by Yūsuf Badāt
Demise
“To God we Belong and to Him Shall We Return” (Qur’ān 2:156)
It was Tuesday the 15th of Dhū al Qa’adah 1438 corresponding to the 8th of August, 2017, after the Esha prayer. Phones were buzzing with messages and calls regarding the sudden news of Shaykh Moulāna Yūsuf Patel’s demise. It was certainly shocking news, however reality set in very quickly as the news was confirmed, Shaykh Yūsuf Patel, a sparkle of the Greater Toronto Area had passed away.
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel passed away peacefully with no apparent ailment at the age of 69. His final company was with his household and family members, smiling and in discussion. He lay in bed making dhikr (remembrance) of the Almighty when his soul was taken.
Ritual bathing and shrouding for the funeral took place within hours. The Shaykh’s janāzah (funeral) prayer was led by his eldest son, Shaykh Anwar Yūsuf Patel, where almost two thousand people congregated at Jāme’ Abū Bakr Siddīque Masjid, in the east end of Toronto, the very masjid where Shaykh Yūsuf Patel often attended daily congregational prayers during his life. His burial was equally witnessed by scores of believers, congesting the roads in and around the cemetery. A gentle rainfall was witnessed immediately after his burial. The Shaykh was laid to rest, as a somber environment prevailed, with people whispering prayers and memories of the late Shaykh (may the Almighty have mercy on his soul), as they departed from the cemetery. Shaykh leaves behind four sons and one daughter, all righteous and learned offspring.
A Peek into Shaykh’s Life
Family of Saints
Shayk Yūsuf Patel was born in 1947 in a famous Indian village of the Gujarat province, known as Baleshwar. His father was a sage, better known as Qārī ‘Abd al Ḥai Patel (may Allāh’s mercy be with him). Shaykh’s mother was no less in piety and prayer. Qārī ‘Abd al Ḥai is also the very first person in Gujarat to embrace the da’wah and tablīgh movement, rekindled by Shaykh Ilāys Khandlawī (may Allāh’s mercy be with him). Shaykh’s father was always in constant contact with elders of the movement, including receiving monthly letters from the likes of Shaykh ‘Omar Pālanpūrī (may Allāh’s mercy be with him) and others.
Education and Initial Service
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel commenced his initial studies from his scholarly father and the ‘Ulama of his home town. He memorized the Qur’ān within a span of one and a half years. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel then enrolled in advanced Islamic studies at the renowned seminary of Rander, Gujarat, India. He was present in its’ days of glory. He was a committed student, always achieving top honours in every subject. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was one of the rare locals, who learnt English while studying at the seminary, through his interaction with foreign students, particularly from South Africa. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was always ready to give a helping hand, serving others. During a flood that engulfed the seminary, he was one of the few students that knew how to swim. With this skill, he was able to bring all the kitchen material, ingredients and utensils with a small group of swimmers, to higher ground, which resulted in ensuring food for the students and staff of the seminary. He graduated as a qualified young and vibrant scholar, ready to serve.
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel initially served as an imam in Surat, Gujarat, for two years. After Shaykh’s marriage at the age of 26, he took up a post as a teacher of Islamic sciences in a township known as Viara, Gujarat, India, where he diligently taught for five years.
Barbados and South America
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel then traveled to the shores of Barbados, where he was appointed the imam of the grand mosque. After three years, his wife and children joined him. Despite his challenges and poverty, he exhausted himself on a daily basis in teaching, propagation and social work. From his base in Barbados, Shaykh particularly took interest in travelling to every country in South America for da’wah, tablīgh and dissemination of the religion. Scores of Muslims form Arab origins had migrated many years ago, forgetting their religion and God. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was the only scholar in the region, during those days, who could fluently speak Arabic, thus able to communicate with the Arab immigrant communities in the region. A famous wealthy Arab clan in Venezuela was positively influenced by the Shaykh’s teachings, which brought the clan closer to religion and practice. Today that very same clan operates several masājid and Islamic institutions in the area.
Taṣawwuf
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel also excelled simultaneously in taṣawwuf (spirituality). He had spiritual associations with various luminaries, including Shaykh Masīḥ Allāh Khān, Ustādh Ghulām Ḥabīb and Ustādh Aḥsan Baig (may Allāh’s mercy be with them). He constantly strived for spiritual purification through following the sunnah, meditation and dhikr (remembrance of Allāh).
Canada
After 13 years in Barbados, he chose Canada as his new home land. He had already visited Canada twice. Once leading Ramadān tarāwīḥ prayers in Madīnah Masjid, Toronto and another time, for an Ijtima’ (religious conference). His first residence was in downtown Toronto near Madīnah Masjid. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was the very first religious scholar in Toronto, with close affiliations to the work of da’wah and tablīgh. After approximately a year, he moved to Scarborough, the eastern part of Toronto, where he remained until his demise. Shaykh initially volunteered his time teaching and delivering Friday service at various prayer spaces in the then growing city.
