In the chronicles of our family and the history of our people, the name Iya Omoda shines with a radiance that time has not dimmed. Today, we pay homage and offer prayers for a beloved mother and grandmother whose life was a masterpiece of honour, wisdom, courage, and unwavering principle — a woman whose footprints remain deeply engraved in the sands of time.
Hajiya Maryam Bint Shaikh Tajudeen was a woman of impeccable character. Her life was a living textbook of discipline and virtue. To encounter her was to meet someone who lived her values with absolute sincerity. Whether in public or private, her character remained constant — strong, noble, and unshakable.
She was known far and wide as a woman of unquestionable integrity — the kind that does not bow to pressure, fear, favour, or sentiment. Her word was as solid as stone; when she spoke, it carried weight. Her reputation preceded her, and even those who never met her held her in deep respect.
Above all, she was a lover of truth, a defender of justice, and an upright soul. She believed firmly that truth stands above all things, and she lived fearlessly by that belief, guided by the Book of Allah and the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). In a world where many bend for convenience, she stood straight — firm and guided by conscience.
Though known as a no-nonsense woman, she carried herself with dignity and authority. Her discipline was admirable — she did not tolerate wrongdoing, laziness, or deceit. Yet beneath that firmness was a heart full of compassion, fairness, and genuine concern for others, as narrated by my beloved mother, Hajiya Raliyah Bint Imam AbdulRahim (of blessed memory).
Among her peers, she was highly respected — a natural leader whose wisdom earned admiration and trust. Elders listened to her, the younger ones learned from her, and the community relied on her. Her presence alone often brought calm, order, and direction to both family and society.
As a businesswoman, her sense of investment was legendary. She possessed deep entrepreneurial insight, uncommon intelligence, and a remarkable ability to distinguish between Halal and Haram. Her decisions were sound, calculated, and consistently successful.
Although she never sat within the four walls of a formal classroom, her intellect surpassed that of many who did. She spoke with confidence, reasoned with clarity, learned quickly, and engaged scholars at a time when such interactions required rare courage and wisdom. Her life proved that true education is not merely about certificates, but about capacity, brilliance, and character — a legacy rooted in the upbringing of her father, Shaikh Al-Imam Yahaya Tajudeen (of blessed memory).
As a mother, she was exemplary — a pillar of strength. She provided, guided, protected, and nurtured with deep love and responsibility. She raised her children, and even her siblings’ children, upon the enduring values of respect, hard work, discipline, integrity, and the fear of Allah. Through her unique style of motherhood, she built generations of success.
Her memory remains pure — never tainted, never questioned. Stories about her are filled with admiration, gratitude, and pride. To this day, those who knew her speak of her with reverence, as though she only departed yesterday — Allahu Akbar.
Twenty years ago, the Tajudeen dynasty lost a rare gem — Hajiya Maryam Bint Shaikh Tajudeen. She departed this world a fulfilled woman, having lived with purpose, influence, and dignity. Yet, she left behind a vacuum — one many have tried to fill, but none have matched. Her legacy remains towering, inspiring, and enduring. May Allah accept her deeds as Sadaqah Jariyah.
Today, we celebrate not just her life, but the light she left behind — a light that continues to guide her descendants, reminding us of the greatness we come from, and calling us to walk as she walked: with honour, truth, courage, dignity, and enterprise.
May the noble soul of Iya Omoda continue to rest in perfect peace.
May her memory remain a blessing to generations yet unborn.
May her legacy never fade, and may Allah grant her نور (light) in her grave and reunite us with her in Jannatul Firdaus.
© Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen Anda
