“In this tribute of reverence and love, Shaykh Dr Hisham A. Hellyer fulfils the time-honoured tradition of recording in writing the biographies of luminaries who have passed on – most particularly, that of Shaykh Seraj Hendricks. He weaves into it the fascinating backstory of how the Muslims at the Cape, after two centuries of forced migration, isolation, social subjugation and enslavement, began, after the abolition of slavery in 1834, to re-establish links with the Muslim world, and specifically Makka. From this contact, the suppressed aspirations of Cape Muslims sprung into a resurgent and resilient tradition of scholarship that continues to the present day.”
– Maulana Taha Karaan
Book Author: Dr H.A. Hellyer
Publisher: Dar al-Turath al-Islami
Date of Publication: 2022
Advance Praise for “A Luminous Lamp”
“Shaykh Seraj Hendricks was one of the very few inheritors to the mantle of the great luminary of Makka, Sayyid Muhammad b. Alawi al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon them both. It is not an easy task to speak of the likes of such a man as Shaykh Seraj, but this work has managed to bring together so much for those of us that valued the noble shaykh so much. As Shaykh Seraj’s muqaddam, Shaykh Dr Hisham knew Shaykh Seraj and his tariqa well indeed – and as a scholar in his own right, his writing will educate the reader about Shaykh Seraj, his life, and the legacy he leaves behind.”
—- Shaykh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani, Darul Jailani International
“It is challenging to pay tribute to my brother, friend and colleague, Shaykh Seraj Hendricks. He was a fabulous scholar, a visionary colleague, a profoundly knowledgeable and patient mentor, and a loving and transparent friend. It is difficult to capture all aspects of the positive contribution of my friend and colleague Shaykh Seraj Hendricks; but this book by Shaykh Dr Hisham A. Hellyer should give a glimpse to the vast light of Shaykh Seraj. May Allah ta’ala bless his soul, grant him forgiveness and company of the pious.”
—- Shaykh Dr Muhammad al-Ninowy, Founder, Madina Institute Seminaries
“In this tribute of reverence and love, Shaykh Dr Hisham A. Hellyer fulfills the time honoured tradition of recording in writing the biographies of luminaries who have passed on – most particularly, that of Shaykh Seraj Hendricks. He weaves into it the fascinating backstory of how the Muslims at the Cape, after two centuries of forced migration, isolation, social subjugation and enslavement, began, after the abolition of slavery in 1834, to reestablish links with the Muslim world, and specifically Makka. From this contact, the suppressed aspirations of Cape Muslims sprung into a resurgent and resilient tradition of scholarship that continues to the present day. Through this narrative Shaykh Dr Hisham has rightfully earned the gratitude of the Cape’s Muslims.”
—- Maulana Taha Karaan, Mufti of the Muslim Judicial Council, Cape Town
“Shaykh Seraj Hendricks was, like his name, a “Seraj”–a light- giving lamp–in his teachings and his example, for his family, students, and community. This work, A Luminous Lamp, sheds light on this beautiful life and legacy in ways sure to inspire.”
—- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Founder, SeekersGuidance
“A loving tribute to a beautiful soul who touched the lives and hearts of many, A Luminous Lamp elucidates the humility and integrity of Shaykh Seraj Hendricks, his scholarly lineage and erudition, and the century-long traditions and community of Azzawia in Cape Town, South Africa.”
—- Dr Mona Hassan, Associate Professor of Religious Studies & History, Duke University
“The iconic Azzawia Institute is situated on the slopes of the Table Mountain ampitheatre overlooking Table Bay where South Africa’s first Muslims arrived as slaves and exiles. Founded in 1920 by his grandfather, Shaykh Muhammad Salih Hendricks, the late Shaykh Seraj was steeped in his grandfather’s Makkan ethos and Ghazalian traditions. A scholar of note, an eloquent orator, a defender of social justice, a supporter of the creative arts, a spiritual beacon and a community leader, Shaykh Seraj was many things to many people. This brief bio-publication, a fitting tribute penned by Shaykh Dr Hisham A. Hellyer, gives the reader precious insights into the shining legacy of one of Cape Town’s finest sons.”
—- Shafiq Morton, Author and Journalist, Voice of the Cape
“Shaykh Seraj Hassan Hendricks illuminated the hearts of those who saw him, with a presence of altruism and compassion, that resulted in serenity in those who came to him. A linguist, a philosopher, and an advocate for women’s rights, he was a pioneer among the people of knowledge, in pursuit of justice. The lamp shines; and those who seek, flutter towards its light. This eloquently written book by Shaykh Dr Hisham A. Hellyer, one of Shaykh Seraj’s closest students and inheritors of his legacy, echoes Shaykh Seraj’s passion for his religion, which embodied the attributes of love, upon the middle way. As Shaykh Seraj’s children and spouse, we encourage all those who respected Shaykh Seraj to read this book, A Luminous Lamp, and we pray you all find benefit.”
—- Rhoda Hendricks, Rashid Hendricks, Nuha Hendricks, and Alia Hendricks – Shaykh Seraj Hendricks’ wife and three children
Further information may be found on the ‘A Sublime Way‘ website.