Makkī Masjid Brampton, Islamic Society of Peel
At the recommendation of his counter part, the late Shaykh Khalīl Aḥmad Ṣūfī (may Allah’s mercy be with him), he was introduced to a few brothers in Brampton who were struggling to operate and manage a small masjid from a newly purchased home transformed into a prayer space. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel took on the lead role in establishing this small community into what thrives today as Makkī Masjid Brampton (Islamic Society of Peel). From its humble beginnings to its now full functioning services of education, funeral facilities and spirituality, Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was at the realm of it all. He fundraised millions of dollars, both locally and internationally for the institution. He set up the frame work for Qur’ān evening school and also full time Islamic school. He prepared young productive leaders from the community that shine today. He single handed led the congregational prayers with no assistant imam. He delivered weekly sermons, sessions and programs, mentoring the community and making it, one of education and character. He commuted daily from the east end of Toronto to the west end. He often slept in the masjid due to his late nights, serving the community. His outstanding tenure at Makkī Masjid lasted for a wholesome twenty long years.
First Toronto Seminary of Advanced Islamic Sciences
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel, while being so occupied in Brampton, was one of three founding members, who established Jāmi’ah Al-Ulūm Al-Islāmiyyah, formerly in Ajax, the first seminary in Toronto for advanced Islamic studies. He taught for an entire year with no remuneration. After establishing the institution, he passed the torch on to others to continue the good work.
A Mover and Shaker of Various Initiatives and Institutions
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was very active in taking positive initiatives to promote goodness. Despite his formal responsibilities, he volunteered his services for Radio Islam Canada. He established various other religious institutions where he took a lead role. He was appointed as Deputy Chair of the Jami’yyatul Ulamā Canada (Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians – CCMT) and participated in monthly meetings growing the organization from strength to strength. In particular, his efforts as director of the Ḥalāl Monitoring Authority, are well known. He worked tirelessly to ensure authentic ḥalāl suitable products are accessible to the Muslim communities across Canada. He was also an executive of the Hilal Committee of the GTA from its inception.
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel traveled the world for propagation of the dīn (religion). On a yearly basis, he would visit at least five countries for this purpose. For many years, Shaykh Yūsuf Patel also served Canadian pilgrims, assisting them in Ḥajj and ‘Umrah, for a fulfilling experience.
During his later part of his life, even though he retired, he was no where near being retired. He continued to mentor, counsel, travel and teach for the sake of Allāh. Of recent, in particular, he inclined very intensely towards self purification, meditation and abstinence from material attractions. He was granted a special position by his spiritual mentor, Ustādh Aḥsan Baig, to teach spirituality and taṣawwuf. He proved loyal to this cause until his last breath.
A Personal Loss
On the 9th day of Safar 1438 corresponding to November 10th, 2016, Shaykh Yūsuf Patel faced an immense personal loss. His wife met up in a road accident which resulted in her demise. She was a pious woman who supported Shaykh in all his good works. Even though this was difficult upon the Shaykh, he displayed utmost courage in accepting the decree of the Almighty. He personally told me that he dreamed of his wife shortly after, wherein she informed Shaykh Yūsuf Patel that she is in a blessed situation and there is nothing to worry. She also stated in the dream that Shaykh should be more concerned about his journey towards the hereafter than her. Only the Almighty knew that eight months later, death was decreed for the Shaykh himself. May the Almighty bless the deceaseds with the best in the hereafter.
Shining Traits
Shaykh Yūsuf Patel was very well known to be jolly and always smiling. He was very approachable. He was also very humble. He loved to serve people. He was always witnessed feeding others first. He consistently encouraged, empowered and promoted young imams and scholars to take on lead positions, without ever feeling threatened for his personal respect, distinction or position. He did not ever affiliate with only one field of work. He excelled and diligently participated in everything, including da’wah, tablīgh, education, Islamic sciences, taṣawwuf (spirituality) and social work. Every group experienced proximity to Shaykh Yūsuf Patel.
Death – A Reality
The passing of Shaykh Yūsuf Patel is yet another blunt reminder that death is inevitable. The Arab poet articulated,
يا من بدنياهُ اشتغلْ وغَرَّهُ طولُ الأملْ الموتُ يأتيْ بغتةً والقبرُ صندوقُ العملْ
“O the one who is occupied in this world, deceived by endless plans, death [a reality] can strike without notice. Know that [meaningful] actions [while alive] will be the only thing that will help in the grave”
Conclusion
In conclusion, we pray the Almighty bless Shaykh Yūsuf Patel’s soul with endless mercy, forgiveness and entry in to the highest ranks of paradise. Shaykh Yūsuf Patel will be missed by countless people. In reality, when the pious pass away, even inanimate objects are impacted. The words of ‘Abd Allāh Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allāh be pleased with him) articulated at the demise of the intellectual giant ‘Omar bin Khaṭṭāb (may Allāh be pleased with him) are succinct at this junction.
إِنَّ إِسْلَامَ عُمَرَ كَانَ نَصْرًا ، وَإِنَّ إِمَارَتَهُ كَانَتْ فَتْحًا ، وَايْمُ اللَّهِ مَا أَعْلَمُ عَلَى وَجْهِ الْأَرْضِ أَحَدًا إِلَّا وَجَدَ فَقْدَ عُمَرَ حَتَّى الْعِضَاةِ
“‘Omar’s Islam was a great support; his leadership was a resounding victory. By Allāh, I do not know anyone on the earth who will not feel the absence of ‘Omar, even wild plants.”
A sparkle of the Greater Toronto Area has left us, however his service and work lives on.
