberg. Sadly, there are too many learners who could not pursue their dreams because of the lack of funds.
The establishment of the Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund would be a fitting tribute to Al-Marhoom Imam Hashim Salie whose legacy is serving and uplifting the poor and the needy.
In addition, details of the Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund can also be found on this website, an important legacy project that seeks to channel the philosophy and vision of Imam Hashim into a tangible forum of upliftment and empowerment. The late Imam Hashim served and loved the impoverished community of Manenberg, a product of Apartheid’s grand plan to dehumanize and criminalize former residents of District 6 displaced there under the Group Areas Act.
The primary purpose of the Fund will be to sponsor the academic studies of eligible students from the Manenberg area, for he firmly believed that education is the key to the upliftment of Manenberg.
We thus appeal to you to assist us financially on this journey of empowerment of the community of Manenberg, by contributing generously in the path of education of the disadvantaged, a cause that was close to Imam Hashim’s heart.
Bank: alBaraka
Account Name: Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund
Profile ID: CO202112090003
Business Banking A/c No: 78600303513
When Imam Hashim Salie passed away on 2nd September 2021, it brought the curtain down on a wonderful life spent in the service of humanity, Alghamdulillah. In a world troubled by many other darker forces, he shone a light that brought relief, insight and progress wherever he tread. While his involvement and wisdom will be dearly missed, he has left a precious legacy that needs to be uncovered, understood and preserved for the many good things in life that should be aspired to.
This Tribute is a humble attempt by the Boorhaanol Islam Movement to encapsulate that legacy, by celebrating a life well spent, affording his family, friends and colleagues an avenue of release and closure, and recording some of his more noteworthy achievements for posterity. The Tribute consists of two parts, a brief Biography and a composite Calendar tribute.
The Biography seeks to trace the important milestones, challenges and achievements in his life, though due to time and access constraints only an abridged version could be assembled. Nevertheless, the Boorhaanol Islam Movement extends its heartfelt appreciation to all those who so willingly and freely provided insights into his life.
ANCESTRY HISTORY
“A young lady, Janpakka or Pakka van Batavia was born a free person in 1755 somewhere in the Indonesian Archipelago. Captured by the Dutch, she was shipped to Cape Town as a slave. She was made the concubine of Johan Godlieb Barends, a free burgher who was born in 1754. Mamma Pakka died just after the emancipation of slaves in 1835, having lived for nearly 7 decades in slavery.
In 1785, she gave birth to a son who was named Carel by his father. She called him Gasnodien. Despite his father being a free burgher, Carel alias Gasnodien (also spelt Gazadien) had the status of the womb that bore him, a slave. Mamma Pakka raised her slave son as a Muslim.
Carel became the first indigenous born Muslim to have undertaken the arduous journey to perform Hajj.
He was hence known as Carel Pelgrim/Pilgrim alias Imam Gasnodien. He was polygamous and his second wife, Saartjie Seppard (Pelgrim), born in 1822 was 37 years younger than him. She too was born in slavery, but was emancipated when the British rulers abolished slavery at the Cape. She was only 26 years old when she passed away in 1848, leaving her 4-year-old toddler son motherless. He was Achmat, and by Islamic tradition adopted the name of his father as his surname, hence Achmat Gasnodien.
Achmat Gasnodien married a woman named Fatima, who is largely unknown and died at a young age too. The smallpox epidemic in the 1880's took a heavy toll. Their daughter was named Asa Gasnodien in 1873. She married the Mauritian settler, Ozier Booley, and became the clan mother of the vast Booley family, having given birth to some 16 babies.
Their eldest daughter was Fatima Booley (born 1895 died 1963). Fatima Booley and Abdol Kariem Booran saw their four first born children dying in the 1919 measles epidemic. Our grandmother, Salaama Booran (born 1920 died in 1982) survived the rampant disease that took many young lives during that time.
Abdol Kariem Booraan died in 1929 in Mecca. Salaama Booraan married Hassiem Peck (born 1912 died 1994) in April 1939. They had one daughter, our mother Mariam Peck (married to our father Edroos Salie) who respectively passed away in 2002 and 2018.
Salaama Booraan (formerly Peck, thereafter Hendricks) was known as Laama Onkel within the Cape Muslim community. She was an excellent seamstress and dressmaker. In 1973 the Apartheid regime bulldozed her house at 8 Oxford Street, District Six. Despite this she resisted being forcibly removed by getting an alternative house at 108 Aspeling Street. Eventually in 1981 she was amongst the last persons to be forced out of District Six under the Group Areas Act. She passed away a mere 9 months later on 1 June 1982. Three children were born of the marriage between Edroos and Mariam Salie: Hashim (1968), Malikah (1970) and Gayaat (1974).”
Ancestry history compiled by Hashim Salie in 2017
BIRTH
The year 1968 signified the start of the Apartheid Government's bulldozing of all the houses and businesses of District 6. It was also the year in which Mariam Salie gave birth to her first child on the 25th February at their residence at no. 8 Oxford St in District 6. Edroos and Mariam Salie named their baby boy Hashim, the title of the great grandfather of Prophet Muhammad, peace be unto him, but whose actual name was 'Amr. During the 6th Century 'Amr had been titled thus because of his outstanding charitable work especially in relation to the pilgrims. He would purchase large loaves of bread, break them into manageable pieces and personally hand them over to the pilgrims and visitors to the Haram. Hashim thus means 'one who breaks bread', a prophetic name indeed.
The first few years of Hashim Salie's life were thus spent in District 6 in the loving care of his parents as well as his grandmother Salaama Hendricks, to whom Hashim became very attached. From an early age Hashim started displaying the hallmarks of a remarkable memory, as his recollection of full feature films he attended with his uncle, Faick Hendricks, in District 6 show. Both his parents imparted a solid religious and moral grounding into him, fertile roots that it seems Hashim had a great appetite for. By day his mother worked as a seamstress at a top fashion house, while his father Edroos worked as a terrazzo plasterer by day and sought knowledge of the Deen at night by attending classes of Sheikh Shaakier Gamieldien, among others. Another person who shaped Hashim's moral character from an early age was Imam Redar Behardien, who was related to Mariam and a close friend of Edroos.
MIGRATION
However the social fabric of District 6 was being torn apart by the bulldozers of the Apartheid regime, and having to watch the devastation of houses and livelihood wrought by these draconian measures, prompted the decision by Mariam and Edroos to undertake migration (Hijra) under such circumstances. They acquired a plot of land at no.6 Saturn Close in Surrey Estate, managed to build their own house and moved there in 1970. The blessed abode remained their residence till both passed on, may Allah Almighty grant them both Paradise, Insha-Allah.
In 1970, three months before their migration out of District 6, Mariam and Edroos were blessed with the birth of their first daughter Malikah, followed in 1974 with the birth of Gayaat, making Hashim the eldest and Boeta of his two sisters. This relationship remained cardinal throughout his life, as Hashim served as guide, protector and mentor to Malikah and Gayaat from young till his demise.
FORMAL SCHOOLING
In 1974 Hashim started formal schooling in Surrey Estate at Porta View Primary, an English-medium school where he consistently achieved top grades. At the same time, he entered the Darul Islam Madrassa in Pluto Rd, supervised by the illustrious Imam Ismail 'koefyt' Johnstone, ably assisted by his brother, Boeta Said Johnstone. The Madrassa offered a wide range of subjects, including Arabic, History and Fiqh, and Hashim revelled in this environment. Throughout his time at the Madrassa thereafter, Hashim scooped the lion's share of the annual awards, an indication of Hashim's huge potential, as well as his total commitment and discipline to his Islamic studies.
Beyond his formal Madrassa education and exemplary Islamic home environment, Hashim gradually began satisfying his thirst for knowledge by immersing himself in books on a wide range of topics. They focused his attention, propelled his imagination and built his confidence in the live arts.
BESTE PROFESSOR
By 1978, television was a relatively new phenomenon in the country and an Afrikaans-dubbed series called ‘Beste Professor’ was screened from the original English title named ‘Paper Chase’. The plot was set in a Harvard-like law school, and revolved around the relationship between the class of students and a brilliant contract law professor, Prof Charles Kingsfield, who inspired both awe and fear in them in his unremitting determination to prepare them for the practice of law. Professor Kingsfield employed the Socratic Method of teaching, whereby the students are asked to question their assumptions and probing questions are used to develop a deeper understanding of the topic. Kingsfield portrayed the role as a brilliant and demanding teacher, and it was a character that resonated well with the impressionable Hashim. At home he enjoyed his nickname of Beste Professor.
The series ran for two years and it had a major influence on Hashim’s character. He kept the family entertained by emulating the professor with impressive precision, thereafter engaging those around him with the same method of teaching in imparting his knowledge of Islam. He would often answer a question with another question, forcing the questioner to think, then he would help with simple guidance and reference to the Quran. He debated fervently, respectfully disagreeing without hesitation where he could not be persuaded, nurtured in others the skill of thinking cognitively about their thoughts, views and actions, and the ability to incorporate these coherently into life’s experiences. Hashim developed an exceptional gift to listen attentively, to encapsulate the issues at hand and to understand what the pertinent underlying issues were that needed to be addressed. The TV series also buttressed Hashim’s command and eloquence of the Afrikaans language, a facility he maintained throughout his life.
TEENAGE YEARS
Hashim loved food, ‘lekker huis kos’, not take-aways, ‘wit brood, aartappels en rys’, not meat, rather a bone with marrow in the dish. His best time was to eat with his hands and suck out that bone, ‘ ‘n lekker murgbeen’. He also loved camping, especially swimming and floating, yet on fishing trips was strict to insist on the salaah when the waqt arrived. He engaged his siblings Malikah and Gayaat at Monopoly and Scrabble for hours on end, always keeping score so that they could not cheat. When they had friends over at their house, Hashim would perform a mock nikah as his sisters had to dress up as a bride, alternatively their dolls would be used in a mock qurbaan. He never played sport as a teenager, opting to act as the referee, for he knew all the rules, even though his uncles were ardent rugby players.
