Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib Whom I Knew

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Outline

Introduction

Alhamdulillah; all praises and thanks are due to Allah, Who has made death a mandatory point of entry, into the wider world of Akhirah, for all His creatures, and has prepared for the righteous among them, forgiveness and greater reward. May His Peace and Blessings be upon the Blessed and Chosen Prophet of His; Habibi Muhammad, his family members, his companions, and all those who follow their guided path, till the Day of Judgment.

In the early morning of February 6, 2012, one of the things I had in my virtual ToDo list, was to make a phone call to Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib, later in the afternoon. Three hours later, at 1033 hrs (to be exact), I received the sad (not bad) news; “Mudir [of] MWTI has just passed away”, an SMS read. A few notifications of SMSs popped up in my phone, carrying the same meaning (message), from several friends of mine; some of whom are students, current staff or former staff of Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah (MWTI).

Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah is the Islamic school founded and established in 1958, by the late Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib. It started with 100 students and 4 teachers. Today, MWTI has more an estimated students of 600 and 43 teaching and non-teaching staff.

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How I Came to Know Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib

It’s Monday today (the day Ustaz Muhd Noor passed away). The last time I spoke to the late Ustaz Muhd Noor, was last Thursday (four days ago). He was at home, in bed, tired, that's why he couldn’t manage to go to school to instruct for the testimonial, which he promised me, to be written. When I spoke to him the previous day (Wednesday), he was in school, and relatively in good health.

As I received the sad (again, not bad) news, I couldn’t focus on anything (or anyone) else, anymore, other than Ustaz Muhammad Noor Bin Taib, whom I knew for five years, and whom I had worked for, for two and a half years.

My thoughts were not worries and concerns about whether or not; I could get testimonial from the school I have served for two and a half years. My memory, rather rewound back to five years; back to 2006, the year I came to Singapore, for the first time; the year I knew the late Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib.

Madrasah Wak Tanjong was among the first madrasahs which my wife and I paid a visit, when we came to Singapore in 2006.

Upon reaching Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah, we were received and warmly welcomed by an old man, who spoke very fluent Arabic. He came down to our level to speak to us, to offer us drinks and to make us feel comfortable. In short, we were received by a humble and welcoming old man. I became amazed, more, with his command in the Arabic Language, after I knew that he mastered the language locally. This means, he had never studied in the Middle East. Ustaz Muhd Noor was a graduate of Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah.

When Ustaz Muhd Noor knew that I intended to visit the various Madrasahs (on our second visit to him, a month later), he instructed one his favourite students (a teacher, then, in the school, and one of my good friends, later on, Ustaz Fathurrahman), to drive us, to one of the schools we intended to visit. He even, personally, made a phone call to the Principal of Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, informing him of our intention to visit them… SubhanAllah. We were able to meet Ustaz Hasbi Hassan on that occasion.

When I decided to search for a job opportunity in Singapore, the late Ustaz Muhd Noor knew about it. He advised me to provide him with copies of my qualifications, and he, personally, submitted them to Mr Alami Musa, the President of MUIS, for his consideration, if he could help, for me to secure any opportunity, anywhere suitable.

My search for job became the concern and worry of Ustaz Muhd Noor. As he, initially, thought my qualification is in Shari’ah, he couldn’t offer me any job in his school. But, after he knew that my qualification is in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies, he insisted on employing me. I did my best in the two and a half years I served in Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah. The only time I disappointed Ustaz Muhd Noor (as I know) was when I decided to resign. I did explain to him, my reasons for resigning, honestly. He couldn't stop me, because, by right (in the aqeedah of a Muslim) my mission (in MWTI) was accomplished, so it was time for me, to move on.

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The Favour I Will Always Keep, for Ustaz Muhd Noor

No doubt, Ustaz Muhd Noor was disappointed when I decided to resign from MWTI, what disappointed him more was, the fact that I was moving to a ‘rival' Madrasah Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah. That unhappiness continued. The fact Ustaz Muhd Noor was vocal throughout his life, did trigger him to say a lot of things, with this regards, be it in my presence, or in my absence. But the pains (which I went through as a result of that) no longer exist. Alhamdulillah.

