Most Impactful Imam – Shortlist 2024
For over 30 years, Haji Mohammed Ilyas has not only selflessly volunteered as a caretaker, opening and closing the mosque every day of the year, but has also gone above and beyond by independently fundraising to support the mosque’s needs. His commitment to the mosque and the community is extraordinary—recognizing areas for improvement or maintenance, he takes it upon himself to seek out donations, often reaching out personally to community members and organizing small fundraisers.
Through his initiative, Haji Mohammed Ilyas has raised funds for crucial projects such as repairs, renovations, and utility costs, ensuring the mosque remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for all. His dedication extends beyond maintaining the mosque’s physical space; he works tirelessly to sustain it financially, driven solely by his devotion to the community and to making the mosque accessible for worshippers of all ages and backgrounds.
His selfless contributions have lightened the financial burden on the mosque, fostering a strong sense of unity and shared responsibility among community members. For many, Haji Mohammed Ilyas is more than a caretaker—he is a role model of generosity, resilience, and dedication, whose efforts have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of all who call this mosque their spiritual home. In addition to his tireless caretaking duties, [Caretaker’s Name] has played a vital role in fostering community engagement by hosting primary school visits and organizing women’s events at the mosque. For over 30 years, he has not only opened and closed the mosque daily but also actively supported educational outreach and inclusive community programs.
School Visits: Haji Mohammed Ilyas welcomes local primary school groups to the mosque, guiding children through the space, explaining the values of respect, unity, and faith, and answering their questions. His warmth and patience create a memorable, positive experience for students and teachers alike, promoting interfaith understanding and community connections. His dedication to these visits helps demystify the mosque and Islam for young minds, encouraging a future generation of respect and unity.
Women’s Events: Understanding the importance of inclusivity, Haji Mohammed Ilyas organizes regular women’s events at the mosque, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for women to gather, learn, and connect. From initial planning to set-up and hospitality, he handles every detail to ensure that the space is ready, secure, and thoughtfully prepared. These events have become valuable opportunities for women to build friendships, strengthen their faith, and find support within the community.
Through these efforts, he has created a space where everyone—regardless of age, background, or gender—feels welcome and included. His selfless dedication to not only the upkeep of the mosque but also to community enrichment has had a lasting impact, making the mosque a true centre for learning, faith, and unity.
We, as a community, are deeply indebted to Haji Mohammed Ilyas for his lifelong commitment and the selfless sacrifices he has made for our mosque. For over 30 years, he has been the foundation upon which our community stands, dedicating himself day after day, year after year, to open the doors at dawn and secure them at night. His unwavering service has come at a great personal cost, often sacrificing time with his own family to ensure that the mosque is always available, welcoming, and cared for.
His dedication goes beyond routine caretaking; he has taken on fundraising, organized community events, hosted school visits, and set up women’s gatherings with minimal resources, shouldering all the preparations himself. His commitment and love for the mosque reflect a level of devotion that we deeply admire and cherish. Through his sacrifice, he has created a true sanctuary for us all—a place of prayer, connection, and peace.
As a community, we feel a profound sense of gratitude for all that he has given. We owe him not only our thanks but our collective respect and admiration for the sacrifices he has made, which have allowed the mosque to thrive as a spiritual home and a centre for learning, unity, and support.
