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FAMILY and community organisations have deeply felt the loss of Noor Mohamed ‘Noorie’ Fakie who passed away on Saturday February 22, 2025.
For his family, Noorie’s ‘love was all-encompassing’ while community organisations that he served remember him as a dedicated and disciplined member who showed total commitment.
Family tribute
Testimony of his love, dedication, support, and commitment to his family can fill volumes, but if we were to encapsulate it in one word, it would be ‘selfless’. Whichever role he played, be it of husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, it was done with complete devotion.
Not only did he play a pivotal role while we, his wife, children, and grandchildren, furthered our studies, but his joy at our success in any field always eclipsed whatever satisfaction we felt.
We will forever be indebted to him for the sacrifices he made, for the responsibilities he shouldered, and the unwavering support he showed to ensure all our dreams materialised. We will live every moment of our lives knowing that any success we achieve is wholly due to him, our pillar of strength, and we will forever be guided by his infinite wisdom.
Noorie’s deep-rooted sense of responsibility to his siblings and parents was commendable. Being the eldest of nine siblings, he rendered unwavering support to his parents in raising his siblings, quietly shaping the paths they tread today.
As a student of Harold Cressy High School, his own formal education was cut short and he started off as a truck driver at Duens Bakery. Once again, through his loyalty, dedication and self-motivation he made great strides, leading him to rise up the ranks and hold the position of procurement manager at retirement.
The indelible impression he has left in our lives is but a ripple compared to the impact he has had on the community. Noorie dedicated his life to serving humanity and Allah (SWT).
His fervent involvement in charitable organizations such as Hospital Welfare and Muslim Educational Movement (HWMEM), Husami Masjid in Cravenby, and Masjid Al-Tuba in Panorama, bear testimony to this. Noorie springboarded the formation of some these institutions and showed keen interest in their development up until his final days.
He was driven in his commitment to create a beautiful community built on tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect. Through fearless pursuit of equality, he was able to contribute profoundly to the advancement of our Panorama community, leaving a legacy in his wake.
Noorie hailed from very humble beginnings. Born in Goodwood, he was forcibly removed under the apartheid regime and the Group Areas Act to the disadvantaged suburb of Elsies River, where he spent his formative years. Following the abolishment of apartheid, in the mid 90s, he was afforded the opportunity to move to the former ‘white’ suburb of Panorama. He was troubled by the lack of a masjid in the area and, with a few other residents, spearheaded the start of congregational prayers. Over time, and with much hard work and perseverance, this culminated in the establishment of Masjid-al-Tuba, the first Masjid in Panorama.
The establishment of Masjid-al-Tuba was no easy feat and Noorie was instrumental in overcoming many of these stumbling blocks.
One of the ways in which this was achieved was through his diplomacy and warm personality that won over the support of local residents who were initially vehemently opposed to the presence of a Muslim place of worship in the area. This transformational leadership style inspired others. He led by example instead of yielding his will.
Irrespective of what life had thrown at him and true to his name, he lit up every room. His jovial personality was often on display, and he had many friends who sought his company and appreciated his good nature. He serves as an inspiration not only to his children, who were blessed beyond measure with his enigmatic presence, but to the generations that follow.
He leaves behind his wife, Zarina, four children – Shakeela, Shamila, Nazia and Reza – eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His love for us was all-encompassing and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts. Although this loss leaves a gaping hole in all of our hearts, we will strive to continue to uphold his legacy.
Akbar Khalfe, President, Hospital Welfare & Muslim Educational Movement
Noor Mohamed Fakie became a HWMEM member in 1982 after his passion for social welfare work within the communities of Elsies River and surrounding areas was recognised by some of our stalwarts at the time.
Over the years, Noorie’s commitment and dedication knew no bounds and he became an inspiration and sound-box for many a new member.
Any disagreeable or challenging notion was never set aside as Noorie would always speak his mind and willingly gave his opinion. He was not the kind of person who allowed his principles to be compromised, and his direct and forthright manner earned him the respect he deserved.
Noorie’s outlook in serving the community was indelibly intertwined in the political landscape and challenges faced through the Apartheid era. Hence, activism at a grassroots level became a natural way of life for Noorie.
From a HWMEM perspective, he served as an executive member and fulfilled the roles of assistant treasurer and treasurer for many years. He was a protégé of the late Haji Alimia Firferey and within the treasury space Noorie ran the portfolio with an iron fist ensuring that sound fiscal discipline was always adhered to. He always reminded us: ‘We are responsible for the disbursement of public funds, therefore every single penny needs to be accounted for.’