Belgravia High
Hashim excelled academically at Belgravia High and he was elected Head Prefect in 1985 when the student riots were at their peak. His leadership skills placed him on the podium of many school rallies and protests and Belgravia High was at the forefront of the resistance movement. The spectre of how his beloved grandmother Salaama had been hounded out of District 6 still haunted him, and much of this was channeled in fighting against the injustice and oppression perpetrated by the state. The year 1985 was marked by continual unrest, when students took to the streets to express their disdain for a system that subjected them to intense violence and torture.
Battle of Belgravia
Hashim was one of the architects of the symbolic Burial of Apartheid held at Belgravia High on 4th September 1985, an event that attracted a crowd of 5 000 students, activists and community leaders. Placards of Apartheid leaders and symbols had been placed in a coffin as a gesture to signify the demise of Apartheid, and Hashim led the student delegation in handing over a memorandum to the police. However this provoked an angry response from the State when a Casspir flattened the school fence and police fired rubber bullets into the school, dispersing the crowd. Not to be intimidated, the students erected barriers and engaged in running battles with police, who reacted by erecting barbed-wire across Belgravia Road. This event became known as the Battle of Belgravia, which triggered a heightened atmosphere of defiance and a declaration two days later that over 400 schools were to be closed. On the 15th October 1985 the notorious Trojan Horse Massacre in Thornton Road was perpetrated whereby three students were killed, which ultimately led to the declaration of the State of Emergency in the Western Cape two weeks later.
Hashim was in his Matric year and when the Trojan Horse massacre happened, his parents feared for his safety and decided to send him by train to a distant family of Edroos in Bosmont. Hashim dutifully accepted this decision by his parents and his only complaint was that his host family lacked ‘lekker tamatie kos, te min suiker’. Needless to say, upon his return, Mariam welcomed him back with his favourite ‘ tamatiekos with sopbene’, a treat Hashim enjoyed immensely. He persevered throughout the boycott period to still study as well as attend extra tuition classes, and matriculated with an excellent academic achievement. He was subsequently accepted at UCT to study for a B. Comm. degree.
Career Pathways
As a youngster Hashim always said he wanted to be an Imam so that he can make his parents proud. While the Holy Quran was an overriding presence in the Salie household, Hashim wouldn’t skip a day of madrassa as his Arabic and Islamic studies prospered under the tutelage of his beloved Imam Ismail Johnstone. For his 21st birthday in 1989, Hashim requested to undertake his Fard hajj, and thereafter the holy cities called him back over and over again in his lifetime. His upbringing, lived experiences and natural gifts had instilled in Hashim a strong character, established him as a deep thinker, yet he developed a great willingness to tackle and solve any problem.
Maankyker
In 1988, while still studying at UCT to become an accountant and aged only 20 years, Hashim joined the Crescent Observers Society of SA (COSOSA) and immediately made an impact with his enthusiastic approach to the scientific aspects of moon-sighting (hilal) and great knowledge of different aspects of astronomy. Later he accompanied various delegations to other towns like Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and George, educating their Muslim leadership about the scientific aspects of the hilal. His positivity was infectious, and COSOSA was taken to another level of efficiency. He was responsible for cataloguing the history of all sightings of the moon since 1945, recording each Islamic month along with all the names, places and times pertaining to that event. Such a spreadsheet of documented history was testimony to the eemaan and diligence of a special Muslim minority community, and was widely lauded by delegates at Hilal Conferences around the globe.
Accounting Practice
After completing his B.Comm degree at UCT in 1989, Hashim enrolled for a teaching diploma at the same institution the following year, a skill that came to be of immense value throughout his life. He then entered the corporate world as an employee of KIC, the appliance company, for whom he worked for some time. Thereafter Hashim opened his own accounting practice, H.S. Accounting, at the premises of AL Petersen Accountants at 466 Imam Haron Road in Lansdowne. There he was joined by Mr Muain Abdurahman, and by 2002 they had bought a house at 81 Belvedere Road, Claremont and continued practicing there for the next several years. Later Muain and Hashim moved to another house in Imam Haron Road which they had bought and having sold the property in Belvedere Road, conducted their business from there. Tragedy struck in 2010 when this house in Imam Haron Rd caught alight and was burnt to the ground.
As an accountant, Hashim spent his billable hours not necessarily on clientele that would be most profitable to his practice, but included amongst them a vast number where he felt he could add real value and contribute to the overall wellbeing of society. Many a time, individuals or institutions would arrive with their financial records in disarray, often accompanied by financial irregularities and Hashim not only had to mediate between the opposing parties, but fix their financial and internal controls to ensure future prosperity. Such a unique skill set was also often utilized in formal contract signings which was accompanied by inspiring and thought-provoking Islamic advice to the couple and family members. At other times, having completed the financials of an individual pro deo and perceiving a healthy profit, would strongly remind that individual of his/her charitable obligations. Hashim wore his accountant suit to make ends meet, but wearing his thoub was where he was really at.
Yet by far Hashim’s most lasting legacy of his professional practice was that he managed to integrate his internal moral value system into his accounting practice, and foremost amongst these was his belief and trust in the ability of others by granting them opportunities of internships that few others would have considered. These opportunities not only provided momentum to the career pathways of many, but instilled confidence and belief at a crucial stage of their lives. Whether it was in the secular or religious fields, Hashim’s mantra was to develop young professionals so that he can embrace them as his peers. It was a philosophy that bears testimony to his unselfish nature, and speaks volumes for his maturity that was way beyond his years.
Imam
That maturity manifested itself already in his teens when he served as the Secretary of the Darul Islam mosque committee at the age of fifteen years old. A versatile skill set emanating from his deep faith in his Creator (yaqeen), struggle for equality and universal justice during his high school days, facility with Arabic language and jurisprudential issues sitting at the feet of his mentors, as well as facility with the Afrikaans language and Socratic method of teaching imbibed from his Beste Professor days, prepared Hashim for the important role he was to play in society.
In 1991, as recorded in the Taraweeg Survey of the Boorhaanol Islam Movement, he was appointed as Imam of the Noor el Hamedia Mosque in Long Street, Bo-Kaap, on the recommendation of Imam Abass Kamalie of the nearby Palm Tree Mosque in Long Street. Due to the chronic illness of Imam Abass, Hashim had deputized for him during jumuahs and on several ‘big’ nights, and based on Hashim’s familiarity with the Hanafi math’hab instilled into him by his mother Mariam, the greenhorn 23-year old was appointed to that post. Imam Hashim served that congregation till 1992.
In 1999, the Imam position at the Masjiedul Manaarul Hudaa in Manenberg became vacant and on the recommendation of Imam Redah Behardien of Majlishush Shura, the mosque committee appointed Imam Hashim to the post. He served the impoverished community of Manenberg with distinction for the next 12 years until 2011, despite his mounting responsibilities in other sectors of society. The feeding scheme he initiated in the Manenberg area will remain a lasting legacy of his impact on that community.
Darul Quran
In 1995 Sheikh Siraj Johaar, long-serving Imam at the Nurul Islam Mosque in Buitengracht St in Bo-Kaap and hafith protégé of the legendary Sheikh Salih Abadie, was pondering the way forward for some of his own haafith graduates who had returned from overseas studies, when he was recommended to approach Imam Hashim by among others, Sheikh Ihsaan Davids, Sheikh Shafiek Roberts and Sheikh Noor Scott, all of whom resided close to Imam Hashim and knew him well. Sheikh Siraj’s proposal to Imam Hashim was that they open haafith schools for these returning students, a proposal Imam Hashim accepted without hesitation. At that time Imam Hashim was only 27 years old and he assumed the administrative responsibility of running the first two haafith schools opened in the Hidayatul Islam Masjid in Kensington and Masjid Rahman in Steenberg. There were no registration or tuition fees, and needless to say, Imam Hashim administered them efficiently and without compensation. Thereafter, further schools were opened the following year in Masjid Mansur in Mountview, Woodlands Masjid in Mitchells Plain (1997), Masjid Rahmaan in Hanover Park (1998), Masjid Nurul Islam in Heideveld (1999), Masjid Shaafi in Bo-Kaap (2000), Sunni Masjid in Kromboom (2003), Masjid Nurul Islam in Bo-Kaap (2004), Aries Rd (house) in Surrey Estate (2010) and Taurus Rd (house) also in Surrey Estate in 2014.
Once again the philosophy of Imam Hashim came strongly to the fore at the schools, namely empowerment, so that the school can be but a stepping stone for its students to pursue their dreams and ambitions. In the religious field, both Sheikh Siraj and Imam Hashim facilitated the placement of their graduates at overseas institutions, while in the secular field, Imam Hashim’s academic record as well as his persuasive manner, convinced hesitant students of successfully navigating the transition from hifz to academia. Thus today Darul Quran has among its alumni chartered accountants, engineers, IT specialists, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, gynaecologists, opticians and sport scientists, while on the religious front shuyoogh who studied in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Syria and South Africa, graduating in various faculties of Hadeeth, Fiqh, Tafseer and Quranic sciences. All of them represent a true legacy to the tireless efforts of Imam Hashim.
CPA
The SA Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is a lasting testimony to one of Imam Hashim Salie’s greatest achievements and encapsulates his monumental contribution to the building of the new democratic South Africa. When Imam Hashim joined the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA), forerunner to SAIPA, in 1995, it was overwhelmingly ‘Afrikaner, pale and male’. From that point it seems that Imam Hashim was a man on a mission, and his prolonged struggle is a salutary lesson on how to effect true transformation in our highly unequal society. Imam Hashim’s mantra was that transformation should not take place at all costs, but that quality should accompany transformation. It was a philosophy he was prepared to roll up his sleeves for, and the seeds he planted in the nineties and early noughties, has borne fruit with a rich harvest over the past decade.