Despite that, It's not possible for me to forget the favour he did me once (in 2006), when he made a phone call (through Ustaz Fathurrahman) to ask me; whether I deserve zakat or not. I was honest to accept it because I was financially, in need, as I was in search for job. For him to think of my condition to this level was touching, let alone, that the envelope he handed to me as zakat, contained S$600!

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He Could Trust and Have Confidence in His Staff Too

After I started teaching in MWTI, I once, encountered an incident, in which a female student misunderstood how I marked her exam paper; she complained me directly, to the Principal (Ustaz Muhd Noor) himself. On the spot, having high confidence and trust in his staff, after hearing the complaint, Ustaz Muhd Noor gathered the four Heads of Departments, and then called me in. The student presented her case. And I was allowed to explain. I explained. The student agreed with me, and admitted; she misunderstood. Case was closed! Instead of me, being excited for surviving a complaint, that could have ruined my entire career as a teacher and as an ‘Ustaz’, Ustaz Muhd Noor was the one who celebrated, on my behalf. “I trust Ustaz Abdul-Salam. I know who didn’t do it…” Those were a few of what he said to emphasize his trust and confidence, in the poor me. (But… no matter what, I have to be honest; I was at fault!)

Most of the cases that Ustaz Muhd Noor handled and solved instantly, were positive and fair. This happened only when he made decisions by himself without ‘external’ influence. And the above incident was a good example.

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Ustaz Muhd Noor, the Old Man Visitors to MWTI Will Miss…

Visitors to MWTI may not be able to recall all their good encounters in the school, but they are unlikely to forget the warmth, with which Ustaz Muhd Noor received his guests and visitors.

I had observed Ustaz Muhd Noor as a visitor myself. I had also observed him as an employee, working for him, when he arranged for, and received visitors and guests. Ustaz Muhd Noor, would ensure that some refreshment is prepared for anyone who visits the school, this included judges of the various competitions and debates conducted by MWTI, not forgetting the invigilators of PSLE. He would, personally, serve the visitors and spend time with them. He would feel guilty, if a visitor left the school without taking (eating or drinking) something.

This is one of the characters of true leaders which Islam has taught us and emphasized on, and Ustaz Muhd Noor was one of the few leaders who demonstrated it. This is the leader who was locally trained; the leader who had no ‘academic’ qualification.

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His Weakness

If man was created and meant to be perfect, Ust Muhd Noor would have been perfect. But, because man was created and meant for imperfection (except for the Prophets and Messengers of Allah), therefore, Ust Muhd Noor, too, was not perfect. If he was perfect, there would have been no need for this article, because perfection would, then, been common sense.

Although I knew Ust Muhd Noor for only five years, in his 70s, it was obvious that he was a tough (stern) person in his youth days; firm, vocal, straight forward, and courage enough to speak up his mind at any time. His students and others, who had dealt with him, would definitely agree with me here. But, I wonder how he could leave the legacy he has left behind, for the good use of the Muslim community, if he was not that firm. I wonder how he could have achieved all that, if he was to please all the critics. (Steve Jobs is a good example).

However, In the five years I knew the late Ustaz Muhd Noor, he had (developed) a very soft heart. He was ‘so nice’ that he could believe everybody. He changed his mind (or his mind was rather changed) only when he took home the new ideas, suggestions, advice or inputs from his ‘lower ranking staff'. The leadership of Sayyidina Uthman Ibn ‘Affan keeps coming across my mind, anytime I think of the leadership of the late Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib in his school. In other words, the weakness which Sayyidina ‘Uthman r.a. possessed as a leader, was similarly possessed by the late Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib, in his last five years (at least).

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Random Collection of Tributes to Ust Muhd Noor

Facebook was overwhelmed with instant and genuine reactions in form of tributes to Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib, by those who knew him, or were his students. However, comments were made by political figures, too. The following are random selection of such:

“His contribution in establishing religious education in this country is very important for our local community and should not be forgotten. His attributes such as dedication, firm and discipline but at the same time flexible has become a tradition that need to be continued so as to encourage more people to contribute to society.” ~ Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Singapore (translated from Malay)

“Not many of us given the opportunity to set-up a madrasah and run it for more than half a century!” ~ [Bro Mohd Khair Bin Mohd Noor, Co-Founder of SuChi Success Initiatives Pte Ltd, Singapore].

