His Eminence Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar first visited South Africa on 16 June 1968 in Cape Town. The first Muslim News published in Athlone printed the original invitation card. His mission was to awaken the Muslims from the pending darkness of religious and spiritual inactivity, to the dawn of a new era.
Muslims were in a state of religious confusion and conflict. The enemies of Islam in the guise of Muslims trampled upon beliefs and practices. Indolence, negligence, and ignorance of Islamic values were prevalent. Majority placed materialistic values above that of spiritual progress. Many new dogmas were creeping in under the banner of Islam. 'Wahaabism', was destroying the link and love between the Muslim community and the noble House of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). The tragedy was that many Muslims in South Africa were not even aware of this disease de-generating the fabric of their society. India and the Middle East exported it to this country. The Saudis dominated leading student associations. They funneled vast amounts of money into scholarships and even paid the expenses of the association infusing their doctrines to the inexperienced youth.
Today, 33 years later, we still see traces of these 'movements' that have crept in under the banner of 'Islam' - Wahaabism in Cape Town. The Great Revivalist of the 14th Century, the Neglected Genius of the East, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah be pleased with him) had insight into the many Islamic cults taking place on the Indo-Pak region of the world. The so called renewal movements like the Deobandi, Wahhabis and Ahmadiyya have now spread their tentacles to all parts of the world.
The arrival of His Eminence brought about a spiritual awakening unseen previously in South Africa. Learned scholars had visited the shores of South Africa over the years prior to 1968 but when His Eminence came to South Africa he immediately began the reawakening of the human soul by conducting various practical spiritual programs like Qadiria Halqa Zikr (circle of Zikr) throughout South Africa.
Another striking feature of His Eminence mission was that he was able to wonderfully revive the tradition of paying salutations to the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) in the Mosques after prayers, during Halqa Zikr and other auspicious occasions.
His Eminence stressed that lovers of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) should show their abhorrence to those who incite against this love. They should embrace every lover of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) as his brother. The one who talks of the Love for the beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) should be greeted warmly. The love for and of the beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) should be the basis of all relations and dealings. The one who yearns for sacrificing his life for the sake of Hazrat Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) should be respected and honored.
His compassion for the poor and the ordinary and his association with the poor community compared to the rich, affluent, and upper class is distinct. He does not grudge the rich nor despise the poor. The remembrance of Almighty Allah, Halqa Zikr and the salutations to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) is his hallmark. His work in the propagation of Islam, regarding printing and publishing is so immense that it simply cannot be described here.
His Eminence introduced and initiated with such zeal and fervor the Revivalist of this Century, Alahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah give him peace) to the Muslim community of Cape Town. Today poetry written by Alahazrat is recited across the country and is well known around the world. Books written by Alahazrat are being printed and distributed, all due to the zeal and fervor shown by His Eminence. Suffice to say that the impact he created in the country was tremendous and unbelievable. He spared no effort in mobilizing the Muslims into a solid and cohesive unit under the banner of the Sunni Razvi Society - Cape Branch. Functions of Milad-un-Nabi, Igyarween Shareef, Urs Mubarak of the Saints and other religious activities began to multiply throughout the Province.