He personified humility, modesty, patience and compassion. He earned respect for his sincerity, simple living and utmost dedication towards the religious reformation in the community. Being his niece, I have grown up seeing my chacha help the needy, educate the poor and adopt a holistic approach in solving problems within the family. He had a sharp sense of humour which made him blend among the people of all ages.
Chacha was a propagator of women’s empowerment. He always encouraged girls to take part in all activities along with men. As a result we can see a vibrant women’s wing of Jamate Islami Hind indulging enthusiastically in religious and social activities in coastal Karnataka.
Endowed with extraordinary intelligence, he was also an enchanting orator who was gifted with eloquence in Kannada, Urdu and English languages. His speeches inspired masses and changed the life of many all over Karnataka. He was one among the very few people in the Beary community who had extraordinary eloquence in Urdu. His urdu speeches that he delivered during his tours of the Gulf countries are still revered and remembered in this region.
Chacha brought about a revolution in the field of Islamic literature in Kannada language by being instrumental in publishing Sanmarga, a Kannada weekly. Thereby making the knowledge of Islam and current affairs in the Islamic world widespread among the Muslims in Karnataka. He has penned about 22 books on different subjects and has to his credit the translation of about 25 books from Urdu and English to Kannada language. His landmark contribution to the Islamic literature is ‘Tappu Kalpanegalu’ (Misunderstandings) which wiped away enormous misunderstandings about Islam. Besides, this work was applauded beyond Karnataka when it was translated to the languages of the neighbouring states. He also took a lead in bringing about communal harmony among the followers of various religions through his writings and speeches. His book on the biography of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh), Pravadi Jeevana Sandesha is truly a work of an intellectual mind.
Ibrahim Sayeed with the ex-Khazi of Mangalore Kota Abdul Khader Musliyar during the launch of Madhyamam in Mangalore
He served relentlessly in the field of Dawah (propagation of religion) by being an active member of Jamate Islami Hind. He served the organization as the member of its National advisory board and also adorned the position of state president of the Karnataka and Goa zone.
This noble soul was an epitome of the saying “simple living high thinking”. His life in this world was far away from luxuries and he never got trapped in the usual worldly matters. He lived the teaching of Prophet Muhammad, "Live in this world as though you are a stranger or a traveler”. He proved that when spirituality increases, one tends to think about higher things and shuns mundane issues. Although he contributed greatly to the Kannada literature no award was lucky enough to adorn his personality. He did not leave any worldly wealth behind, but has definitely carried along with him the three treasures of the hereafter that is: Recurrent charity, Knowledge by which people derived benefit and Righteous children who supplicate for him.
Ibrahim Sayeed felicitating noted Kannadda writer K.S. Nisar Ahamed
It is needless to say that his death also left lessons for all of us to ponder upon. When he learnt about the deadly disease that attacked him he did not feel miserable and helpless. Instead he was greatly concerned about accomplishing all pending assignments that were on his way. He consoled his dear ones and strengthened them to face the loss of his absence.
Chacha started his career as a banker. If he had continued with it he would have retired as a senior banker and would earn a lot in terms of worldly benefits. But he chose to quit the job and dedicate himself in the service of mankind because of which he will live in the hearts of people forever.
Great men leave a legacy behind. It would not be an exaggeration if I say that my chacha left behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. I have always heard the saying that great men do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. But here is a great man who did extraordinary things in an ordinary and simple way.
His demise is a loss of a legend of this era and has created a void that is difficult to fill in the near future. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may the Almighty place him in the highest position of Paradise.
Ibrahim Sayeed with former Jamaate Islami Hind president Maulana Sirajul Hasan and other dignitaries during the opening of the new book stall at Hidayath Centre,This was one of the last public programmes attended by Sayeed saab.
Photos by Ahmed Anwar
Comments
Ibrahim saeed is an amazing personality, so simple, not like others his life and the way he approach people mashallah i dint see any other.
His life is reading the Quan same kindness and deeds whihc ordered in Quran and Hadeeth.
I saw him many times and also he came to ou place Hoode so many times , we really blesed to hav leader for us.
Allah is so kind he became JIH president in his fila stage of life and guided us with perfect plan and motivations.
HIs Open Quran sessions and work fo Coomunity botherhoodness is not an easy task to achieve.
His literatures, sanmarga,anupama HIdayath center all are his dedication still guiding people of Karnataka and India to right path.