Having joined the regional branch, he realized that involvement was the key to transformation and he thus embarked on a crusade to cajole fellow disadvantaged professionals to step up and play meaningful roles. As with black professionals in other sectors, their motivation to get involved was initially lacking and their uptake slow. This was where the patience, insight and most importantly, the capacity for human development by Imam Hashim came strongly to the fore. He had an exceptional gift of listening attentively to whoever addressed him, as well as the inner discipline to treat all individuals as equal, which allowed him to perceive the human element in each individual. He also fully appreciated that accounting was the common factor among people of diverse backgrounds, but that common intersection required unpacking for all its constituents to prosper. He thus viewed each person as an individual first and considered their development holistically. Due to this holistic approach to human development, he advocated for alternative solutions based on respecting individual world views and backgrounds and this ultimately contributed to an overhaul of the assessment and grading in the accounting profession.
Education and Learning
In Imam Hashim’s words ‘education and learning is a calling from Allah to fulfill our worldly purpose (amaanah) to humanity, but education without learning through challenging the facts does not enhance life and development’. Imam Hashim was passionate about education in the accounting profession, and he systematically set about that task throughout his tenure at the organization. Firstly he served as Chairperson of SAIPA’s Examination Committee, where he enthusiastically supported the development of competency-based assessments and the rubric grading system; secondly he was among the first to qualify as an assessor for the monitoring and evaluation of trainees in the profession; thirdly he was instrumental in the implementation of the Accounting Olympiad which attracted 11 000 participants across the country; fourthly he successfully lobbied for the registration of learnerships as a qualification registered at NQF level 8; fifthly he was a valued member of the Project Achiever programme’s management team; sixthly he played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance to the International Education Standards; seventhly, as Chairperson of the Western region, he spearheaded the Saturday Forums as well as the Young Professionals Forum and eighthly, he played a major role in the implementation of the process for the establishment of approved training centres (ATC) to develop a pipeline in the profession. Most importantly was his eagerness to impart with his vast knowledge of the accounting profession and assist young individuals who needed guidance or advice.
Formation of SAIPA
By 2005 Imam Hashim’s hard work was beginning to bear fruit and at a seminal annual national conference of the CPA held at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Imam Hashim served as the master of ceremonies and in ‘suiwer’ (fluent) Afrikaans quoted from the Bible and the Quran, finally urging the delegates to embrace change and elect its first non-White Chairperson. Leading up to this watershed moment Imam Hashim had worked tirelessly to convince other non-White professional accountants to take office within the structures of the organization, and among them was Saleem Kharwa of Durban who at that stage was the second Vice-President of the CFA. Saleem Kharwa was duly elected at that historic meeting, and together with Imam Hashim they set about effecting many changes to the structures and philosophy of the CFA. A name change was among these, and it was thus under the watch of Saleem Kharwa that the Institute of Professional Accountants(SAIPA) was born. Soon thereafter Imam Hashim was elected as a Board Member where he served two full 4-year terms, as well as an Exco member of SAIPA. Imam Hashim also served on the Transformation and Disciplinary Committees, as Chief examiner of Professional Evaluation(PE) and two terms as Western Region Chairperson until 2019. For SAIPA he has left big shoes to fill, but he implemented a succession plan through his passion for humanity.
Boorhaanol Islam Movement
In 1994 the Tricentenary Commemoration, spearheaded by the Boorhaanol Movement under the guidance of Boeta Achmat Davids, was the springboard for a lifelong friendship between Imam Hashim, Achmat Kamalie, Mogamad Shaheed Jacobs (MSJ) and Abdul Muhaimin Bassier. The programme celebrated 300 years since the arrival of Sheikh Yusuf of Macassar at the Cape, heralding the establishment of Islam at the southern tip of Africa. Imam Hashim’s first formal contribution to the Boorhaanol occurred in 1997 when he commenced his ‘Believe and Perform’ series in the Boorhaanol Newsletter. When Boeta Achmat passed on in 1998, his position as Co-ordinator of the Movement was taken over by MSJ, who served the organization in that capacity till 2014. Over that period Imam Hashim played an invaluable mentoring role, as his administrative, accounting and jurisprudential knowledge came to the fore. In 2003 Imam Hashim got more formally involved with the organization when he took over from Hadji Goosain Abrahams in doing the Annual Financials of the Boorhaanol Movement. He was then instrumental in the registration of the Boorhaanol Trust and the drafting of the Trust Deed, pivotal legal documents related to the acquisition of the Boorhaanol Centre in Pentz St in Bo-Kaap, and later the historic Boorhaanol House in nearby Almonda Street. Imam Hashim was also instrumental in the Maghrajaan Programme, both in concept and name. The word Maghrajaan was developed jointly between Mohammad Groenewald and Imam Hashim, and means festivities, carnival or fair. It was started in 2008 as an eve-of-Labarang Programme whereby food is prepared in big 100-liter pots for distribution to the poor on Eid. Donors are encouraged to participate in cooking the pots of food, which is done in the open air on the Boorhaanol forecourt. With the Covid lockdown intervening since last year, the majority of the 43 pots of food were outsourced into the community for which they were destined. While Imam Hashim also served as a member of the Boorhaanol’s Editorial team, to quantify his immense contribution to the Movement would be difficult as he always avoided the limelight, yet was always on hand to give advice on a myriad of issues.
Emerging Ulema Programme
The Cape Muslim community being rich in tradition and culture, much of which may not necessarily be fully understood by the younger generation. If one then adds a religious leadership education rooted in a foreign culture, many misunderstandings and clashes may result. This formed the backdrop to the series of annual programmes held under the auspices of the Boorhaanol Movement for emerging leaders of the Cape Muslim community, the first of which was held in July 2009 over 3 days at the Cape Suites Hotel in Strand Street, Cape Town. Imam Hashim, by virtue of his extensive contact with many of the students studying overseas, his own knowledge and experience as an Imam as well as his association with many of the local ulema fraternity, played a pivotal role in designing the content of the programme on the one hand, and its execution in developing the Imamat skills among the participants on the other. Amongst others, the programme aimed at developing the Ulema of tomorrow into effective and dynamic leaders, to impart critical skills in the areas of leadership, strategy and communication, while updating them on the latest developments and trends affecting the local and global Muslim community.
A total of four of these annual conferences were held until 2013, and it served as an invaluable platform to better acquaint students with current ulema, while also acting as an important stepping stone in the induction of young Imams as community leaders. By the time the 4th conference was held in 2013, a number of attendees at the first conference in 2009 held various Imamat and teaching positions within the community.
Four by Four by Far
The Boorhaanol Movement has published the annual Taraweeg Survey from 1988, and the following year Abdul Muhaimin, Achmad Kamalie and Achmad Kiyaam decided to drive through to the Worcester mosque one Saturday during Ramadan to verify the details of the mosque as published. The following year Imam Hashim, MSJ, Achmad Kamalie and Abdul Muhaimin undertook a similar journey to deliver copies of the Boorhaanol‘s Taraweeg Survey to the Worcester Mosque over 100 kilometres from Cape Town. In typical Cape Muslim fashion, their trip started late and when boeka time arrived, they were still on the N1. With traffic zooming past them, boeka was taken under a bridge followed by Maghrib salaah. Under that bridge a tradition was born, for not only did these long distance trips over Ramadan weekends become part of folklore, but having boeka along the way at a proper facility like a picnic spot became the norm.
Subsequent trips were properly planned and those boeka stops prepared for, with each person being assigned items on the menu. Imam Hashim was always responsible for bringing the hot soup which either his mom or Malikah made. Achmad can vividly recall that is how he first met Malikah and Gayaat with them in the kitchen frying bollas for the boeka stop. Initially these trips occurred every Saturday, with the Manenberg Mosque jamaah aware that Imam Hashim would take off from his duties at the masjid to go ‘musaafir’ on these trips.
Achmad was responsible for planning which mosque would be visited by contacting the Imam or committee ahead of time to confirm their Taraweeg details and advising them of the impending visit. MSJ was well acquainted with many of the Imams and committees having served as Head of the Council of Masaajid. Typically the Imam of the masjid would recognize their presence and invite Imam Hashim to convey a few words of naseeghah, an invitation Imam Hashim always accepted. After Taraweeg the group would engage with the Imam and committee members to discuss the state of the Muslim community in that town or suburb. It also afforded them the opportunity to verify the Taraweeg details and take pictures of the huffaath and Imam for future publications. The longest trip was a week-long one to George, Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and East London in MSJ’s VW Minibus, with overnight stops in various resorts or hotels. Uniquely in Uitenhage they made Taraweeg at two different mosques in one night, half in each, just for the experience. In PE they were escorted around by Imam Sadaqah to all the mosques, especially those from where people were displaced due to the Group Areas Act.
Apart from the cameraderie, the best aspect of these trips was the quality time the group had to discuss and debate various issues confronting the community and it was often from these robust discussions that new ideas and projects arose. On some trips a guest like Sheikh Ighsaan Davids or Sheikh Ebrahim Charles would accompany the group, and their input would be highly valued. Poignantly, during Ramadan 2021, both Imam Hashim and MSJ were not in the best of health, but both insisted on the trip. For MSJ it was his first trip out of the house since lockdown and Imam Hashim had just recently been discharged from hospital with a catheter. On that final trip Imam Hashim’s vehicle was used, it was driven by Sheikh Ighsaan Davids and they visited the mosque in Saldanha.
Manenberg Feeding Scheme
Soon after his appointment as Imam in Manenberg in 1999, Imam Hashim saw the need for a feeding scheme based at the mosque. Instead of the conventional route of raising funds helter-skelter and planning the logistics of the scheme, Imam Hashim spent the next two months educating a core group of male and female volunteers on the etiquette of how to serve people food in a dignified manner, quoting from stories of the Ambiyaa in the Quran, wisdoms of the Prophetic(pbuh) example and other moral imperatives. Most famous of these imperatives was his ‘gekke ekke’ caricature, repeatedly censuring the one who praises himself, and drumming that message into his audience on a weekly basis during Jumuah. He decried haughtiness, pride and selfishness, which he maintained had nothing to do with poverty.
