Under the pretext of him holding membership of the banned Muslim Brotherhood movement, Egyptian coup authorities have detained a prominent South African based Da’ee and Islamic scholar.

It has been confirmed that Sheikh Abdus Salaam Bassiouni is being held by the Egyptian security services on charges of belonging and aiding the now vilified movement.

Speaking to Cii Radio, Attorney Farhana Ismail, who represents and has been appointed official spokesperson of the Bassiouni family, said the Sheikh had been detained on arrival at the Cairo International Airport whilst en route to a family holiday.

Bassiouni was born in Egypt and received much of his education in the country.

“We all know the charges(of belonging to the Brotherhood) are untrue,” Ismail said. “He is a respected member of the South African community and known for his widespread work among previously disadvantaged communities for the past 20 years”.

She said every effort was being exhausted to secure the Sheikh’s freedom, including through engagements at the highest governmental level.

Whilst these were ongoing, Ismail said, the family had requested concerned parties in the community to hold back from any widespread public campaigns, protests or demonstrations.

“The Bassiouni family requests all to make special Dua for the release and safe return of Sheikh to our shores”.

Audio interview with the Sheikh’s son, Bilal Bassiouni:

ABOUT SHEIKH BASSIOUNI

- Born in Cairo, Egypt in 1950
- Graduate of Shariah and Law, Al azhar University, Cairo
- Diploma in Arabic (Language) and Dawah, Makkah Mukarramah, MA (Doctorate)

- Lecturer, Arabic, RAU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
- Lecturer, Daee, West Africa (10 years)
- Daee, Director & Founder (Al Tawheed Islamic Centre, GOLD), South Africa (till present)

Books Written by Shaykh:
1. Needs of the Wise for Guidance of Teachers
2. Propogation of Islam during the Earlier and Present Periods - West Africa
3. Propogation of Islam during the Earlier and Present Periods - South Africa
4. Learn the language of Quraan and Islam
5. Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers (2 parts)
6. Various other concise booklets primarily in Arabic

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