Controversial Muslim icon dies
August 08, 2005 Edition 1
Kuben Chetty
Controversial Muslim scholar Sheikh Ahmed Deedat passed away at his home in Lotusville, Verulam, early today.
He was confined to his bed for the last nine years. The 87-year-old Deedat, who could not talk or move after a stroke, taught himself to communicate by blinking his eyes.
Before this, Deedat was a fiery speaker who courted controversy for his inflammatory books and videos on Hinduism and Christianity.
Babu Jadwat, a trustee of the Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI), said Deedat was controversial because he was a reactionary.
"Ahmed was the reaction to an aggression by the worldwide church against Muslims. He was successful because he was an outstanding scholar and this resonated throughout the world."
So controversial was Deedat, that even some segments of his community disagreed with his sentiments.
"From America to Indonesia, he is regarded as a person who made tremendous contributions and sacrifices for Islam," said Jadwat.
Deedat's son Yousuf said his father became seriously ill three weeks ago.
"My mother Hawa and I were with him when he passed away," he said.
"He suffered cardiac arrest and kidney failure, but his kidneys were working again a few days later and we thought he would be fine."
"We didn't expect this to happen so soon."
Deedat worked as a furniture salesman in the 40s and took home R500 a month for his work.
Yet he chose to leave behind his job and pursued the propagation of Islam with verve and vigour.
Deedat started the IPCI and set up offices in Madressa Arcade in Grey Street, Durban.
When Muslims from the Middle East heard about Deedat, he was given celebrity status, speaking in front of audiences of 60 000 or more people at times.
When he became ill the Saudi Arabian government sent a jet to South Africa so he could receive treatment.
Deedat claimed to have had strong links with Osama bin Laden's family after the World Trade Centre attacks.
Deedat's body will lie in state at his residence at 49 Trevennon Road, Lotusville, before being taken to the local mosque before nightfall. He will be buried at the Muslim Cemetery.