“His love for the school and students were second to none. His determination and patience were extraordinary. The madrasah is his legacy. He was the magnet that kept the students anchored. His passing [is] a great loss. May Allah bless his soul and reward him His eternal Jannah. Allahummarhamhu wa a'fihi wa'fu anhu.” ~ [Ridhwan Mohd Basor, Former Student of MWTI].

“A great man is like the ozone layer. We start to really miss him only when he's gone. But unlike the ozone layer, a great man's virtues can be emulated. So thank you Mudir for inspiring me to continue investing positive energy and being tenacious in imparting knowledge to the future generation.” ~ [Mr Aidal Razali, Teacher in MWTI].

“A great man he was..very stern n he had his own way of showing affection. may we your students repay you with our doas.” ~ [Mifdhal Hanif, Former Student of MWTI].

“His words still ring in my head, for me to continue to contribute as a Muslim no matter where I am. It feels like it was only yesterday when I last spoke to him and now, he has gone to meet Allah. It is hard to accept the news yet must redha with what He has written. The demise of a Murabbi saddens the soul which still in need of his knowledge and wisdom” ~ [Nur Fathin Khairul Anuar, Former Student of MWTI].

“You took me in when no one else wanted to, given my circumstances during those times, i am forever indebted to you Dear Mudir, Yang terbaik selalu untukmu ….

اللهم اغفر له  وارحمه وعافه واعف عنه

~ [Khairul Zaman, Former Student of MWTI].

“Condolences to the family of Ustaz Mohammed Noor Bin Taib, Eunos resident and the principal and founder of Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah, who passed away today. The late Ustaz started the madrasah in 1958 with 4 teachers and 100 students. Peace and blessings to all who knew him.” ~ Mr Pritam Singh, MP for Aljunied GRC, Singapore.

And below is a poem, said in tribute to Ustaz Muhammad Noor Bin Taib, said by Mr Sarifudin Sapari, former teacher in MWTI (translated from Malay):

Oh insan who has contributed immensely,

There is no means to go against Allah's taqdir,

Your return to the real eternal life,

Your departure has touched hundreds of hearts.

Only yesterday I extended my doa for you oh my mudir,

Hoping for Allah to strengthen your jasad (body),

Despite the waves of daily challenges taking a toll on your age,

My hope for you still to be able to be present in your madrasah.

It was obvious in your face the flow of tears that accompanied your every tazkirah,

You had asked me, why that is so?

My response was that it is God's Gift to you,

My heart cried too without you knowing it.

Oh the soul of mutmainnah,

Please leave, please leave with sakinah wa rahmah,

Your fight in this world has come to its end,

May your place be permanently in Jannah (Paradise).

Yaa Robb,

Please forgives my Mudir,

Free him from the punishment in the grave and Hellfire,

Place his soul amongst Your beloved anbiya and syuhada

Amin yaa Robbal a'lamin….

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Lessons from the Life of Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib

I knew Ustaz Muhd Noor, for only five years, within which I worked for him, for two and a half years. He lived for 78 years, an age, which he devoted 69% (54 years) of it to provide Islamic education to more than one generation, from the Muslim community of Singapore. Some of the lessons I have learnt from him, after knowing him and working for him, are as follows:

