Biography

While attending the various functions in the mosque, we noticed that there were many of our brothers and sisters who attended but were unable to understand the lectures, and ultimately, the message of Islam. We found out that there were many other people in similar situations, who have been taught to do the actions but never explained the reason for it. Therefore, we set up a class during Madressah time, under the Madressah board.

The special class was formed in 1988, which catered for children with hearing disabilities and all children with special needs. The main language was English, but the mode of communication was lip-reading and British Sign Language (BSL).

In 1990, the first Ziarat trip to Iraq and Kerbala was organised. The second trip was organised to Iran and Damascus in 1992. Using the experience and the notes gathered from those Ziarat trips, our first publications were made. They are still in circulation today.

In 1994, on the Wiladat of our 12th Imam (a.s.), ‘Al-Mahdi Deaf Organisation’ was independently formed.

In 1996, the first Hajj trip for the Deaf was organised. This was a big success, with many of the original youths attending. This Hajj trip was exceptional as there were first hand sign support, explanations, signed lectures and interpreters all helping out to ensure our group understood fully their pilgrimage.

In 2000, on the Wiladat of 12th Imam (a.s.), the name was changed to ‘Al-Mahdi Special Needs Organisation’ to cater for the needs of all the disabled people.

Every year when Muharram came round, members of our community with hearing disability used to attend majlis in a home environment, where the message of Imam Hussain (as) would be interpreted. Alhamdullillah this carried on for many years and the number of azadar’s of Imam Hussain (as) using the service, not only from our community, increased. From 2000 onward, we worked with the mosque to provide those interpreted lectures in the Mosque, and these lectures still continue every year.

Timeline