Imam Hashim used to ensure that Qurbaan meat was utilized throughout the year, while two groups of ladies prepared the ingredients for the weekly distribution of the 200-300 portions of food on Thursdays. The residents of Manenberg brought their own containers along, and each portion could serve 2 to 3 people. The people of Manenberg loved Imam Hashim, and he loved the people of the area. During one Eid Imam Hashim found a woman living under a staircase with her grandchildren. He promptly laid a table with the most delicious food and he had his Eid lunch with them. Although her dependents were Muslim, the granny was not, though many years later through the Grace of Allah she accepted Islam. Imam Hashim served humanity without any expectation, he only served Allah. Another humorous anecdote pertains to a Muslim household where wine was consumed freely and many illegitimate babies were born. Imam Hashim would dutifully perform the namegiving ceremony, after which the father would always insist ‘moenie vir Imam dai wynglas gee nie’. Imam Hashim was seen as a father, a friend and an Imam, he was family to many in Manenberg.
Majlisush Shura
Edroos Salie, father of Hashim, learnt at the feet of Sheikh Shaakier Gamieldien and was also very close to the current President of Majlisush Shura, Imam Redar Behardien who, in turn, was also very close to Imam Hashim. Thus it was natural that Imam Hashim would be involved in the structures of the organization from an early age. He served as Vice-Chairman on the Exco, headed the organization’s Halaal Trust and was their delegate to the SA Hajj and Umrah Council(SAHUC). However it was in his role as financial consultant to the organization that he was of greatest value, imparting guidance and advice and being able to arrange funds when needed.
SAHUC
Imam Hashim joined SAHUC in 2005 as the Shura delegate in the Western Cape and soon thereafter was appointed the Assistant Treasurer. In 2006 he was appointed as Head of the Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA), whereupon he effected many improvements in the service of the Hujjaj. Included among these were obtaining access cards from the Airport Authorities that assisted SAHUC in meeting Hujjaaj before immigration; ensuring that complaints made during Hajj were heard and adjudicated at source and not brought to SA after the event; and improving communication between SAHUC, Operator and Pilgrim with information flow from KSA authorities.
Imam Hashim also laid the foundation to bringing the Accredited Hajj Operators closer to SAHUC by including them in decisions when making changes to the prescribed application requirements for Hajj Operator Accreditation; becoming more engaging with Operators both in SA and KSA; and assigning a dedicated mission worker to an Operator to assist with dispute resolution.
In 2011, he participated in the World Hajj and Umrah Foundation and delivered a paper on Hajj Administration in SA which was lauded by delegates who requested further engagement for implementation in their countries.
As President of SAHUC (2012-2013) Imam Hashim led its delegation to the KSA for Protocol discussion with the Hajj Ministry. He also served as Treasurer of SAHUC for many years and his prudent accounting policies has helped the organization to maintain sound financial structure.
SAHUC
Imam Hashim joined SAHUC in 2005 as the Shura delegate in the Western Cape and soon thereafter was appointed the Assistant Treasurer. In 2006 he was appointed as Head of the Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA), whereupon he effected many improvements in the service of the Hujjaj. Included among these were obtaining access cards from the Airport Authorities that assisted SAHUC in meeting Hujjaaj before immigration; ensuring that complaints made during Hajj were heard and adjudicated at source and not brought to SA after the event; and improving communication between SAHUC, Operator and Pilgrim with information flow from KSA authorities.
Imam Hashim also laid the foundation to bringing the Accredited Hajj Operators closer to SAHUC by including them in decisions when making changes to the prescribed application requirements for Hajj Operator Accreditation; becoming more engaging with Operators both in SA and KSA; and assigning a dedicated mission worker to an Operator to assist with dispute resolution.
In 2011, he participated in the World Hajj and Umrah Foundation and delivered a paper on Hajj Administration in SA which was lauded by delegates who requested further engagement for implementation in their countries.
As President of SAHUC (2012-2013) Imam Hashim led its delegation to the KSA for Protocol discussion with the Hajj Ministry. He also served as Treasurer of SAHUC for many years and his prudent accounting policies has helped the organization to maintain sound financial structure.
DISCLAIMER
This brief biography of Imam Hashim Salie was compiled by the Boorhaanol Islam Movement as part of a Tribute to an exceptional human being who had served his community and country unselfishly for all of his 53 years. Such a biography can never do justice to the task, we unreservedly apologize for any errors or omissions committed in that process and request that any such be brought to our attention so that it may be corrected on our digital version.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Boorhanol Islam Movement extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have assisted in providing information for the compilation of this biography. Whether it took the form of verbatim copy of tributes or voice notes submitted, or paraphrasing thereof, the biography would not have possible without these contributions. May the Almighty reward all of you for your sincere efforts in providing a fitting finale to our beloved Imam Hashim Salie.
IMAM HASHIM THE EDUCATOR - Prof Rashied Small
Prof Rashied Small
I have engaged with Imam Hashim on all topics, but all generally gravitated towards education. During my engage and interaction I found him to be a scholar and educationist of note. What made us click was that fact that our education philosophies were entrenched in our deen and the Islamic principles. It all started with our initial discuss on the first iyaat revealed to our beloved Nabi Muhammed (saw) “iqra…” which laid the foundation of our educational escapades. Linked to this way the scholastic discussion about the mission and vision of Nabi Muhammed (saw) which laid the foundation for using education to uplift and benefit humanity. Hashim was always there to bring our discussions on education, especially in the accountancy profession, to the fundamental principles of the deen.
His contribution to the principles of value education was entrenched in the moral principles of Islam, while the introduction of competency based education for professionals were grounded in the teaching principles of our deen, especially the practices in the Muslim communities of the Cape. The madrassa system where the emphasis was to develop character, values and skills to conduct our lives as true Muslims form the founding implementation practices our the competency-based model. Competency-based education models are based on the principle of technical knowledge which we grounded on the principles and tags or of the Quran, the applied skills of the technical knowledge which were built on the study of the sunnah of Nabi Muhammed (saw) of how to live and practice the Quran and the deen; and the professional attribute which were based of the study of the moral conduct of the Nabi Muhammad (saw) towards people with dignity, respect and equity.
Hashim also ensure that the teaching and implementation the education processes must capacitate people to apply the principles to different situations that satisfy the context of the situation similar to the development of the mathaabs. Those most important contribution made by Hashim was his insistence that education must contribute to learning and development for the future , ensuring that it evolves continuously to meet the changing environment, and lastly that life-long learning is the fundamental for the survival and evolution of communities and society. Our relationship in the education field was to serve as sounding boards for each other, but also to stretch our understanding to new boundaries and frontiers. Hashim never resisted change and new or innovative ideas in education, but never compromised on his grounding in and the principles of the deen. His o pop adding does not only leave a vacuum in the development of education but to me a greater scholastic partner, sounding board and humanitarian in the field of value and moral education.
Over the six year period of the education project and with the drive of Imam Hashim we were able to produce more than 3,900 professional accountants who are able to think and add value to businesses and the economy. Shukran for the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Imam Hashim to the accountancy and education profession.
THE STUDENT – by Sh Muhammad Adams
While a great scholar like Imam al-Bukhari’s magnum opus, Sahih al-Bukhari is revered for preserving a good part of the Prophetic Sunnah, little is known about the personal sacrifice upon which this monumental work rests. One incident has al-Bukhari setting out to Nishapur and receiving a hero’s welcome that was enthusiastically promoted by the local hadith scholars. As soon as the popularity of al-Bukhari became widespread and his hadith circles started to dwarf those of the local hadith scholars, the latter conspired to extinguish his popularity. Al-Bukhari became the target of a vicious slander campaign and was finally abandoned by the local students whereafter he unceremoniously left Nishapur.
An important comparison can be drawn between the great scholarly personalities such as al-Bukhari and those who selflessly serve the Muslim community such as my dear friend Imam Hashim Salie. While they may vary in stature they do have the shared experience that whatever the impact of their remaining legacy, it has been earned by navigating the difficult path of human interaction. Perhaps only those closest to my dear friend would know of his most challenging moments. The following hadith sharply brings into focus the time he has dedicated to the Muslim community: “The believer who mixes with people and endures their injury is better than the believer who does not mix with people nor endure their injury” (al-Tirmidhi).
With the active role he has played in the Muslim community it is inevitable that he would have been emotionally injured, at times, but continued to serve the community despite these setbacks. We thus beseech the Almighty Allah to cover him with His mercy, expiate his sins and grant him the Highest place in Paradise.
AMBASSADOR – by Shaheen Essop (SAHUC)
Ambassador – Shaheen Essop (SAHUC)
Where does one begin to start a tribute of a man whose heart was bigger than his appetite for a good soup.
I was privileged to have met Imam Hashim Salie (Allah yar Hamhoe) back in 2005 when we both joined SAHUC. Imam in the Western Cape and myself in Gauteng.
Not having met before, one tends to be a bit cautious in diving into friendships without prior knowledge of anyone, however, this was not so with Imam Hashim Salie.
From the onset, we became good friends and shared many a good discussion around Hajj and other matters of common interest.
What stood out for me about Imam Hashim, was his primary concern for the community around him and the worry of what happens to the community one day when he is no longer around.
Imam Hashim and I shared various platforms in the SAHUC environment where his contribution to sound corporate governance, fairness to the Hujjaj and Hajj Operators and strict adherence to the Protocols (service level agreements) entered with the authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the benefit of the SA Hujjaj.
Imam Hashim and I never always agreed on matters – but I could always count on his counsel to discuss various issues and find the best way to bring resolve.
During his tenure as the Head of the Hajj Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Imam Hashim worked tirelessly with the various mission workers and other role players to ensure that the Accredited Hajj Operators were brought closer to SAHUC. One such example is the “daddy program” – assigning a dedicated mission worker to a hajj operator in order to assist with dispute resolution etc. In addition, he always told the operators that success of Hajj for South Africans is a combined effort and not an individual effort on both sides.
Imam Hashim was stern in his decisions regarding resolution and did not compromise any of the processes and policies of SAHUC in carrying out his tasks.
All in all, Imam Hashim Salie in my humble opinion was a “diamond” that will be sorely missed in the corridors of Hajj as well as in the communities that he so tirelessly worked in.
No amount of words can give an exact account or tribute to a giant that has been lost to the community.
I make dua that ALLAH SWT forgives him for any shortcomings and grants him Maghfirah in the highest station of Jannah Insha-Allah.