• Humility: His humbleness could be easily noticed by his guests and visitors. How often do you get the highest authority in any organization to come down to serve you with smile and entertain you, geniunely, unless they have social or political gains in that? I remember, once, I drafted a letter in Arabic, for the school’s correspondence, and went to him for his attention and approval. Upon reading the letter, Ustaz Muhd Noor pointed out a (one) word to verify its meaning; I said to him, that the word was a correct Arabic word. I remember him saying, “SubhanAllah… This is the first time I’m coming across this word. Thank you.” And I could see the enthusiasm in his face, and the excitement for learning something new. I don't think there was any social or political interest in this situation, when Ustaz Muhd Noor acknowledged and said, “SubhanAllah… This is the first time I’m coming across this word. Thank you.” The humility in him had allowed him to learn something new.
• Lifelong learning: Ustaz Muhd Noor never hesitated to seize the opportunity to learn something new, as far as Arabic Language or Islamic religious knowledge is concerned. He could come down to the level of the person, no matter how low the person may seem, to learn; he would never forget to appreciate that, as well. He would let go of his ego, and learn, even from his students. Who knows everything, other than Allah, by the way?
• High ambition: In the two and a half years I spent with Ust Muhd Noor, I seldom saw him personally, turning down requests of teachers, willingly, or pretending to know everything. Thus, no matter what a situation can be difficult, he wouldn’t give up, and he wouldn’t discourage you, either. He would calmly advise the student, or the teacher to try again and never to give up.
• Inspiration: If Ustaz Muhd Noor could stay in the school 24/7, he would have done so. His soul was there. When we visited him in the hospital, some of the times he was hospitalized, he would only talk and ask about school related matters. To the effect that, he would come to school even when bounded by wheelchair. His passion for what he believed in was so inspiring for people who strive for success.
• Qualification may not be the factor for success and achievement: The fact that he was locally trained and never studied abroad says it all. This also means, he didn’t have secular education, and couldn't speak English, so the secular culture was strange to him. Thus, he didn't hide behind bureaucracy to face any reality. Yet, he was able to contribute to the community better than many “educated and highly qualified” can do.
• “Walk the talk”: The legacy he has left behind, the crowd that attended his funeral prayer (solat janazah), although some of them disagreed with him in many issues, each speaks for him, favourably.
• Greater trust in Allah: Above all the above, Ustaz Muhd Noor never lost trust and hope in Allah. Many are the times I heard him saying, I don’t know how we make money to pay our teachers and staff. Allah does it all, for us!

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The Farewell

It was heart-warming to see the crowd which attended Madrasah Wak Tanjong’s premises to pay their last respect to the late Ustaz Muhd Noor. I thought that was all, until we reached to Masjid Sultan. I found myself in a bigger crowd, similar to those on Fridays prayers. Not only that, even after his death, others could still gain benefits from Ustaz Muhd Noor; another Muslim janazah was honoured to have the crowd that came to perform solat janazah, on Ustaz Muhd Noor, performing solat Janazah for him, too.

Another thing I noticed was, even former staff of Ustaz Muhd Noor have (mostly) put in the effort to attend his Janazah. Some had to take full-day leave from work; some took half-day leave; others took time off. I know of a brother who had to leave his ailing parent (taken care of, of course) in the intensive care unit (ICU); all these sacrifices of time, were just to ensure they are able to attend the janazah of Ustaz Muhd Noor, and to bid him farewell… You were loved and respected, indeed, Ustaz Muhd Noor!

Conclusion…

There's an African proverb which says, “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. I say, a determined and great man does not only raise a child, alone, he also builds nations and generations. This is true in the case of Ustaz Muhd Noor, because; I know three generations (parent, child and grandchild) all of whom are products of the late Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib. It still takes a whole village to raise a child, but for any village to raise a child successfully, there must be a determined leader involved.

What Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib has done for me (one black guy from the jungles of Africa), reflects what he has done for many others; Singaporeans and Asians, most of whom are his students, teachers who worked in his school, and members of the public.

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…and Du'a

Yaa Allah, if Ustaz Muhd Noor Bin Taib has nothing to present before Your Highness, except this building, please accept it from him, and allow it to override all his mistakes, and to entitle him for Your Jannah, without judgment.

Yaa Allah, if Ustaz Muhd Noor was not able to fulfil all he could do to be entitled for Your Pleasure, but could only be the cause (based on Your Wisdom and Decree) for the upbringing and educating role models in the Muslim community of Singapore, such as (to mention a few): Ustaz Fathurrahm Dawoed, Ustaz Saifurrizal, Ustazah Rozana Khalid, Ustazah Raihana Abdul Aziz, Ustaz Ziyadudin Siraj Bin Ahmad, Nur Fathin Khairul Anwar, Huzaifah Mohd Amin, Ustazah Mardhiah Yusuf, Nur Zahidah Yusuf, Isa Zaini, Ilyas Zaini and many others who are (or may be) better than them, whom You know, but we don't; I beg You, to accept him, with them; with the open doors of the Jannah of Yours.

Ameen, yaa Allah!

Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂

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