Ameer of Tablighi Jama’at in Zambia: Muhammad Ravat Sahib (Rahimahullah)
By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Janab Muhammad Ravat Sahib (May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus!) was the respected Ameer of the Tablighi Jamaat in Zambia. He was in advanced age and has completed nine decades of his life, yet his hearing power and eyesight remained remarkably sound. He was a man of deep piety, abstinence and sincerity. He held a profound love for Ulama and the righteous, and would regularly attend their gatherings. His heart overflowed with compassion and kindness, ever sensitive to the pain and concerns of others. A constant preoccupation of his was that the message of Deen should reach people from all walks of life, even the local population should come to know Deen and walk upon its path. Whoever came to meet him would find in him a warm and personal interest: he would ask about his well-being, inquire after his children and listen attentively to reports of religious activities in his area. Information regarding Masaajid, Makaatib and efforts for the Deen would gladden his heart and he would encourage those involved. His conversations always carried the pain for the Deen, the fragrance of sincerity and the warmth of love.
From Lusaka’s First Ameer to the “Amir Sahib” for Life:
In the early days, he was chosen as the Ameer of the Tablighi Jama’at in Lusaka. For a period, he travelled to India, during which the responsibility of Imaarah was entrusted to the late Janab Ahmad Sahib. Upon returning to his second homeland, Zambia, the role was once again handed back to him and from then on, he served as Ameer for life. Out of love and respect, people fondly called him “Ameer Sahib.” The greater part of his life was devoted to the service of the Tablighi Jama’at and to the establishment and flourishing of Masjids and Maktabs. In his gatherings, the central theme was always the work of the Deen. His heart and mind were constantly engaged with one concern: that the message of Allah should reach as many people as possible and that a vibrant Islamic environment should continue to grow.
Last Memorable Meeting:
I had the honour of meeting Ameer Sahib on some occasions, but one meeting stands out vividly in my memory; because it was destined to be the last. It took place earlier this year, in the final days of January 2025, when I was accompanied by my sincere friend, Maulana Mubashshir Mehta (May Allah preserve him!), a teacher at Jamia Islamia, Lusaka. During that sitting, I presented my book “Filasteen: Qabzah Awr Muzahmat” to him. He looked at the book, expressed his joy and offered warm words of encouragement. He also gave me a heartfelt piece of advice: to continue writing consistently on such an important subject as Palestine and to ensure that every work I penned should be published; so that as many people as possible might benefit from it.
During our conversation, a variety of topics came under discussion, giving me the opportunity to benefit from his valuable words of wisdom. He inquired in particular about Mkaatib, Masaajid and Ulama, posing several thoughtful questions. He asked, how many Masaajid and Makaatib had been established under the Moon Rays Trust, what the Muslim population in those areas was, and what their religious condition was like. In his questions, it was never merely about gathering information; rather, each inquiry reflected his genuine passion and deep concern for the service of Deen.
Benefits of Tablighi Jamaat:
Speaking about the Tablighi Jamaat, Ameer Sahib remarked that Allah Almighty has placed countless blessings in this work. Quoting the words of an Aalim, he said: “If the work of Tabligh is carried out in accordance with its principles and etiquettes, four great benefits will follow. The Masjid will have worshippers, the Maktab will have students, the Beitullah will have Hujjaj and the Masha’ikh (spiritual guides) will have Murideen (disciples).” There is profound truth in this statement. When a person becomes connected with the Tablighi Jamaat, the Masjid and the Deen, the Masjid becomes enlivened with worshippers. Such a person begins to value his Deen, and naturally sends his children to Maktabs and Madrasas so that they may learn the Deen, recognise Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam) and grow into practicing believers. When Allah blesses that person with wealth, and he remains connected to the Deen, a deep yearning arises in his heart to visit the Holy K’abah and to perform Hajj and Umrah. In this way, the Ka‘bah is filled with pilgrims. Sadly, as we see in our own times, there are also those whom Allah has granted abundant wealth, yet because of their distance from Deen, they remain heedless of Hajj and Umrah, even when Hajj has become an obligation upon them.