Maankyker, Moon Sighter – By Imam Mogamat Yusaf Pandy
Ambassador – Shaheen Essop (SAHUC)
I, Imam Mogamat Yusaf Pandy, chairman of the Crescent Observers Society (COSOSA) take great pleasure in paying tribute to the late Imam Hashim Salie.
I had the privilege of knowing Imam Hashim when he was with the hafiz students of Sheik Siraaj Johaar. In 1988 he joined the COSOSA team. Those days we had our meetings in Newfields and later moved to the MJC 's offices.
Imam Hashim was always very enthusiastic about the moon sighting and displayed great knowledge of the different aspects of astronomy. He could tell you the exact age, time and phases of the moon as the science interested him immensely.
Imam Hashim went on various excursions to Kimberley, Mossel Bay, George and Port Elizabeth, educating the Imams and scholars about astronomy.
His enthusiasm was infectious as it brought positivity to the group. He would willingly share his knowledge and introduced other moon sighting organizations which assisted us in taking our sighting to another level.
He was actively involved with our society from 1988 to 2000, attending meetings as well as the sighting venues at Signal Hill and Three Anchor Bay. His input was always valued.
Sadly, due to his other commitments he was no longer able to commit to our society, however his enthusiasm did not waver.
He is sadly missed and will always be remembered as a 'Maankyker', may Allah SWT grant him a high place in Jannah, Aameen.
EXAMINER - By Prof Jade Jansen
Examiner – Prof Jade Jansen
I met Imam Hashim Salie when he requested me to become an examiner for the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). We developed a personal relationship which contributed to the profession and my personal development beyond the exam.
Initially, we focused on my role in the exam and its purpose, structure and content, which was technical in nature but over time this focus evolved into the holistic development of people. Imam Hashim had a deep understanding of education and always sought fairness in all processes involving the development of students. What impressed me most was how he viewed each person as an individual first and considered their development holistically. He brought in the human element, in a much broader way than is usual, into every discussion. In a way, although he was not necessarily much older, chronologically; his maturity and caring made him somewhat of an older brother or father to many of those who were under his tutelage.
Because of his holistic approach to education and human development, he advocated for alternative solutions based on and respecting individual world views and backgrounds. This contributed to an overhaul of how we assess and grade in the accounting profession.
Imam Hashim’s respect for diversity was admirable. His love for his religion was unavoidable as it was evident in how he lived its values day to day.
IMAM / LEADER - By Sh Waseem Abrahams and Sh Ebrahim Charles
Imam / Leader – Sh Waseem Abrahams
Imam / Leader – Sh Ebrahim Charles
IHS was an imam, “one the leads”, in the true sense of the word. He led by example in countless aspects in his role as imam. He had a firm conviction that an imam was duty-bound to serve within a community rather than only guiding the congregation from the pulpit. His Imamat duties were therefore not limited to the mimbar or even the walls of the masjied.
In spite of him being an academic and self-confessed book worm, his true passion lay in performing the daily pastoral duties that comes with Imaamat work. He was fond of saying that the imams relationship with his congregation is life long journey from when we hatch (doepmal), to when we match ( engagement) and Attach ( Marriage) , being there when we detach (Mediation) and finally presiding over when we dispatch (Janaazah). These services he felt are in fact the true essence of what it means to be an Imam of a community.
One remarkable quality of IHS was that he had the ability to interact with people from all walks of life, always making those around him feel like he was one of them. His constant drive to relate to people on their level, is what made Imam exemplary in the role as a community leader. In particular he went to great lengths to find out what the trending issues and crazes among the youth were to be able to relate to them and remain relevant to the times.
An example which comes to mind, is when a mother and father came to imam with the concern that their son has denounced Islam and had became a Satanist. The son refused to take advice from family, teachers and counselors. Reluctantly this young man agreed to meet with IHS. I remember Imaam satting down with the young man and asked him bluntly why he believed what he believed, genuinely trying to understand this individual’s perspective without any judgment. The young man contended that the world is filled with so much hatred and violence and that no loving God would allow these things to happen. Imam Hashiem’s response to him was “you know, I think you have a point, tell me more ”! The young man was shocked that an imam would take such a stance. The two conversed on many subsequent occasions and with the Grace of Allah and IHS’s wise counsel, this young man not only returned to Islam but later even became one of the Muatthins at the Masjied.
Another stand out quality was that had a deep concern for the living conditions of the community he served, especially the poor and needy. Even though he kept a very demanding profession, he always made time for the grassroots issues. He frequently made house visits and in particular whenever he visited a home an impoverished person, he would at once make himself at home. In so doing removing any barriers that his mureeds may have felt.
As a scholar, he believed that there was no shyness in discussing the heaviest of issues and dared to tackle topics which others steered away from. This unique quality set him apart from many of his contemporaries. When debating a matter from an academic stand point he was not hesitant to speak his mind even in a unsympathetic or let’s say colorful manner. But when it came to applying these issues on the ground and impacting people’s lives, he had the wisdom to handle people with so much compassion that one was surprised this was the same person who was so severe just a moment ago.
We are often asked what was the legacy which Imam has left behind. The best was to answer that would be with the hadith of Abu Hurayrah;
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
This Hadeeth highlights the 3 aspects of his legacy. He left behind structures for charity which are still serving communities today. He imparted knowledge to Mahsaaikh and community leaders which continues to benefit others, and finally, the young scholars whom he had mentored and ‘adopted’ continue to pray for him.
His concern with the ummah was evident even in his last words to us, “Do what you do best … keep servicing the ummah and always remember the duties we have to our community”
THE JURIST - by Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe (Abstract Summary of Full Tribute)
Jurist – Judge Gayaat Salie-Hlophe
As I mourn our brother, days come where I overwhelmingly feel his absence with tears building up with questions as to why he left so soon. We still had so much to cover. I thought we were still going to grow old together.
Hashim was at peace in his last few minutes, humming along as I recited to him. I assured him that we all love him and that I come with love, peace and duahs from our sister, Malikah (under Iddah) and all our other loved ones, family and friends.
He was a sound jurist of Islamic jurisprudence. He clarified Shariah principles with ease as he untangled contemporary problems in our society. Undoubtedly he had a unique but self-effacing ability to reach each and every person he so engaged.
Not only was Hashim our brother, he was a leader, compassionate, strong with a will which could not be undermined, a presence which cannot easily be forgotten, a confidante and yet also someone who enjoyed a good laugh. He avoided the company of gossipers. Backbiters, anonymous critics and skewed journalism he referred to as all species of the spineless.
Hashim vehemently decried the unequal treatment of persons, for Allah created us all as equal. He took a proactive role in the liberation struggle, taking the lead at Belgravia High during the 1980s. He was fearless creating awareness that apartheid was a grotesque man-made ideology and a crime against humanity.
Compassion and kindness to the disadvantaged and disenfranchised was his mantra. He would not let injustice or poverty unfold by looking the other way.
Our Boeta was undoubtedly the best version of a jurist, a community leader, a pioneer, scholar of Islam, son, brother, uncle and friend to all of us.
We miss him, but his contributions will remain bright, endearing and enlightening as a legacy for generations to come, Alghamdulillah.
NOURISHER (SOCIAL OUTREACH) – Achmad Cupido
Nourisher – Achmad Cupido
Our thanks, our gratitude to Allah, who has given us the humankind, and an ingenious communication which were communicated through our beloved prophet (saw). The prophet’s (saw) lifestyle and his humanly manner were highlighted and teach by imam Hasim through the Manenberg feeding scheme.
“His believes were his thoughts, became his words, his words his actions, and his actions his habits, his values and his values his destiny” NIYAH”, and aim, “die kinners moet iet”. He made sure this is our point of departure: “jou niyah moet reg wies”.
The Manenberg feeding scheme were not only but a feeding scheme. With imam Hasim leadership he established, management, supervision, and entrepreneurial skills. This were made sure by stern leadership, compassion, love and understanding ” no compromise”. This were dealt through the “balance”…. Everything has to balance other than that it will fail.
Although we dish out food to the underprivileged, Imam Hasim believed that the human being should progress, and be treated with dignity at all times.
Examples of this is when he sent some women through the Islamic Dawa movement for a toekamanie course.
His reflection of love I recall when on Eid he dish a table for a woman who stayed in Irvine street under the staircase with her grandchildren. He laid a table with the most delishes food and had his eid lunch with them. Although her children were muslim , she was Christian , through the grace of Allah she accepted Islam later, Alghamdoelielaah.
With his unselfish support the following derived from the community, BComm graduates, gafith children, spiritual leaders. And businesswomen and men.
An aunty in Gonubie with 17 grandchildren he established a business, naam (“gegie vir 15 klein kinders, en 2 agter klein kinders”), meeste van hulle getrou. They saw him as a father, a friend, and imam, he were family to many in Manenberg.
Imam Hashim were appointed by SHURU for three months to restore issues at the mosque in 2001 (I think) after Sheikh Gafieldien and Imam Omar.
He grows a love so big for the people, although he resigns in january 2012 as imam of Manarul Hudaa he never let goes of his passion, the feeding scheme.(until he died in 2021)
His message over the years to the people of Manenberg- “gekke ekke” reflects the true education of obedience to Allah and to serve humanity through all avenues of live.
Let this legacy of Imam Hasim Salie, to read and explain the quran with an open and crytical mind shape and nourish our society in Manenberg
Mag Allah ons bewaar
EN BAIENG TRAMAKASIE
ADMINISTRATOR - By Ganief Hendricks
Administrator – Mogamat Ganief Hendricks MP
As a member of the Booley clan, Imam Hashim Salie was revered as a leader. His mother, Mariam, and my mother, Ghaironiesa Hendricks nee Booley, were first cousins. Imam Hashim and I were very close. I remember him being passionate and fluent in Arabic because his father had a strong love for Arabic and studied under Imam Ismail Johnson. He was an avid reader of Arabic literature and travelled frequently to Saudi Arabia.
Imam Salie was the Treasurer of Majlisush Shura Al-Islami, a member of the legislative department which had a Shariah Court. He ensured sound administrative compliance. He was also the spokesperson of Shura for Hajj and Umrah matters and excelled nationally.
