Draft:Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed

Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed

Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed (1959–2024) was a Trinidadian Islamic scholar, educator, and interfaith pioneer. He was the founder of the Darul Uloom Islamic Institute in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and was known for his efforts to promote religious tolerance and understanding.

Early Life and Education

Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed was born in 1959 in Trinidad, West Indies. Growing up in a multicultural environment with influences from Hindu and Christian traditions, he developed a profound understanding of religious diversity from an early age. His early exposure to multiple faiths played a crucial role in shaping his lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

In 1975, at the age of 16, Shaikh Shafayat embarked on a significant educational journey to India, where he enrolled in Darul Uloom Deoband. This institution is renowned as one of the largest and oldest Islamic seminaries in India, attracting students from all over the world. He became the first student from the Caribbean and North America to attend this esteemed institution. Shaikh Shafayat's teachers in Darul Uloom Deoband include Shaykh Qari Mohammad Tayyib (RA), Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri (RA), Hazrat Pir Miran Saiyed (RA), Maulana Ilyas Kandhlawi (RA), and also Mufti azam Mehmood Hassan Gangohi. During his time at Darul Uloom Deoband, he rigorously studied Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and Quranic recitation, earning the title of Qari and becoming a qualified Islamic scholar. In addition to his Islamic studies, he pursued a course in journalism, which would later prove instrumental in his media endeavors.

Career

Founding Darul Uloom Islamic Institute

After completing his studies in India, Shaikh returned to Trinidad with a vision to enhance Islamic education and interfaith understanding in his home country and beyond. In 1994, he established the Darul Uloom Islamic Institute in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The institute was founded to provide comprehensive Islamic education and foster an environment where students could learn about their faith while appreciating the importance of interfaith harmony.

Under his leadership, the Darul Uloom Islamic Institute grew into a significant center for Islamic education, offering a variety of programs ranging from basic Quranic education to advanced Islamic studies. The institute also became a hub for community activities, including interfaith dialogues, cultural events, and social services. Shaikh Shafayat’s dedication to the institute's mission helped it gain recognition both locally and internationally.

Interfaith Activities

Shaikh Shafayat was a prominent advocate for interfaith dialogue and cooperation. His efforts to promote religious perseverence and understanding were widely recognized and appreciated by diverse religious communities. In 2000, he made history by becoming the first Muslim to represent Islam at a Florida State Faith Summit, held at the Capitol Building with Governor Jeb Bush. This milestone event marked the beginning of his active involvement in interfaith activities at various levels.

In 2002, he achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first Muslim president of the Interfaith Council of South Florida. During his tenure, he organized and participated in numerous interfaith dialogues and events, bringing together leaders and members of different religious communities to discuss common values and address mutual concerns. His ability to facilitate open and respectful conversations on sensitive topics made him a respected figure in the interfaith community.

His work extended beyond the United States. He traveled extensively to participate in and conduct interfaith dialogues in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and several Caribbean nations. His international engagements helped spread his message of peace and mutual respect to a global audience.

Media and Publications

In addition to his work in education and different religions, Shaikh Shafayat was highly productive who used various media platforms to reach a wider audience. In 1983, he founded Al Hikmat Muslim Magazine, a publication aimed at providing insightful articles on Islamic teachings, current events, and interfaith issues. The magazine quickly gained popularity and became an important resource for Muslims in Trinidad and beyond.

Recognizing the potential of electronic media to reach a larger audience, Shaikh Shafayat expanded Al Hikmat into Al-Hikmat Services Inc., which included Al-Hikmat TV. This television network produced and broadcasted programs on Islamic teachings, interfaith dialogues, and cultural diversity. His programs were not only aired on local television but also streamed online, making them accessible to a global audience. The Al-Hikmat YouTube channel, known as the Al-Hikmat Islamic Network, accumulated over 67,000 subscribers, further extending his reach.

Shaikh Shafayat’s media efforts also included radio programs and regular appearances on major television networks such as CNN, CBS, ABC, and Fox News. He used these platforms to address misconceptions about Islam, promote interfaith understanding, and discuss contemporary issues facing the Muslim community. His articulate and compassionate approach made him a sought-after speaker and commentator on Islamic and interfaith matters.

Community Service

Throughout his career, Shaikh Shafayat was deeply committed to community service. In 1983, he founded the National Muslim Sports League of Trinidad and Tobago, an organization aimed at promoting physical fitness and social cohesion among Muslim youth. The league also established the Islamic Home for Children, providing care and support for orphans and underprivileged children.

In Florida, he served as a voluntary chaplain in several hospitals, offering spiritual support to patients and their families. He also worked with various Islamic organizations, serving in roles such as Islamic adviser, head of religious affairs, and dean of studies. His involvement in these organizations demonstrated his dedication to enhancing the well-being of the Muslim community and fostering a spirit of service and compassion.

Shaikh Shafayat’s commitment to social justice and community welfare extended to his work with law enforcement agencies. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he collaborated with the U.S. Department of Justice to educate law enforcement officers about Islam and Muslims, aiming to reduce stereotypes and promote understanding. He conducted numerous training sessions and lectures on Islam and terrorism for the Pembroke Pines Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in South Florida.

Personal Life

Shaikh Shafayat was married to Shehinaaz Mohamed, and the couple had several children and grandchildren. Known for his approachable and jovial personality, he was beloved by his family, friends, and community members. His sense of humor and ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a cherished figure in both the Muslim and interfaith communities.

Despite his busy schedule, Shaikh Shafayat always made time for his family and was deeply involved in their lives. His children followed in his footsteps, continuing his legacy of service and dedication to the community. His daughter, Faria Mohamed, expressed her commitment to carrying on her father’s work at the Darul Uloom Islamic Institute and beyond.

Death and Legacy

Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed passed away on June 8, 2024, at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, at the age of 65. His death was a significant loss to the Muslim and interfaith communities he had served so diligently. His funeral services were widely attended, with over 3000 people gathering to pay their respects. The large turnout reflected the deep impact he had on the lives of so many people.

In recognition of his contributions, the city of Pembroke Pines honored Shaikh Shafayat with a proclamation in his memory. His work continues through the institutions he established, including the Darul Uloom Islamic Institute and Al-Hikmat Services Inc. His teachings and initiatives have left a lasting legacy of interfaith harmony, education, and community service.

Awards and Recognition

Shaikh Shafayat’s dedication to interfaith dialogue and community service earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. In 2001, he received the Family Federation of World Peace Award. The following year, he was honored with the David Keating Award for Interfaith Leadership, recognizing his efforts to bridge gaps between religious communities.

In 2002, he was awarded the Silver Medallion Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), a national interfaith organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism. That same year, he received the Peacemaker Award from St. Thomas University in Miami, acknowledging his contributions to promoting peace and understanding among diverse communities.

Shaikh Shafayat’s work was also recognized by the Heritage Registry of Who’s Who, which honored him in 2007-2008. His biography is available at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and major libraries throughout North America.

Publications and Media Appearances

Shaikh Shafayat was featured in several leading newspapers, including the Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel, and New York Times. He appeared on television interviews with major networks such as CNN, CBS, ABC, and Fox News, where he discussed various topics related to Islam and interfaith relations.

His contributions to literature include writing and publishing numerous Islamic books and articles. As the founder and editor of Al-Hikmat Monthly Islamic Publication, he oversaw the publication of insightful and thought-provoking content for over three decades. His writings covered a wide range of topics, including Islamic theology, interfaith dialogue, cultural diversity, and contemporary issues facing the Muslim community.