Rubabbai Master: July 10, 1936 – January 15, 2021.(Photo courtesy of Rubabbai Master’s family)

It is with profound sadness that we announced the passing of Rubabbai Master on January 15. Rubabbai, an educator and mentor who had dedicated her life to community service, was born in Tanzania and lived in Birmingham, UK, for the last 35 years.

Described as a “luminous star” within her faith community and fondly referred to by many as ‘mother,’ ‘mentor’ or ‘my Qur’ān teacher’, Rubabbai’s passing is mourned by the multitudes she inspired through her transformative teaching, innovative publications, and passion for Qur’ānic learning and living.

Motivated simply by devotion to God and selfless love for others, Rubabbai committed decades of her life to nurturing spiritual growth as a teacher, senior leader within various institutions, author, and publisher. Those blessed to learn from her were not only uplifted by the knowledge and understanding she brought to her teaching but the striking sincerity, enthusiasm and love that shone through it.

A Qur’ān teacher for over forty years, Rubabbai began teaching at the Hussaini Madrasah in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, before moving to Birmingham where she taught madrasah students and trained teachers. She also travelled extensively throughout the UK and internationally, to deliver lectures, teacher training and Qur’ānic workshops.

Love and respect for Rubabbai as an inspirational teacher was coupled with an admiration for her zeal and commitment to learning. After doing her GCSE in Arabic at the age of sixty, she then went to Damascus University to further her Arabic language studies. Always considering herself a humble student of Islam, Rubabbai studied Qur’ānic courses, commentaries, and texts well into her 70s.

Amongst her various publications, Rubabbai authored three books to facilitate access to learning Qur’ānic recitation and tajweed in a creative, engaging and simple manner. Upon the invitation, she presented her books at international conferences in various countries. Titled, Qur’an, Learning the Easy Way, the series of 3 books, is currently used as educational tools in communities globally. In addition, Rubabbai also designed and published a diverse range of books on religious supplications and prayers.

A leader in community service, Rubabbai assumed various senior management roles over the years, including leadership positions within the local madrasah, matrimonial committee, and burial committee. For her extensive services to community and education, Rubabbai received various awards, including the Al-Qamar award from the World Federation of KSIMC and the Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award from The Muslim News.

Her legacy of selflessness in the service of her Creator and community will continue to radiate in the souls of the many, young and old, that she touched and illuminated throughout her full and fruitful life. Born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, on July 10, 1936, she leaves two daughters, Fatima Valji, Fehmida Versi and three sons, Mussadiq, Arif and Murtaza Master.

Fatema Valji & Murtaza Master