Seldom does one come across an individual who not only self-actualizes in performing his good deeds but also inspires others to do so.  One such individual is Sheikh Kalil Bazzy.  Modest, humble and unpretentious are the qualities of his character and persona that appraise his life and dedicated service to God and mankind.  His journey to the Stairway to Paradise is a picturesque and symbolic example of how endurance and patience anchored by a strong faith can overcome the forks and bumps along the road of life.  

Receiving the gifts of life and critical sustenance through his parents, Sheikh Kalil Bazzy was taught the meaning of love, integrity and commitment through the way they lived.  The simplicity of his upbringing would heighten his self-confidence and challenge his mind to search, to think, to reason and to question.  It would also awaken his passion for excellence and  his spirit of courage and generosity.  Above all, he was taught the importance of Islam, which became his lifetime vocation.  Truly, he grew up with the ideals of self-sacrifice, courage, and steadfastness that were nurtured and cultivated by the morals and ethics of his parents.

Bazzy.

It was his individuality that gave Sheikh Kalil Bazzy a sense of himself.  He was his own person.  He didn’t forfeit his uniqueness to be like everyone else.  He didn’t talk about what he should do but, rather, moved on to what he needed to do.  In fact, what he must do, what he wanted to do, and what he loved to do.  And what he loved was Islam.  His mind became so absorbed by the study of Islam that it constantly occupied his thoughts and every facet of his life.  Having a firm and solid comprehension of Islam, as a result of his will and determination to pursue its inner depths, became his guiding principles and core values.  His core purpose, his purest beliefs, his conscience, and his convictions were the inspiration of his life’s journey.  And that inspiration instilled in him the essence of his existence, as his pure heart was absorbed by piety and knowledge.  In his worship and obedience to God, the purity of his heart only desired God’s approval and pleasure.  

“…they are those whose hearts God has tested for piety….” (Qur’an 49:3)

“Verily the most honored of you with God is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an 49:13)

“O you people!  Worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you may learn righteousness.” (Qur’an 2:21)

Piety is a priceless treasure, a key to all doors of good, and a stairway on the path to Paradise.  Along that journey of piety and righteousness, Sheikh Kalil Bazzy persevered.  Reaching the shores of America presented a golden opportunity for him to serve a community in Southeast Michigan that had somewhat relaxed its efforts relative to Islam.  There were a number of families who had come from South Lebanon to reside in the Michigan suburbs of Highland Park and Dearborn.  However, there was a void in the upbringing of their children as practicing Muslims.  While some families had their children fast during the month of Ramadan, other families were negligent of this practice.  Yet, even for those who fasted, most of them were not observing the fundamental Islamic pillar of prayer.  Many children had become totally assimilated into the mainstream of American culture that they ignored their own cultural traditions and practices.  While the community did share in family events and social gatherings, they were not unified for the purpose of abiding by the principles and practices of Islam.

As Sheikh Kalil Bazzi struggled to unite his community toward their obligation to Islam, it was truly an enormous undertaking.  While he felt fatigue and despair, he continued to push forward.  He did not waver from his commitment to rid his community of complacency and to bring them into a harmonious and unified endeavor to fulfill the obligations that are requisite in Islam.  As such, one of his endeavors was to provide a proper Islamic burial for those who have died.  As a food peddler earning a living to raise his own family, he would often forego his work that day in order to preside over the burial of his fellow Muslims.  Not only did he perform the necessary Islamic ritual and prayer of the deceased, he did so for so many families in the community over a half century.  

Other Islamic contributions to his community were giving recitals, eulogies, and presentations on the topic of Islam.  Invariably, he would open up each presentation with the first three verses of Surat al-Baqara from the Holy Qur’an.  It was Sheikh Kalil Bazzi who initially reawakened our community on the importance of Islam, as he was the spark and enlightenment that set the stage for other Islamic scholars to arrive.

In the life of every community there are heroes who leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the history of that community and a vision of a new and better life with which to build on.  Sheikh Kalil Bazzy is such a hero whose love for his community is demonstrated by his long history of serving that community.  It is through the perseverance and unwavering commitment of leaders such as Sheikh Kalil Bazzy that our community continues to thrive.  Humble and accessible to everyone in our community, he truly stood as a role model for all.  He served as a guiding light for upcoming generations.  By capturing the minds and hearts of his community, he was able to awaken the spirit of Islam within each of them.  May God shower His Blessings on Sheikh Kalil Bazzy and his parents and grant them the Stairway to Paradise.