I always think about his life and steps taken by him.
I dont know is is plan or co incidence he did Hajj at his last stage of life as Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) and its only once as our Prophet.. and that its not bcoz he dont had money or fame , he can do Hajj but i think he love it to do once in a life, its grt message for us.To think about other people whom we need to work lot.
My words are not enough to explain about this amazing Chacha..
May Allah bless us with same dedication and pure heart to serve the community.
and accept marhoom Ibrahim saeed's deeds and bless him with Higher place of Jannah.
{His work Mahakavi Iqbalara kavanagalu is a humble attempt to transform thoughts and philosophy of Allama Iqbal into Kannada language which he had started to pen down in his popular weekly, Sanmarga}
Parwaaz hai dono ki isi ek fizaan mein
Karghaz ka jahan aur hai, Shaheenka jahaan aur
[The vulture and the falcon fly in the same sky, but both have different
ways of living. A vulture eats carrion while a falcon preys.]
Alfaz-o-maani mein tafawat nahi lekin
Mullah ki azaan aur, mujaajid ki azaan aur
[The mullah and the mujaahid both utter the same words Allahu Akbar
but there is a difference in the forcefulness of each]
Aaj bhi ho jo Ibrahim sa Imaan paida
Aag kar sakti hai andaaz-e-gulistaan paida
[Prophet Ibrahim(AS), as you may recall, was made to jump into a fire,
but he was saved by virtue of his faith, which transformed the fire into a bed of flowers]
Meree zindagi ka maqsad teree deen ki sarfrazi
Meh isiliye mujahid meh isiliye namazi.
[O'Allah The Objective of my life is to work for the Glory of Islam and therefore,
I serve as a Soldier of Islam and offer Prayers.]
Second instance, I literally cried, going through the editorial of his immediate deputy, immediately after his expiry. That was really a heart touching one. However, he has carved a destiny by the grace of Al-Mighty equally, for Muslims and Non-Muslims of these twin districts (Mangalore and Udupi).
May Allah grace him Maghfirah and Marhama, Janna Al-Firdous - Aameen
May Almighty Allah give him Janna for his great deeds.
May Allah Grant Jannah to this inspiring personality....
Huda & Mrs. Huda.
Let us pray to Almighty to forgive his sins, accept all his noble acts and reward him with a highest place in Jannah. Let us try to follow his teachings in our life...
Thanks sister Sameena for the article
Pavitra Quran-Kannada Anuwada, Mohammed S.A Jeeva Mattu Sandesh inspired me.
When I visited their house for his funeral and I was stunned by his daughters Sabr un Jameel . This is what he advised his family too.. May Allah bless him with Jannatul Firdous Ameen!
May Almighty Allah give me Janna for his great deeds.
Abdulkhader B.,
Al Khobar, KSA
He too was an old student of Govt. College Mangalore, hopefully 2 or 3 years senior to me.
No doubt that he has been dedicating his life for the sake of Islam and community and for the cause of goodwill and harmony in between various communities.
About 15 years back, when he visited Kuwait, it was my previledge that he was staying with me for a little while for about 2-3 weeks, I got an opportunity to extend a little khidma to him as he was staying in my room for some time. As he was a dedicated writer I remember hat he started writing ISLAMI AANDOLANA for Sanmarga while he was in my room. I was quite happy to reserve my table to this great writer and I remember I used to serve him with simple breakfast.
As the writer of this article has mentioned truely he was a great Orator, Writer and a Social Worker. May Allah bless his Family, and reward him with the best of Jannah.
I remembered his book “Pravadi Jeevana Sandesha” (which forward written by Dejagow De.Jaware Gowda) while I am reading this report, then I saw which is mentioned here, in this report also. Everyone should read this book to know a short history of our Prophet (saw)
Actions should meet verbal obligations or sentiments, and they should not contradict them. If a person constantly talks about the plight of the poor but never thinks of donating to a charity or in any way mitigating that plight, their words have a hollowness or empty quality.
His memories brings tears rolling in the cheek.. Simply becoz he changed my life when I was exactly in a crossroad.
I cant forget those days when he used to keep his hands in my shoulder and ask me what is the problems and suggest how to move forward.
Simply I used to feel he is so kind and close to me But the same is the feeling of many many people, whom I spoke to after his death.
May Allah bless him a high place in Jannah..
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