BAVINA SOOKDEO
“Eid is not just a time for celebration but a moment to reflect on our blessings and our responsibilities to one another.”
This is Imam Kasim Hosein’s message on Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting for Ramadan.
Hosein, spiritual leader of ASJA Masjid Ash-Shaheed and vice-chairman of ASJA’s Regional Council E, is also a teacher at Point Fortin East Secondary and a devoted community servant.
The mosque at Rochard Road, Barrackpore, is one of the few in the Barrackpore community to fully establish all ASJA’s Sunni practices (traditional practices) such as Moulood (a celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad) and dhikr (worship that involves repeatedly reciting phrases or prayers to remember Allah, Meeraj Un Nabi (ascension to the heavens) Ashura (tenth of the first Islamic month Muharram) and many others.
Also a member of the Central Executive of ASJA, Hosein, who became an iman in 2016, has committed his life to youth development and uplifting his community. His journey from humble beginnings to leadership, according to his peers, reflects his resilience, selflessness, and deep dedication to Islam.
Born on November 3, 1982, to Feroza and Afzel Hosein, Hosein’s early life was deeply rooted in faith and community. In Barrackpore, he was cherished by the entire village.
“When I was born, I was the joy of the village. Being ten pounds at birth, almost the size of an eight-month-old, I was passed from family to family, that’s why I have a special bond with all members up until today,” he said.
From infancy, his mother took to the mosque, often placing him in the prayer area while the others broke their fast. At just three years old, he was eager to fast and pray. He was exposed to traditional Islamic funeral rites from an early age also.
[caption id="attachment_1147017" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Iman Kasim Hosein, spiritual leader of ASJA Masjid Ash-Shaheed, Rochard Road, Barrackpore. -[/caption]
“I lost most of my grandparents while growing up, so I was always involved – bathing the body, buying cloth for the shroud, digging graves, and participating in the three-day, 40-day, and one-year prayers.
“What was once done without question is now often debated. But I took a deep interest in these practices and studied them thoroughly to show that they are not '
bidah' or innovations, but rather traditions taught by the Messenger of Allah (
sallallaahu alaihi wa salam) or his companions or the pious predecessors.”
His passion for preserving these customs led him to compile several handbooks dedicated to their teachings and significance which are distributed free to communities across the country.
Hosein attended the Inverness Presbyterian Primary School and Barrackpore Secondary School. He believes a teaching career is key to shaping future generations. He has taught at Barrackpore ASJA Primary and Point Fortin ASJA Primary schools.
His pursuit of Islamic knowledge and education intensified while at Point Fortin ASJA. He studied at The Markaz Al-Ihsaan Institute