Journey of Religious Awakening in Zambia:
Ameer Sahib recalled that when he first arrived in Zambia in 1953, there was only one Masjid in Lusaka. The Muslim community was small, and though some Muslims were present, their outward appearance was far from Islamic teaching: their clothing followed non-Islamic styles, beards were rarely seen and five times daily Salaah was uncommon. In 1966, a group of Tablighi Jama’at from India visited the area; while in 1965 a group of Tablighi Jama’at from Pakistan had already visited. In 1966, the region’s first Tablighi Ijtima (gathering) took place in Malawi. This marked a turning point, the moment when the community’s connection to Islam and the Tablighi Jamaat began to grow stronger. Gradually, Muslims became regular in their Salaah, the beauty of the beard returned to their faces and their dress began to reflect Islamic dignity. Their children started attending Maktabs and Madrasas. Today, by the grace of Allah, the community boasts a considerable number of Ulama and Huffaz. Dozens of Masaajid have been built, and most remain vibrant with worshippers. All of this, Ameer Sahib would say, is nothing but the blessing of Allah and the fruit of dedicated efforts in the Tablighi Jama’at.
Lifetime Journey in the Work of Tabligh:
Ameer Sahib became associated with the Tablighi Jamaat in his youth and developed a deep, abiding love for this work. He devoted the greater part of his life to it. Even in advanced age, he would participate regularly in the Jamaat’s activities such as Gasht, Bayaan and Mashwara. He offered all five daily prayers with the Takbire Ula. Through his connection with the Tablighi Jamaat, he travelled not only in Zambia for the sake of Tabligh, but also to several other African nations, including Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana. His dedication carried him beyond the African continent to the United States and Canada as well, where he conveyed the message of Deen and the call to Allah wherever he went.
Early Life and Arrival in Zambia:
Ameer Sahib hailed from the town of Jitali in the Bharuch district of Gujarat, India. He was born on 7th November 1934. His early education began in the Maktab of his village, where his teacher was the late Hafiz Ahmad Sahib. Ameer Sahib went to the school and completed his matriculation level. Then he went to the Baroda University where he was a first-year student. However, he discontinued his studies in 1953 to travel to Zambia. In 1953, at the young age of just 19, he set sail for Zambia by ship, a journey that would ultimately make this land his permanent home. At that time, the Muslim population in Zambia was extremely small, and Muslims of Indian origin were even fewer in number.
Beginning of Ameer Sahib’s Life in Zambia:
At the time of Ameer Sahib’s arrival, Zambia was under British rule. It was the custom of the colonial administration to require new arrivals from abroad to pass a test. This examination had to be taken in the city of Livingstone, where the British government’s office was located. If the candidate passed and did not already have employment, the government would provide a job, along with a salary of £25 per month for the first year. The procedure was simple: a British officer would read aloud words from an English book, and the candidate had to write them down from dictation. The officer would then hand the candidate a book and ask him to read from it. Success in both dictation and reading meant passing the exam. Ameer Sahib took the test and passed successfully. In the early years, he worked for about 15 years before starting his own shop, devoting himself thereafter to trade.
Family Life and Children:
Ameer Sahib was married in 1957 to the daughter of the late respected Qasim Badat Sahib. Allah blessed him with three daughters and three sons: Janab Yusuf Ravat, Maulana Hafiz Rashid Ravat and Maulana Hafiz Ismail Ravat. His eldest son, Janab Yusuf Sahib, after completing his basic education, devoted himself to business. The second and third sons, Maulana Hafiz Rashid Ravat and Maulana Hafiz Ismail Ravat, are esteemed graduates of Darul Uloom Falahe Darain in Turkesar, Gujarat. They are actively engaged not only in educational and Tablighi activities; but also in business. Maulana Rashid Ravat serves as a trustee of the Moon Rays Trust. May Allah blesses their businesses abundantly and grant them success in both this world and the hereafter!
Duaa for Forgiveness and Remembrance of a Life of Service:
A few days ago, a sorrowful message reached us that Ameer Sahib’s health had deteriorated and he was undergoing medical treatment. This news was a heavy blow to his admirers and religious circles alike, for Ameer Sahib’s personality had, for decades, radiated dedication and sincerity in the fields of Tabligh and service to the Deen. Then, by Allah’s wisdom and decree, in the early dawn of 11th August 2025, He called His devoted servant to His mercy. This is an irreplaceable loss for the Muslims of Zambia. It is a void that cannot be easily filled. From the depths of our hearts, we make Duaa that Allah Almighty accepts all of Ameer Sahib’s religious services, his sincere efforts in Tabligh and his selfless contributions to the Muslim Ummah. May Allah illuminate his grave, elevate his ranks and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus! May Allah grants patience and peace of heart to his family, children and all his loved ones. May Allah strengthen them in this hour of grief so that they may bear this trial with patience and acceptance of His will!
It is important to remember that Ameer Sahib’s life and services remain a guiding light for us all. Drawing lessons from his example, we should continue to serve our faith with dedication. May Allah grant us the strength to accept this sorrow with patience and enable us to follow steadfastly in his footsteps! Aameen!
