Every Friday, as the midday sun casts long shadows across the parking lot of Masjid Al-Rahmah, a familiar figure could be seen making his way slowly toward the Masjid entrance. Idrees Ansari, gripping his wooden cane with weathered hands, would pause occasionally to catch his breath, but his resolve never faltered. His steady presence was a testament to his unwavering dedication.
He never complains. Instead, he speaks with warmth and light in his voice, especially when talking about his son. “That boy,” he often says, “he’s my heart outside of my chest.” The affection is evident—not only in his words, but in the way his eyes soften and his voice dips into reverence. The bond between father and son is a father’s dua made visible.
As the seasons passed, the community began to notice the changes in Idrees. He would arrive a little later, walk a little slower, and require more frequent rest between his volunteer tasks. His cane became his steadfast companion, supporting him as he continued his dedicated service. Although age had taken a toll on his body, his spirit remained as strong as ever.
On the busiest Fridays, when hundreds of cars filled the parking lot and the congregation overflowed the masjid’s capacity, Idrees was still at his post. Leaning on his cane, pausing to catch his breath between directing drivers, he embodied the resilience and faith that defined his service.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: "He is not one of us who does not have mercy on our young and does not respect our elders." (Tirmidhi)
In the Holy Quran, Allah commands: "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor." (Quran 17:23)
While this verse specifically addresses our duties to our parents, its wisdom extends to all elders in our community. Idrees Ansari symbolizes countless senior members of our ummah who have invested their youth, energy, and hearts into building and sustaining our spiritual communities.
As we witness Idrees’s determination to serve despite his physical limitations, we are reminded of our collective responsibility. The man who once filled the air with the melodious call to prayer, and who for decades has ensured the smooth running of Friday prayers,
and who has welcomed countless newcomers with warmth and guidance—now needs our support.
Our community’s strength is not measured by grand buildings or impressive programs, but by how we care for one another, especially those who have given so much of themselves.
Every time we see Idrees, making his way across the car park, cane in hand but spirit unbroken, we are reminded of the hadith:
"Whoever relieves a believer’s distress, Allah will relieve his distress in this world and the Hereafter." (Muslim)
As we see him pause to catch his breath, let us also pause—to reflect on our own commitment, to extend our help, and to ensure that those who have carried the torch before us are not left to bear it alone in their golden years.
In Idrees’s unwavering service, we see a reflection of this divine truth: that consistent, sincere actions—no matter how small—create ripples of goodness that endure long after our time on earth has passed.