GARISSA – Sheikh Moti-U-Rasool has passed away. A towering figure of Islamic faith, compassion, and service, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and touch hearts across Garissa County and throughout Kenya.
For over four decades, Sheikh Moti-U-Rasool served as the revered rector of the Young Muslim Association (YMA) in Garissa. He transformed the 60-year-old organization, 40 of which he led, into a sanctuary of hope, education, and support for orphans and vulnerable children.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, expressed profound sorrow at the loss of a man he aptly described as a โfriend of the orphans.โ
Governor Nathif, on behalf of the people of Garissa and the wider Muslim community, extended heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Moti-U-Rasoolโs family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness.
โWe have lost a great leader,โ the Governor said, โbut his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.โ
Young Muslim Association (YMA) fulfilled the power of faith-driven service, having grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of hope for orphans and vulnerable children in Northern Kenya.
It has transformed countless lives, earning a reputation as a beacon of education, care, and opportunity.
Sheikh Moti-U-Rasool was an Islamic scholar, leader and guiding light whose dedication touched countless lives, healthcare, and emotional support.
Sheikh Moti-U-Rasoolโs work extended beyond basic needs and ensured that children, often overlooked by society, received the tools to break cycles of poverty.
Established in July 1964, the YMA emerged as a charitable, non-profit Islamic organization dedicated to uplifting the marginalized, with a mission rooted in compassion and community upliftment.
Sheikh Moti-Ur-Rasool, often revered as a โfriend of the orphans,โ was instrumental in laying the foundation for the YMAโs enduring impact. His vision was clear: to create a sanctuary where children could findย refuge and also the tools to build a brighter future.
Governor Nathif Jama said the organizationโs 60 years of service registered milestones, including the establishment of the YMCH, the Young Muslim Academy, and countless community projects reflecting a legacy of dedication to community service.
Under his stewardship, the institution flourished as a beacon of care, offering shelter and also the promise of a brighter future for those society often overlooks.
His meticulous management and boundless compassion ensured that the institution grew into a cornerstone for the development of less privileged in community.
โSheikh Moti-U-Rasool was a rare soul,โ Governor Nathif said, in a communication shared by Mr. Yusuf Ali, the head of county commucation.
โHis efforts in ensuring the YMA remained a sanctuary of education and support have left an indelible mark on Garissa and beyond.โ
Sheikh Moti-U-Rasoolโs life was a sermon in action, a quiet and powerful call to serve, to uplift, and to love.
His legacy is woven into the lives of the children he nurtured, the families he supported, and the community he strengthened.
Walking through the halls of the Young Muslim, one can feel his spirit, a powerful reminder that true greatness is found in selfless service.
Sheikh Moti-U-Rasool will be remembered for a life well-lived, a soul that reflected the mercy and generosity of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taโala).
In 1978, the YMA expanded its efforts by founding the Young Muslim Academy, a school designed to provide quality education to both the children of the the academy and the wider community.
Today, the academy continues to serve as a vital educational hub, offering learning opportunities to over hundreds of children. It blends Islamic teachings with the national curriculum to foster holistic development.
The integrated approach of combining secular and Islamic studies, has made it a model for Islamic education in Kenya.
The educational initiatives of the organization has provided access to schooling, vocational training, and spiritual guidance equipping generations of young people with the skills and confidence to thrive.
Sheikh Moti-Ur-Rasoolโs work through uplifted โunderprivileged and orphaned children in the larger Northern Kenya region,โ leaving an indelible mark, said Sheikh Mohammed Mohamud.
Amin Hussein, a 1995 graduate, teacher, and proud alumnus, shared an emotional tribute reflecting on the profound impact of Sheikh Motiโs work of nurturing the next generation with the same love and dedication.
โSheikh Moti gave me a future when I had none. His belief in us made me who I am today,โ said Amin.
Mr. Mohamed Abdi, a 2002 alumnus and engineer, said, โHe built bridges of hope. His encouragement pushed me to dream big.โ
Mr. Abdi said the Islamic Scholar saw potential in us when we couldnโt see it ourselves.
โI remembers him walking through the Young Muslim Academy, encouraging us to dream big,โ he said.
He added, โbecause of the education and support I received, Iโm now an engineer, building bridges literally and figuratively. Sheikh Moti built the strongest bridge of all: hope. His memory is a blessing.”
โWe pray that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taโala) grants him Jannatul Firdaus,โ said Engineer Abdi.
Operating in a region marked by economic and social challenges, the YMA has faced its share of obstacles, from funding constraints to the complexities of supporting a growing number of children.
It supports many children by providing comprehensive care, including food, shelter, healthcare, and emotional support.
The organizationโs registration under Kenyaโs Non-Governmental Organization Coordination Act of 1994 has further solidified its credibility and reach.
The family has requested privacy as funeral arrangements are made in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The community is invited to join in Janaza prayers for Sheikh Moti-U-Rasoo, with the time yet to be announced.
May Allah forgive the shortcomings and make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Ameen.