Besides the treasury function, he fulfilled a supportive role in HWMEM’s social welfare and educational portfolios. His regular presence at meetings, irrespective of weather conditions, and especially the latter years, was always an example set to all the younger members of the Movement.
During the initial stages of Madrassatul Amal, a school for the visually-impaired (now called Madrassatul Khayr), Noorie played a pivotal support role as his two sisters, Farida and Feroza, were both teachers at the madrassa.
His passing not only leaves a huge void within his immediate family, but it also leaves a huge void within the family of HWMEM and yes, we share their pain. Not only will we miss one of our most senior members, but we will also miss his forthright demeanour, words of encouragement and mentorship. His unwavering commitment, dedication and loyalty to the HWMEM will always be cherished.
Noor Mohamed Fakie demonstrated to us all that serving the under-privileged and deserving in the community gives a person inner peace and satisfaction.
His spirit and legacy will transcend his time with us. May Allah SWT bless and reward him for his selfless service and may his soul rest in peace. Insha-Allah. Ameen.
The Executive, Trustees & Imaamat of Masjid Al Tūbā, Panorama
It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to one of the founding members of Masjid Al-Tūbā and a stalwart of our community, Noor Mohamed Fakie, affectionately known as Noorie Bhai. His passing marks the end of an era of dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and selfless contributions to our Masjid and its greater mission.
Noorie Bhai was there from the very beginning—through the humble days when our congregation first gathered in the garage of one of the early residents of the area. Under his watch and guidance, those early seeds of faith and perseverance flourished into what we see today: a beautiful masjid that accommodates over 500 worshippers and a recently built madrassah complex that hosts over 200 learners daily. He played an instrumental role in shaping the foundation upon which our community now stands, and we pray that this ongoing legacy becomes a means of his salvation in the Hereafter.
Noorie Bhai served Masjid Al-Tūbā and the Panorama Muslim Community Trust (PMCT) with distinction for nearly two decades, holding key leadership roles as an Executive Member, Treasurer and Trustee.
From 2006 until 2020, he fulfilled the role of treasurer, safeguarding and managing the masjid’s finances and investments with meticulous care, as if they were his own. Even after stepping down as treasurer, he continued to serve as a trustee until his passing, ensuring that the masjid’s affairs remained in capable hands.
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During his tenure the masjid leadership had to overcome numerous challenges, including dealing with legal issues to secure our current premises as a place of worship. Throughout these trials Noorie Bhai remained steadfast, providing unwavering support and wise counsel. His jovial nature, willingness to listen, and ability to work harmoniously with others made him an invaluable part of the masjid’s leadership. He was not just a pillar of strength, but also a source of warmth and encouragement to those who served alongside him.
Even in his final days, as his health declined, his heart remained connected to the masjid. Whenever he found the strength, he would reach out to the current executive committee members, seeking updates and offering words of encouragement—testament to his deep and undying love for the House of Allah and the community he served so faithfully.
Beyond his service to the masjid, Noorie Bhai always acknowledged the support of his beloved wife and the care and devotion of his children. He recognised that his ability to serve the community was, in part, due to the strength and encouragement of his family.
We make du’ā that Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives Noorie Bhai’s shortcomings, accepts his service to the Deen, and grants him a high place in Jannah. May his legacy of dedication, sincerity, and community service continue to inspire us all.
Na-ella Khan, beneficiary
Fondly known as Noorie Bhai, it was so appropriate because he was indeed a beacon of light and hope in our community.
Noorie Bhai was a founding member of Masjid Al-Tūbā, Panorama, and alongside his role in the Hospital Welfare and Muslim Educational Movement he provided study opportunities for many young Muslim students. I was one of those students.
To say that Noorie Bhai gave me a chance would be and understatement. Rather he changed my life. Through Noorie Bhai, and by extension HWMEM, I was able to study further and qualify in a highly recognised profession.
Today I pay that forward by investing my life and time back into education in the tertiary sector; the very space that allowed me to reach my goals.
By Allah’s grace, with my parents support and through Noorie Bhai’s kindness, I am able to stand tall where I am today.
Noorie Bhai’s steadfastness and innate need to do what is right, along with he’s unfailing kindness, inspires me to this day. When I think of him, I think of his wise words and good counsel, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams but to do so with integrity and ihsan (excellent deeds and actions).
May Allah (SWT) place noor in his qabr, forgive any of his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannah. May his light continue to shine through those whose lives he so greatly impacted.