Imam Salie served in the past as a Board Member and as Chairperson of SAIPA’s Examinations Committee. He was a valued member of the Project Achiever programme’s management team and played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance to the International Education Standards. As an accounting professional he assisted many Muslim and sporting organisations to ensure financial compliance.
As an MP, I consulted with him on Islamic Legislative matters and miss his advice. He passed on at a young age, but the community benefited a lot from him.
Accountant - by Shafiek Dollie
Accountant – Shafiek Dollie
I have known Hashim at a professional as well as at a personal level. My writing this tribute is to acknowledge the contribution he made to the accountancy profession, especially in the area of professionalisation and human capacity development. I met Hashim as a colleague and fellow member of the South Africa Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) in the days when accountancy professionals in South Africa other than CA(SA)’s were not given its true recognition.
This is where our journey started with the purpose to elevate accountancy professionals in terms of quality service delivery as well as gaining its rightful recognition. The achievements through the sacrifices of Hashim included amongst others (i) the evolution of SAIPA members from being recognised as accounting technicians to professional accountants which is on par with all professional accountants globally; (ii) the registration of learnerships as a qualification registered at NQF Level 8 with Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO), (iii) amongst the first to qualify as assessors for the monitoring and evaluation of trainees and training practices in the profession; (iv) the implementation of the Accounting Olympiad for SAIPA which attracted 11,000 participants across the country; (v) the implementation of the process for the establishment of approved training centres (ATC) to develop a pipeline in the profession; and (vi) the development of infrastructure in the Western Cape to support and connect SAIPA members.
The passion with which Hashim immersed himself in this arduous and often impossible task was underpinned by his personal sacrifices, but the rewards were the admiration by those who obtained the Professional Accountant (SA) designation. Hashim’s passion for human capacity development resulted in the development of members through the SAIPA Western Cape regional structure into leadership positions, himself serving in on both regional and national structures for about 20 years. He was instrumental in, amongst others, the establishment of forums where members could discuss problems, share experiences and collectively develop practical solutions; expansion of institute’s footprint in districts in the outlying areas (plattelandse dorpies) under the umbrella the Western Region; the establishment of the Young Professionals Forum for newly qualified professionals to network and share knowledge and experience; and lastly, but not least, the hosting of regional, national and international events to elevate the status of accountancy professionals and the accountancy profession.
May Allah grant you a high abode in Jannatul Firdous my colleague, friend, and brother.
MENTOR - by Makkie Gasant
Mentor – Makkie Gasant
My earliest memory of Hashim Salie was when I was about 6 or 7. It was at our home in Surrey Estate, my brother s friend, standing at our door.
Hashim played a tremendous mentorship role in my life, initially as an Arabic language tutor. I remember returning from Umm al Qura University after my first semester, needing assistance. My mom had recommended him, and it always amazed me how he arrived at the first time within minutes after I had made the call. That first lesson led to many a discussion and debate. Whether it be the value of the Arabic language scale system or Asha’irah vs Salafiyyah, Hashim used to enjoy engaging and did so strongly. Critically though, when it was all done, it was as if it had never happened.
But it was during my internship at his accounting practice that I really got to see what he was all about.
Sometime during my first few days of internship, I accompanied him to one of his investments that he had held. At the time I was quite in awe thereof, and he could probably see that I think. I remember his words to me at the time, “I could have had more wealth if I really wanted to”. I remember because it was not what he had said, but how, not in a boastful tone, but very much in his advisory one. I remember thinking at the time that it was just an idle boast, but as I spent the years with him, found it very much to be true.
As an accountant, Hashim spent his billable hours not necessarily on clientele that would be most profitable to his practice but included therein a vast amount where he felt he could add real value and contribute to the overall wellbeing of society. I recall one client, a local mosque. Their financial records were 5 years behind, not an unusual occurrence, but in addition there had been financial irregularities by one of the members. From the time the disgruntled and concerned mosque members arrived together with their shoe box containing bank statements, invoices, and the like, Hashim oversaw the update and completion of all their financial records, mediated between the confessed wrongdoer and the mosque committee, negotiated the repayment terms of the wrongdoer to the mosque and advised on the mosque’s financial and internal controls to ensure future prosperity. That was just his skillset.
On another occasion, I remember being called into his ‘boardroom’ in Belvedere road to witness a contract signing with one of the low-cost housing projects he was acting as an administrator to. It was scheduled to be a 5-minute sitting. I left the room about 2 hours later, having signed as a witness to the housing project, but also as a witness to a Nikah he put through thereafter. This included his inspiring and thought-provoking advice to the couple and family members. Again, that was just his skillset.
He wore his accountant suit to make ends meet, but wearing his thoub, or overalls as he referred to them was where he was really at.
But it was his quality of being able to put others before himself that far superseded any other qualities he may have had. Many others I am sure can testify to this. He granted me an opportunity to be at his practice solely because I had been a student in Saudi and trying to find my feet at the time. There were risks to hiring a non-finance graduate, but he was willing to bear that.
I last saw Hashim about a month before his passing. My wife and I had gone to visit him, with the intention of providing moral support. He was not bedridden, but in bed. As the conversation continued, he provided insightful and relevant advice on the upbringing of teenagers, even more remarkable considering he had no offspring of his own. We left with him giving and advising when he probably should have been the one receiving. With Hashim it ended, just the way it had always been.
Translator – Fatima Allie
(coming soon)
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TRIBUTE FROM THE FAMILY
Introduction - by Judge President Jagyaa Hlophe, Brother-in-law of Imam Hashim, Husband of sister Gayaat
As-salamu alaykum to all my brothers and sisters in Islam. It is an honour for me to be a part of the commemoration of, not only the passing of Imam Hashim, but also the life that he lived. I would like to thank the Boorhaanol Islam Movement for hosting this occasion in honour of Imam Hashim.
My name is Jagyaa Hlophe, husband to Gayaat Salie-Hlophe. I first met my wife in May 2013, where after I had the honour of meeting my brother-in-law in October 2013. I have known Hashim for a period of 8 years, thus I am suitably qualified to speak on behalf of the Salie family. On 26 April 2015 when I got married to my wife, Hashim played a very active and supportive role in the wedding. Since then I have become closely related to the Salie family.
Imam Hashim Salie as a Professor and a jurist of Islamic law
My wife has given a very detailed account of my late brother-in-law and his role as a Professor and jurist of Islamic law. In addition to what she has said, he was a very well-known Islamic scholar. His contribution was enormous, he always availed himself to those who sought his counsel without fail. He gave selfless advice to many people at any given time. He was a highly regarded Imam in the Islam community.
As an Islam scholar, he always found new ways to engage us on Islamic topics and to think critically in respect thereof. He provided guidance in respect of Islamic laws and teachings. He always referred to the Holy Quraan and the teachings of Islam as a solution to any adversities one may have faced.
Hashim’s Charity Work
Hashim believed in education. He believed that education was the key to success, prosperity and self-reliance. He recognised that there are many children that come from hitherto disadvantaged communities, children who would go to school without food. Therefore, he realised that such children would not be in a position to acquire education and that is why he believed, in his own words “die kinders moet eet”.
Thus, he started a charity many years ago that operated largely in the Manenberg and Gugulethu area in which food would be prepared and donated to schools and deserving communities. Hashim pioneered this, he spent a lot of personal money to ensure there was food prepared and he was also assisted by many people. This charity still continues to feed the hungry. Imam Hashim literally fed thousands of poor pupils and helped many of them to go school. He had a very generous heart and was always willing to share and give to those in need.
Contribution in Politics
Imam Hashim Salie was very politically astute. He was the President of the SRC at Belgravia High School in the early 1980’s at a time when there was a mock burial of Apartheid which was indeed his brain child. He had several confrontations with security police and had to subsequently go into hiding. Even presently, we have not fully achieved his dreams of total liberation of the oppressed. Indeed, he was right, we have not achieved the complete liberation of our people. The fact that we still have thousands of people who are evicted from their homes, we have countless homeless people and those begging for food. Thus, we have not achieved total liberation of the oppressed. The struggle for genuine equality, redistribution of resources, including land, is far from being over.
Profession as an Accountant
As an Accountant, Hashim was a highly regarded professional. I know this because he hosted a big conference comprising of nearly a thousand accountants across South Africa, at the ICC in Cape Town. On the 20th of October 2017 he invited me to deliver a paper on the topic of whether a Trust is a juristic entity or not. I could see that he was highly regarded by his peers as an Accountant. We all know how much pro bono work he did for family members and poor communities without charging them anything or at least the bare minimum.
As a Community Leader
He was a very well-known religious leader. He was indeed an Imam of note and highly regarded as such. There are highly regarded Sheiks in our midst who had the honour of being taught by Imam Hashim.
Conclusion – Hashim as a Person and How He Was Viewed At Home
Hashim was very humble, reliable, dependable, smart, intelligent, polite, God-loving and a God-fearing person. He was an imposing figure who was very articulate and an orator of note. He loved his nieces, nephew and his sisters Malikah and Gayaat. Those who knew him well knew that Hashim loved his food very much. Once, while he had dinner, the chair which he sat on broke. As he fell, he had a potato in his hand which he did not let go. Instead, he first sat and ate the potato before he got up again.
In conclusion, Hashim died prematurely and left a huge void in the family. In fact, last week I consoled my wife who was tearful as she missed her brother. I visited Malikah who also painfully said how much she miss her brother. Hashim will never be forgotten, we will continue to keep his memory alive.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Shukran to all my brothers and sisters.
TRIBUTE FROM SAIPA REP
COMMEMORATIVE TRIBUTE TO IMAM HASHIM SALIE (Al-mahroom)
By Prof Rashied Small
Imam Hashim Salie is a giant of a man is physique, but even more so amongst the fraternity and development of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), as well as it evolution to the current Professional Accountancy Organisation (PAO) it is today. I would like to briefly touch on his contributions to SAIPA and the profession at large under four areas, viz. (i) SAIPA as an institution, (ii) professional assessments, (iii) education development, and (iv) human development.
