Barbadian Islamic scholar, teacher, and preacher returned to his Lord on July 5, 2025 AD, the 9th of Muharram, 1447 H, on the eve of Ashura, as well as the sad day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s).  “Verily from Allah we come and to Allah we will return”.

On July 6, 2025, he was laid to rest. Maulana Yusuf is the first and only (to date) Muslim, Gujarati, and Barbadian centenarian. Days short of his 101st birthday. He taught hundreds, inspired countless people, performed many weddings, led numerous funeral prayers in Barbados, and gave dozens of talks and speeches, all to encourage and motivate others to strive to be better people in the service of God and His creation. The estimated over 700 persons at his funeral from Barbados and other parts of the region are a testament to the contributions of this humble servant of Allah. May his legacy and contribution to the faith be an everlasting reward for him and an inspiration to future generations, Ameen.

Early Life and Religious Upbringing

Born on July 17, 1924, in the serene village of Kaphleta, District Surat, Gujarat, India, Maulana Yusuf Piprawala lived a life defined by unwavering devotion to Islamic scholarship and missionary service. The son of Hafiz Mahmood and Hawabu, he was raised in a home where religious knowledge was treasured. Though his father was not a Hafiz, he was deeply versed in the Qur’an and spent years teaching in the villages of Dummas and Lajpur.

Pursuit of Knowledge

Maulana Yusuf began his religious and secular studies in his hometown before enrolling at Darul Uloom Dabhel at the age of 16. Under the guidance of the distinguished Maulana Yusuf Binori, he immersed himself in the Islamic sciences and graduated on January 21, 1948. He initially returned to his village to teach and later resumed teaching Hifz at Darul Uloom Dabhel for four years.

Embracing the Path of Da’wah (Inviting others to worship)

His heart was drawn toward the path of da’wah after attending a stirring speech by Qazi Abdul Waheb Saheb in Navsari. This encounter with the Tablighi Jamaat awakened a lifelong passion for religious propagation. At the age of 30, during Ramadan, he undertook his first 40-day Tabligh journey—from Delhi to Mewat—setting the course for a lifetime of missionary work.

Journey to the Caribbean

In March 1965, Maulana Yusuf arrived in Barbados at the invitation of his brother, Saeed Piprawala, to serve as Imam of Jama Masjid and teacher at Madressah Quvvatel Islam, both located on Kensington New Road, Fontabelle. For nine years, he relied on his brother’s support before becoming a Barbadian citizen in 1974. Two years later, he was reunited with his wife and children from India.

Introducing the Tabligh [Propagation] Movement

Maulana Yusuf introduced the work of Tabligh to Barbados—a concept previously unfamiliar to the local Muslim community. He began with Gusht (post-Maghrib home visits) to encourage community members to return for Esha and listen to Bayan (Islamic talks). His words, delivered with sincerity and spiritual depth, touched hearts and stirred a revival of Islamic commitment.

Expanding the Mission Beyond Borders

In September 1968, he led the first Tablighi Jamaat from Barbados—a group of fifteen men—on a mission to Guyana and Suriname via Trinidad. This pioneering effort expanded the reach of the Tabligh movement throughout the Caribbean and into South America.

A man of intense spirituality and quiet strength, Maulana Yusuf believed that the Masjid should be the centre of every Muslim’s life. His son, Mufti Bashir, fondly recalls his father’s love, discipline, and steadfastness. In their simple home in Kaphleta, lacking electricity, they studied under the glow of a kerosene lamp, guided by their father’s unwavering faith.

For 15 years, Maulana Yusuf served as Imam of Jama Masjid, and for four decades, he taught at Madressah Quvvatel Islam, shaping the spiritual foundation of generations of Barbadian Muslims. He officiated countless marriages, delivered thousands of sermons, and led funeral prayers with grace and humility—earning deep admiration and love from the community.

Today, Maulana Yusuf Piprawala is remembered as the first Muslim Gujarati East-Indian centenarian of Barbados—a man whose century-long life has been one of devotion, service, and sacrifice. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the knowledge he spread, and the spiritual revival he inspired.

O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him. Grant him peace and pardon him. Honour his abode and expand his entry. Cleanse him with water, snow, and ice, and purify him of sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. Replace his home with a better home, his family with a better family, and his spouse with a better spouse. Admit him into Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.