The Passing of a Shining Star – Mufti Taha Karaan
Mufti Taha Karaan, a prolific Islamic scholar, visionary, and leader of the South African Muslim community, has returned to his lord in the early hours of the blessed day of Jumuah, Friday the 11th June 2021. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge in the Islamic sciences and western tradition, he contributed for more than three decades in the preservation and transmission of sacred knowledge via various avenues which includes the prestigious Islamic seminary he founded in Strand, South Africa. Mufti Taha was regarded as a scholar’s scholar and was well respected amongst many of the senior scholars in the Muslim world. It is no suprise that he was given the appellation al Shafi’i al Saghir (the junior al – Shafi’i) due to his prowess and mastery of Shafi’i fiqh amongst other sciences. He provided clear and beneficial guidance on many matters and contemporary issues affecting Muslims around the world.
Mufti Taha Karaan contributed to Seekers Guidance with various articles, reflections and videos over the past few years. We extend our condolences to his family, his community and his students who loved him dearly.
Dr Yousuf Patel, a student of Mufti Taha Karaan writes a moving poem honoring his teacher, who himself was known to be a gifted poet in Arabic and English.
The Perfect Inheritor
A heart so tender, a mind so bright
A symbol and emblem of scholarly light
From modest beginnings you blazed a noble path
Unmatched and unequalled in your scholastic craft
From a garden of knowledge and piety infused
You brought clarity to all those who were confused
The needs of others you made your own
Your true state with Allah is by Him only known
The fruits of your labour are evident to all
The students you inspired now stand tall
So much you attained in such a short span
The light of your guidance has spread beyond our land
You were pensive in thought and graceful with words
In the companionship of the Prophet you are assured
Our thoughts and memories of you only increase our love
For the gift that you were, bestowed on us from above