SAIPA as an Institution
Imam Hashim has contributed significantly to the evolution of SAIPA from its earlier stages of being IAT which provided a home for the accounting technicians, to SAIPA which provides a home for professional accountants rendering services, other than audits, in practice, private sector (commerce and industry) as well as the public sector. Throughout this journey of SAIPA (40th anniversary during February 2022), Imam Hashim contributed significantly in the development and implementation of structures that serve the members, while at the same time supporting the sustainability of the institution. The footprint of his contributions can be measured by the following: (i) the expansion of infrastructures to support members at district level, (ii) the infrastructures develop to support young professionals, and (iii) the implementation of succession and leadership planning within the structures of SAIPA.
Professional Assessments
Imam Hashim was chairman of the assessment processes of SAIPA which ensured the integrity and quality of assessments of graduates meet the proficiency standards of the profession. He never compromised on compliance to assessment standards but was equally tough on ensuring compliance to examination legislation with a focus on authenticity and fairness to the candidates. He was a rock in guiding the examiners of the responsibilities of compliance to the assessment standards and balancing it with fairness to the candidates. His major contribution in the area of assessment policies and procedures is the transition of mark-based examinations to competency-based assessments which involves the transformation of from a technical-based to skills/competency-based assessments. In addition to the transformation of the assessment process Imam Hashim also contributed to the introduction of a competency-based rubric grading system that focused on assessing the skills and competencies of the candidates rather than focusing on the regurgitation of the technical knowledge.
Education Development
Imam Hashim’s most significant contribution to SAIPA was in the area of education where he integrated the principles of Islamic education and learning into the secular educational landscape of the professional pathways. Imam Hashim focused on education from a platform of learning development that contribute to capitating people to add value to their learning experiences beyond the professional qualification.
Imam Hashim contributed to implementing the strategies of Islamic educational development into the education system of SAIPA as follows:
(i) a focus on the fundamental principle of the technical knowledge (principles-based teaching and learning framework) – this is based on the fundamentals of the Quran that lays down the principles,
(ii) a focus on developing the skills to apply the technical knowledge in the workplace (applied skills in different situations) – this is based on the principles of the Hadith of our beloved nabi Muhammed (saw),
(iii) a focus on divergent and critical skills to develop simple, practical and implementable solutions to complex – this is based on the mathaabs of the scholars of Islam who never violated the principles of the Quran or the essence of the Hadith, but used them to find solutions in the context of the environments prevailing (the Quran is for all times and circumstances), and
(iv) a focus that education and training must enhance the moral values of humanity – this is based on the principles that the mission of our beloved nabi Muhammed (saw) was to contribute to the well-being of humanity.
Human Development
Imam Hashim’s contribution to SAIPA and the profession was admired by many that have crossed his path, always mention how he has touched and changed their lives at both professional and personal level. Imam Hashim was always focussed on the development of people to ensure that they meet the goals and aspirations of becoming the best they can be as professionals. To this extent, Imam Hashim was extremely hard on everyone involved in developing people along their path to becoming professionals, to such an extent that many training providers (principals of Approved Training Centres), facilitators preparing them for professional life, and even examiners/assessors feared him for his passion in putting the interest of the candidates first. Furthermore, Imam Hashim was also involved in the initiation of implementing structure to support learners through the implementation of the National Accounting Olympiad including the development of support material to enhance the performance of learners in their matric examinations.
The passing of Imam Hashim Salie is a major loss to me personally in implementing educational changes in the profession but also as a colleague and friend, and to SAIPA and the profession the loss of the guidance in their development is even more significant.
Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate the achievement and contribution of Imam Hashim Salie to SAIPA, the profession and all those whom he toughed throughout his lifetime.
Shukran
TRIBUTE BY SHUYOOG REPRESENTITVE
Coming soon
MESSAGE FROM SISTER MALIKAH
MESSAGE FROM Malikah Salie - by Fayruze Fakier, Cousin.
I greet you all with Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullah, the universal greeting of peace.
I hope I will do justice in paying tribute to our beloved Hashim, my only brother. Hashim was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year (2021). I accompanied him to all his chemotherapy sessions.
We were excited as he was reaching the end of these sessions. He could then ring the bell which is an achievement for a cancer patient in the oncology unit. Unfortunately, Hashim passed on due to Covid, in the week of his last session. However, he can be proud of so many other achievements beyond ringing the bell.
I shared our family home with Hashim for 48 years of my life. We have very fond memories of Hashim. Since a young age, he was always direct, he was stern but remained true to himself throughout. He said a thing like it is. I believe he was born clever, intelligent, gifted, a leader, and most importantly, in a nutshell: Hashim was born to serve.
I asked him once whether he is on the organisation that saves the penguins, and he jokingly said: "Ja, die perre, die donkiekarre en die losse honne!”
He was active on a vast number of platforms, with oceans of knowledge. Our parents, Edroos and Mariam, had noticed since a young age Hashim wanted to be an imam, and nurtured him to always carry the lamp of Islam with him.
Through the years, he carried out so many religious duties. He had time for all of it. He never hesitated to do various things on the same day - be it making dua for pilgrims before leaving their homes; in the next hour performing a nikah; later giving a lecture in accounting (his profession) at a conference and in the evening giving naseegah or words of wisdom at the bridal room of wedding ceremony he performed that morning! How he did it, was just amazing! He didn't turn anybody away, no matter at what time it could be they needed his assistance. Our Boeta, was just one of a kind. One in a million.
Ever since my son Aadam was born and grew up with Hashim in our home, Hashim said we must “give our children roots and give our children wings”. Through roots, we preserve our culture and traditions, and heritage which was very important for him.
At Boorhaanol and other organisations, he could practise those values dearest to him.
His love for the Afrikaans language, and how to preserve it for our youth, then Mouloods, cutting of rampies, were all important.
He wanted to make our maternal grandmother, Hajja Salama Booraan proud. He was the apple of her eye. When she, like hundreds of families were forced out of District Six, Hashim vowed to become an activist during his high school years, to lead the students in the height of the struggle. He wanted to bury the monster of Apartheid, so that he could help reform, transform and in his way preserve our culture and heritage, to honour our grandmother.
He was instrumental in playing a pivotal role in the Holy Cities in the Saudi Kingdom. Being with SAHUC for two terms, Hashim secured bilateral agreements not only for South African Hujjaaj, but also for Africa, as a continent not only for the Hajj and Umrah Operators, but also for our young shuyoog studying abroad. His input there was awe-inspiring. I heard, he sprinkled his love all over Makka and Madina, SubghanAllah. He flew across the miles for many years to put these negotiations in place.
Ramadaan and the two Eids were the highlights of Hashim’s year as then he was in his element! He helped Boorhaanol as an advisor with the Taraweeg survey, Boeka Treats, the orphanage outreach and the famous Maghrajaan project, cooking for Labarang Day so that all in need of a meal, could enjoy Eid too.
I always got the apron afterwards; he was so proud to hand it to me! He had road trips with members of the Boorhaanol team to break fast or boeka on the long road. Then I had to make whatever Hashim felt like having. He loved food, especially home-cooked meals! There had to be vegetable soup and mince samoosas, not with any other filling. He never skipped a night of Taraweeg. He visited different masjieds as the keynote speaker or visiting Imam.
He ran the soup kitchen in Manenberg even after holding the post at Jordaan Street Masjid. The feeding scheme continues to this day, Algamdulilah. He loved to slaughter, one day he was running late. Everyone was ready but he wasn't here when we had a qurbaan. He rushed in and told me he needed to fetch the sheep. I went out and low and behold “a candid camera moment” – Hashim was so desperate to bring the sheep to our house, he loaded them in his car on the front seat, even putting on safety belts for them!
On the evening of Imam Abduragmaan Bassier's janazah, he borrowed my car. He came home but parked it overnight on the pavement. Next morning, it was gone. I was frantic. Hashim, however, remained as cool as a cucumber and said firmly that the stolen car was a non-issue for him, and it was more “afthal vir hom” to attend Imam’s Janazah. He said: "Boorhaanol is in my heart, Imam is my family, the stolen car means nothing to me" and he left for Bo-Kaap on 25th of July 2004.
I thank the Boorhaanol Islam Movement for this beautiful and insightful tribute and the Arwaag on his 100 days. Hashim was a person larger than life, who has left big footsteps to fill. I hope Aadam and Gayaat’s daughters will be given the opportunity to be part of the Boorhaanol family and continue his legacy, Insha Allah.
I salute Hashim. While almost during the last week of his life, he still performed the burial procedures/Janazah of my own husband, Siddeeq Railoun, who passed away at home, due to Covid. He said he would feel hurt if I asked anybody else to do it. Frail, sick and weak, he was determined as he never broke his Niyah. Nine days later Hashim passed away too.
We have lost two anchors and advisors in our lives. I have to navigate a new way forward for Aadam and me. I thank all of Hashim’s family, friends and friends that became family; for the part you played in his life. I pray that he has left a small piece of himself in all your hearts.
May Allah most high be pleased with both Hashim and Siddeeq. May Allah forgive them and all Marghooms for their shortcomings. May Allah be pleased with them and grant the deceased Jannatul Firdous, Ameen.
And as Hashim would always end off … Baie Tramakassie.
MESSAGE FROM NEPHEW AADAM
AADAM’S TRIBUTE by Zimkhitha Gunguluza, Household child raised by Imam Hashim
My Boeta as an iconic character. He was brave until the very end. I will miss my uncle whom I have lived with since I was born. He hardly watched TV, always busy with a pen and paper and working on his laptop.
He always had time to play with me. We played “sword fights” and I would jump from the windowsill onto Boeta’s big stomach!
He loved food, tomatoe bredie, pumpkin food was his favourite and bread! Ramadaan will not be the same as Boeta will sit ready, waiting for the athaan and say "bismillah my klong, ons het hard gepwasa, iet lekker!” then he said we must see who eat the most fritters but he was the winner! I loved Boeta more than boontjie curry.
Eid cannot happen if there wasn’t big mince pie with egg inside. Mom couldn't buy anything ready. She had to bake and cook everything.
Boeta told me that it’s important to have qurbaan at our home for the barakah but also for children to see and understand the meaning of it.
