Sheikh Abdel-Salaam Bassiouni

Sheikh Dr. Abdel-Salaam Jad Bassiouni is a distinguished Islamic scholar, educator, and community leader, renowned for his unwavering dedication to the upliftment of underprivileged communities in South Africa. Born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1950, he pursued his education at Al-Azhar University, earning a degree in Sharia and Law. Furthering his studies, he obtained two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies. In 1990, he relocated to Lenasia, South Africa, with a mission to serve and empower local communities.

In 1992, Sheikh Bassiouni founded the Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre, beginning his mission under a palm tree in the Grasmere area. This humble start has grown into a significant institution dedicated to Dawah and the dissemination of Islamic teachings among indigenous and underprivileged communities. Over the past three decades, the foundation has expanded to 19 centers across Gauteng, offering a range of services including feeding schemes, educational programs, and skills development workshops.

Beyond his work with Al-Tawheed, Sheikh Bassiouni has served as a lecturer in Arabic at the University of Johannesburg and has authored several books focusing on Islamic propagation and education. His dedication to community development is evident through various initiatives, such as sewing classes at the Grasmere center, enabling women to acquire skills for economic self-sufficiency. His efforts have positively impacted over 4,500 families, providing them with essential resources and opportunities for growth.

In 2014, during a visit to Egypt for his daughter’s wedding, Sheikh Bassiouni was arrested and detained without trial, accused of alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. He endured 16 months of incarceration under harsh conditions before being released and returning to South Africa in 2016.

Sheikh Bassiouni’s enduring legacy is marked by his relentless pursuit of empowering the marginalized, fostering education, and nurturing the spiritual growth of the communities he serves.