By Hasina Motani on behalf of the Dr Hoosen Family
God saw him getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So, He put his arms around him and whispered
“Come to Me”
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and
Saw him slowly fade away
Although we loved him dearly
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating
Hardworking hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
My Dad, Dr A.S. Hoosen left this world on the 5th of January 2021.
He was a dignified, proud, and accomplished individual who embraced life and lived it fully. He was born in Marabastad Pretoria in 1934, and like many of his generation, started out from humble beginnings. He was however, determined to change his destiny. Dad studied for a BSC degree and then went on to study MBBCH at the University of Witwatersrand. He was educated through the combined efforts of the entire family who had complete faith in him, and pinned their hopes and dreams on him. True to form, he did not disappoint.
Dad married his sweetheart Khatija bibi Abed in 1961 and they had 60 blissful years together. He graduated in 1963, and opened his medical practice in Marabastad to serve the community. He was passionate about his profession and was well respected and admired by his peers. I am often reminded of this when I meet some of his former patients. They express their gratitude and appreciation of his ability to “make them better” as they would say. His legacy continues today with my brother Dr Imtiaz Hoosen running his practice currently.
Dad was chairman of the Pretoria Medical Discussion Group for many years and under his leadership grew the organisation from a local forum to a nationally recognised foundation that was at the cutting edge of medicine.
He also featured on Radio Islam, ITV and SABC TV, providing insight into the topical medical matters of the time.
Dad had a tremendous zest for life and was an avid traveller. He visited all four corners of the globe and numerous cities, too many to mention. He was still travelling abroad at the ripe old age of 86. Much to my concern which he duly dismissed.
He had a love for the Urdu language and was always ready with an Urdu couplet to match the occasion. He was a sought-after speaker at many weddings and celebratory occasions, and was renowned for his Urdu poetry recitations. Much to the delight of the discerning audience.
Dad was ahead of his time in many regards, none more so than in education. He ensured that all of his children received a university education, despite the social norm of the time. His determination gave rise to six well educated, successful children.
My siblings and I are eternally grateful to him for instilling in us the values of a good education, the virtues of hard work and commitment to excellence. These are gifts that will stand the test of time and will be treasured always.
Rest in Peace
“Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return”
We miss you.