Boeta loved looking for the moon. he took me with to Green Point by the lighthouse and he explained over and over where to look. He even worked out the time to sight the moon. I could never see it myself.
The trolley dash happened every year, but during the lockdown it ended. However, Boeta still bought me an Xbox. I love playing on it. He took me and Sisipho to Ratanga Junction, and the aquarium, but mostly he was lazy to walk around so Zimkhitha had to always tag along. The last outing Boeta planned for us was going to Grand West and I really enjoyed it. My favourate moment was when my dad and I went fishing, and I caught 2 Galjoen fishes for the first time and Boeta was in hospital then but he insisted that my mom grill him one of the fishes I caught.
Boeta was the best, always caring and loving and giving so much of himself to anybody and everybody that needed anything. Having to lose Boeta so shortly after losing my father is very sad, but they both have taught me to put Allah first and be the best Muslim I can be, Algamdulillah.
MESSAGE FROM SHAFIEQ
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
My relationship with Al Marhoom Imam Hashim Salie stems from the fact that both Imam and myself served the Manenberg community. He, as the Imam of Jordaan Street Mosque and I, as the principal of Phoenix High School down the road of the mosque. He often visited the school to deliver talks to the learners. He had his finger on the pulse of the community. He spoke their language and empathised with their struggles and daily challenges. He would always challenge the staff to produce learners that can be role-models in the community.
This challenge was always taken up by the high schools but we couldn’t assist these talented and intelligent learners beyond matric because of financial constraints, both on the part of the school and the community. It was always disheartening for Imam and the teachers when learners who we know had the potential to excel academically fell by the wayside after matric because they couldn’t afford the application fee needed by the tertiary institutions. We sometimes financed some of these students ourselves and are very proud of how far they’ve come in their careers. Here are just some of those success stories.
1. Imam Hashim would regularly challenge my learners during jumuah to study so that the masjid must have an Imam from Manenberg. He used to say,”Ek woon in Surrey Estate. Hoekom moet ek hier Imam wies. Een van julle kan mos die Imam wies.” I am very proud to say that the current Imam at Jordaan Street Mosque is Sheikh Abdullah Lakay, an ex-learner from Phoenix HS, who completed his studies at Al-Azhar University. His successful completion of his studies was made possible by his family and more so by the financial support of the community in the form of Eat-n-Treats and Cake Sales. Imagine there was a Bursary Fund at the time which would enable young men and women to pursue their dreams.
2. Another success story is that of Cohen Charles. Another ex-learner of Phoenix HS who completed his Honours Degree in Linguistics in Oslo, Norway. The article about him appeared in News 24 in 2019. When Cohen matriculated, he so much wanted to continue studying but didn’t have the money to pay for his application. Like with so many other learners, we encourage them to apply online and when the application was successful then the school would source the finance for the application fee. This source would most times be by the teachers donating towards the fee.
There are many other success stories, some of which are now teaching at schools in Manenberg. Sadly, there are too many learners who could not pursue their dreams because of the lack of funds.
The establishment of the Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund would be a fitting tribute to Al-Marhoom Imam Hashim Salie whose legacy is serving and uplifting the poor and the needy.
MESSAGE FROM SHAFIEQ
Dr M Majedi Bassier - On behalf of the Boorhaanol Publications Committee
At the janaazah of IHS on the 3rd of September, the idea of a Tribute to him was mooted in the light of the multifaceted role that he played in the affairs of the Boorhaanol Movement as well many other organizations over the past 3 decades. However it was only about 2 months later, on the 6th of November, that a meeting was convened of the Task Team(TT) that met to finalize the details of that Tribute. Members of that TT were as follows: Mohammad Groenewald, Abdul Muhaimin Bassier, Sh Muhammad West, Achmad Kamalie, M Majedi Bassier, Sh Waseem Abrahams, Sh Ebrahim Charles, M Aadil Bassier and Kiyaam Bassier.
The Task
The challenge of the task lay not in the paucity of material, but rather the wealth of it.
How do you encapsulate the notion of a 10-yr old boy teaching his younger siblings the Deen via the Socratic Method, in the best tradition of Prof William Kingsley of Beste Professor fame?
How do you convey the satirical mastery of the 11-year old boy whose mimicry of the finger wagging PW Botha, having the Salie family in stitches?
Or the precocious administrative talents of a 15 yr old teenager entrusted by the illustrious Imam Ismail ‘konfyt’ Johnstone to be the Secretary of the Pluto Rd mosque Exco?
What about the bravery of the 18 year old matriculant who handed over a memorandum of demands to the Apartheid Army that led to the Battle of Belgravia and ultimately the Trojan Horse massacre?
Or the patience and ingenuity of the young ‘maankyker’ who recorded on a spreadsheet the details of each moon sighting at the Cape since 1945?
Or the compassion of the Imam of the Manenberg mosque that established a feeding scheme that till today conforms to his famous mantra that ‘die kinders moet iet’
The list goes on and on…..
The short answer is that you can’t.
Additionally, the 100 days commemoration of his passing was only 35 days away, which left precious little time to accomplish the task.
Luckily the Boorhaanol had previously produced Tributes in honour of Al marghoom Imam Abdurahman Bassier, Boeta Achmat Davids and Dr Imam Saleh Adams, and thus had some knowledge of how to proceed.
Our first task was to inform the siblings of Imam Hashim, Malikah and Gayaat, to obtain their blessings and support as well as their input. Alghamdulillah, both of them gave their wholehearted support, not only then, but throughout this hectic journey.
The Package
After some lengthy debate, the TT settled on a plan they felt would go some way in honoring the legacy of our beloved IHS on the one hand, but would also be achievable in the short space of time before the 11th of December. The plan consisted of 3 parts, firstly a printed and digital Tribute in the form of a Calendar, secondly a Commemorative Event coinciding with the 100 days when the Tribute would be launched, and thirdly, the launch of a Memorial Fund in honour of Imam Hashim.
1. The Tribute : 2 parts
A) Brief Biography: this was an impossible task as Imam Hashim’s life was so full that all the details could never be included due to the constraints of time and space. However, a valiant effort was made, thanks largely to all the wonderful people who knew him and shared their invaluable insights into his life. One could almost feel the intense love and respect that they all had for him, the deep void that still exist 100 days on, and the comfort that something is being done to capture the legacy that Imam has left behind.
A. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
A. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
B) Composite Calendar: this part of the Tribute endeavored to outline the most important roles that IHS played in his life, and we settled on 12 of his most important, like Imam, educator, ambassador, mentor etc. In addition, the TT felt that IHS’s passion for education had to be reflected in the Tribute, and so each page has, alongside the tribute rendered by an expert or close associate of him in that field, an education piece of utility value to assist readers in the future. Among these would be duas that can be rendered for exams, duas when embarking on journeys, tips on how to write an Islamic Will and even the recipe of how to make a 100 liter pot of akni.
If nothing else, IHS was a leader, in whichever field he participated, and we felt it incumbent to capture a slice of his quotable quotes that will endure for many years to come. Who of his jamaah in Manenberg will ever forget IHS’s “gekke ekke” caricature of the person who thinks too much of himself, or his oft-quoted insistence that we must never turn kids away from the masjid, however noisy they may be, as long as they are aware that it’s a place to find solace, peace and a warm meal.
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
B. COMPOSITE CALENDAR
2) Commemorative Event
The Cape Muslim community traditionally commemorates the passing on of their beloved after 100 days, so as to grant the nearest and dearest a further opportunity to effect closure on their loss. Today’s Programme encompasses both that spiritual element, as well as the platform for some family members and others to share their insights into our Imam. Algamdulillah, on today’s Programme will also be the handing out of copies of the commemorative Tribute, to which so many of you have contributed. We hope you find it useful, both psychologically as well as a tool of empowerment, a true tribute to IHS.
3) Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund (IHSMSF)
The TT felt that, while this Commemorative Event and The Commemorative Tribute were worthy legacies to honour IHS, a more longer term instrument had to be created to best encapsulate what IHS stood for in his lifetime. IHS fought for the dignity and empowerment of all people by developing their innate potential at every opportunity, and his designated stomping ground for many years was the impoverished suburb of Manenberg.
To ensure transparency and accountability, we have gone to some lengths to open a dedicated bank account at alBaraka from and to which funds will be operated. This Memorial Fund is thus a vehicle of empowerment and upliftment of the people of Manenberg and surrounds, and our humble appeal is to assist us financially on this journey by pledging any amount that will bolster the Fund on an annual basis.
May we take this opportunity of thanking you in advance for the trust you have invested in the vision of Imam Hashim, for the commitment you have displayed in the upliftment of the community of Manenberg, and may Allah Almighty reward you and your family abundantly with ghayr and barakah. Who knows, from the proceeds of your investment, another Abdullah Ebrahim may emerge that will light up the world stage with his or her version of ‘Manenberg’, insha Allah aameen.
I thank you and bid you
Assalamu alaykum waragmatullahi
In addition, details of the Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund can also be found on this website, an important legacy project that seeks to channel the philosophy and vision of Imam Hashim into a tangible forum of upliftment and empowerment. The late Imam Hashim served and loved the impoverished community of Manenberg, a product of Apartheid’s grand plan to dehumanize and criminalize former residents of District 6 displaced there under the Group Areas Act.
The primary purpose of the Fund will be to sponsor the academic studies of eligible students from the Manenberg area, for he firmly believed that education is the key to the upliftment of Manenberg.
We thus appeal to you to assist us financially on this journey of empowerment of the community of Manenberg, by contributing generously in the path of education of the disadvantaged, a cause that was close to Imam Hashim’s heart.
Bank: alBaraka
Account Name: Imam Hashim Salie Memorial Scholarship Fund
Profile ID: CO202112090003
Business Banking A/c No: 78600303513
021 424 1864
196 Longmarket Street
Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
8001, South Africa
021 423 7690
81 Dorp Street, Bo-Kaap
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
021 423 7460
Pentz Street, Bo-Kaap
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
Phone: 021 424 1864
Email: info@boorhaanol.org.za
WhatsApp: 084 222 1308
