In the name of Allah, Gracious and Merciful!
Today we are grateful to our Lord who has loaned South Africa a rare human being, a rare Muslim, a rare Imam, and a rare comrade. I speak of Sheikh Abdul Gamiet Gabier.
He returned from studies in Cairo at a time South Africa was emerging from the fearful silence that followed the massacre at Sharpeville, the jailing of Mandela and his generation, the exile of Tambo and his comrades, the killing of Imam Haron and Steve Biko, and the fear generated by a ruthless apartheid security branch. At this moment of his return, the Trade Unions stirred in 1973, Portuguese colonialism was collapsing in 1975, our youth found their voice in 1976, and the people started to regain their courage.
My first encounter with Sheikh Abdul Gamiet Gabier was when my grandfather lay on his death bed and the last he heard was the melodious recital from the Quran by a young Sheikh in Salt River. My next encounter was that young Sheikh becoming the Imam at my mosque in Primrose Park and my madrassah teacher. That was the experience that inspired my heart towards justice because Sheikh Gabier shed tears on that mimbar (pulpit) for the suffering of black people under apartheid. He taught me the recitation of the Quran, but more crucially, how to live the Quran. No wonder Primrose Park Mosque became the Head Quarters of the Muslim struggle against apartheid, particularly of The Call of Islam.
In 1983, we launched the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain. While some were debating whether we can make common cause with people of other faiths and ideologies, and whether the MJC should affiliate to the UDF, Sheikh Gabier took a stand and represented us with great passion, next to Allan Boesak, Archie Gumede, Trevor Manuel, Rita Ndzanga and other icons or struggle. He was a fast learner, shouting his first Xhosa word, "Amanda", which he later perfected to "Amandla".
From there we decided to transcend our organisational homes - he was chair of The MJC and we were in the MYM / MSA. We needed a vehicle that would act while it talked, who would have the courage of our convictions, who would stand for justice next to other faiths, ideologies, and other markers of difference. So was born The Call of Islam in 1984 in Primrose Park Mosque - where else? My teacher became my comrade; my Imam my political leader; my revered Sheikh, my friend; and the passionate orator, the strategic operator.
He never abandoned or condemned the MJC. His job was to guide them to the right, to inspire them to their better selves, to open the mosques for those with more courage than the serving Imam, and to show the best face of Islam and Muslims to the millions of oppressed South Africans. The killing of Ebrahim Karelse in Salt River during the 1985 Emergency by the police saw Sheikh Gabier at his finest. Thousands of people from the Muslim suburbs and The African townships gathered in Salt River as Sheikh Gabier led the janazah. Now Allahu Akbar joined Amandla in a show of defiance, while the mournful singing of Senzenina mingled with the Eid Takbir.
It was here that Timmy Lakay - the cricketer - was shot by Constable Farmer - the undercover Security Branch policeman - and where the enraged crowd killed the policeman. Sheikh Gabler was given the choice: become apartheid's state witness or spend the punishment in prison. He refused to be state witness and was prepared to go to jail. We prevailed on him to choose exile, where he worked his fingers to the bone in Canada to support his family. However, he linked up with the ANC's Johnny Makatini and worked for apartheid's isolation.
Politics for him was not a career - even though he became an Ambassador in Saudi Arabia and a Councillor in Cape Town. Politics was an expression of his passion for justice. Sometimes the passion made him politically incorrect, but never politically quiet, neutral, or apathetic.
My generation has much to be grateful for for the life of Abdul Gamiet Gabier. When most were fearful and silent, his was the voice for justice and courage. When many were debating details and jurisprudence, he stood for the values and principles of Islam. Thus we drew inspiration and courage from him so that we could be proudly Muslim and courageously political. The Call of Islam inspired people, mobilised Muslims into struggle, displayed the finest values of Islam to the suffering masses, and had icons like Sheikh Gabier, alongside Imam Hassan and Mawlana Farid. In the background, approvingly stood Sheikh Nazim Mohammed. Our ancestors like Sheikh Yusuf and Tuang Guru would be proud that from their progeny emerged an Abdul Gamiet Gabier.
May Allah reward him richly and may his legacy of Justice, Peace and Rights always be cherished by each successive generation, Insha-Allah