abuhajira

Below is an excerpt from the small biography of the first ever worker of Tableeghi Jamaat in South Africa titled "Our Dear... Haaji Bhai Padia "

This is a gift to my Tableeghi brother. The efforts of our elders shine for us today. If only we realize the glorious past we will appreciate the wonderful present as well. And perhaps will take some time out to benefit from this beautiful work.



CHOTA MOTA (YUSUF)[1][2] DESAI OF RICHMOND

Chota Mota (Yusuf) Desai of Richmond (father of Mufti Ebrahim Desai) (May Allah Ta'ala fill his qabr with noor) used to mention how Haaji Sahib's efforts had brought a wonderful change in his life. Prior to Tabligh Chota Mota's Saturday nights was spent playing till the early hours of Sunday morning. Mufti Ebrahim's mother (Chota Mota's wife) had to prepare Food and tea for Chota Mota and his friends. Sunday morning after resting, Chota Mota used to go to Kingsmead grounds in Durban to watch football. Alhamdulillah, one day Haaji Sahib came to meet Chota Mota and make his tashkeel. Chota Mota tried to make all the excuses not to go with Haaji Sahib. May Allah Ta'ala give Mufti Ebrahim's mother Jazae Khair. She packed her husband's bedding and sent it to the Masjid. Now Chota Mota had no excuse.

Haaji Sahib met Chota Mota at the taxi rank in Richmond. Chota Mota's car was filled with passengers and ready to leave. Haaji Sahib told Chota Mota to offload all the passengers. Haaji Sahib then took Chota Mota with him and a few other companions in the path of Allah, to Johannesburg. Chota Mota's taxi was now the car for the jamaat. In Chota Mota's house there were very little provisions but Subhanallah, Mufti Ebrahim's mother (Chota Mota's wife) was a lady of strong Imaan and sabr (May Allah Ta'ala fill her qabr with noor). She made sabr and struggled to keep the house fires burning while Chota Mota was out in the path of Allah.

Then the day of desperation came. There was no money to pay the light account. Moulana Mohammad Desai says that one day a person from the Electricity Department came home to turn off the lights. He had climbed up to turn the switch off. Chota Mota's wife turned to Allah in Dua. The man turned around and looked at Chota Mota's wife and children. Allah Ta'ala softened his heart he turned around and left. It is this kind of qurbani that today the Ummah is benefiting from Chota Mota's children and grandchildren who are Ulama serving Islam throughout the world.

CHOTA MOTA'S JOURNEY WITH HAAJI SAHIB TO CAPE TOWN

Chota Motas taxi was now the jamaat car. Haaji Sahib, Chota Mota and others travelled together to Cape Town. On the way the alternator broke and they had to spend the night at a Masjid enroute to Cape Town. Chota Mota said that when he got up at night, he found Haaji Sahib crying and pleading to Allah Ta'ala to assist them to reach Cape Town. After Salaah, Haaji Sahib told Chota Mota to start the car. He pleaded with Haaji Sahib that the car would not start as the alternator was broken. Chota Mota said he knew about cars and this was not possible. Haaji Sahib insisted that Chota Mota start the car.

Alhamdulillah, by the qudrat of Allah the car started beyond Chota Mota's expectations and they completed their journey in the path of Allah Ta5 ala. Chota Mota then sent his sons to Mia's farm. After they had completed hifz, he sent Mufti Ebrahim and Moulana Mohammad to Dhabel to study.

Alhamdulillah the two of them are today serving Deen. May Allah Ta'ala reward Haaji Sahib, Chota Mota and his wife. Aameen.

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[1] Chota Mota is a title Bhai Yusuf Desai, father of Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb, was known as. The term Chota means younger, and Mota is a customry title to any elder or respectable person. I have had old people call me Mota Bhai..

[2] As per my knowledge there are two well known Chota Motas in South Africa. One is the father of Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb db. and other Chota Mota is Haji Ebrahim A. Desai, Chota Mota (also known as Soofi Mota) of Madrasah Da'watul Haq, Umzinto.