In a world marked by rapid change, social challenges and increasing individual struggles, the role of dedicated leaders and community servants has never been more vital. Personal experiences, firm faith and a deep sense of purpose often shape those who choose to serve their communities with humility and integrity. This narrative explores the inspiring journey of Mohsin Nujuraully, a passionate individual whose life — rooted in religious devotion, academic achievement and a commitment to social activism — has been driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. From his early dedication to community service and youth engagement to founding initiatives like SalaamCare, his story exemplifies how faith, perseverance and a genuine heart can inspire impactful leadership. Through his experiences and insights, we gain a profound understanding of how one individual’s values and dedication can influence not only personal growth but also inspire positive change within society.
Can you share a bit about your personal background and how your life experiences have fueled your passion for community service and leadership?
My name is Mohsin Nujuraully. I hold a degree in Public Administration and Politics from the University of Mauritius. Simultaneously, I pursued the memorization of the Holy Qur’ān and I am proud to be among the first graduates of Hafiz from the Jummah Mosque in Port Louis in 2014. Later, I was fortunate to be approached by late Rashid Imrit, who recognized my dedication and helped facilitate a scholarship through his contacts in Egypt. This opportunity allowed me to study Islamic Sciences and Arabic language in Egypt for five years — a transformative experience that profoundly shaped my perspective of the world.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been driven by a deep desire to serve my community. In 2013, I founded Jeunes Étudiant Musulmans, a platform created to address the lack of recreational activities among university students in Mauritius. We initiated several innovative projects aimed at fostering engagement and encouraging constructive use of time — many of which had not been undertaken before on the island.
My commitment to community service is rooted in the belief that leadership should be collective rather than centered on individual ambition. I believe true leadership is selfless, working for the greater good of society rather than personal vested interests. Over the years, I have been privileged to promote women’s empowerment, leadership, and environmental initiatives.
One project that deeply touched me was the “Sponsor a Child’s Education” campaign in 2015. We organized visits to Vallée Pitot to give university students firsthand experience of the challenges faced by underprivileged children, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully. I also had the honour of working with inspiring personalities, including former President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Cassam Uteem, who sponsored many of our initiatives. I am grateful to be surrounded by such inspiring figures who have motivated me along my journey.
My path — marked by religious devotion, social activism, and personal sacrifice — has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The discipline I developed through memorizing the Holy Qur’ān, combined with the mentorship of dedicated teachers, instilled resilience and a strong sense of purpose in me. I am immensely grateful for these experiences, which continue to motivate me to serve society with integrity and dedication.
How do you balance your roles as an imam, social worker and young entrepreneur?
My inspiration comes from the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), who exemplified the ability to fulfill multiple roles with dedication and excellence. As an imam, social worker and young entrepreneur, I view these roles as interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
In my capacity as an imam, I lead by example through preaching, guiding and embodying the core values of my faith. Simultaneously, I am deeply engaged in social work, which I see as an essential part of my religious and personal commitment to serve my community. My entrepreneurial endeavours are driven by the desire to create sustainable opportunities and foster positive change.
Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management, a clear sense of purpose and dedication. I believe that each role complements the other and maintaining integrity and focus allows me to serve my community more effectively. Ultimately, seeking the blessings and trust of those I serve motivates me to continue working with passion and humility.
What inspired you to create SalaamCare and what are its main objectives?
In 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to pause my previous initiative, Jeunes Etudiants Musulmans, because I observed that many young people were already creating impactful groups and doing wonderful work. I wanted to do something different and more targeted.
My experience working in a clinic as the head of administration exposed me to the alarming health issues faced by many people. I envisioned a project to address these needs and presented it to the CEO of the clinic but unfortunately, he was unable to pursue it due to personal reasons. Later, I joined another foundation that readily accepted the project and I served as the head of operations for a year. However, I realized that their approach and working style did not align with my vision and values.
This inspired me to establish my own foundation with the sincere intention of helping people in the right way. Thus, us, SalaamCare was born with the primary goal of assisting the poor, saving lives and offering alternatives to existing monopolies in healthcare and social services. Our mission extends beyond medical aid to encompass various aspects of supporting people in their everyday lives.
Our goal is to maximize the impact we can make by working together with all members and stakeholders, driven by a genuine desire to serve and make a positive difference in our community.
How do you see SalaamCare evolving in the future to better serve the community?
I envision SalaamCare evolving into a trusted and hopeful platform for the community. My motivation is not for show or recognition but to provide a safe haven where people in need can find relief and support. In a world where negativity often dominates, I want Salaam Care to be a place that offers genuine help, respecting the privacy and dignity of the most vulnerable.
We believe in serving our community discreetly, prioritizing confidentiality and respect over publicity. While we operate with humility and avoid showcasing our efforts excessively on social media, we maintain full transparency with stakeholders and are proud of the outcomes we achieve. Our prompt responses and dedicated service have become a reference point for many and that is a source of great satisfaction.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who believes in our mission — especially our sponsors — whose support makes our work possible. Moving forward, I hope SalaamCare continues to grow as a beacon of hope and trust for those we serve.
What has been the most fulfilling part of your work with SalaamCare so far?
The most fulfilling part of my work with SalaamCare has been the very first step of establishing the foundation. That initial move was truly rewarding, especially because it requires approval and support from various authorities. Building something meaningful is never easy and does not happen overnight; there are considerable stress and behind-the-scene efforts involved.
Thanks to the Almighty and with the dedicated support of our team, we were able to bridge those challenges. This experience has reaffirmed that when your intentions are genuine and sincere, everything becomes more manageable. I still find it hard to believe that I was able to accomplish so much in such a short span of time.
How do your faith and values influence your work and leadership?
We are living in a challenging time, where people often lack patience, experience stress and struggle with anger, ego, hostility and a desire for revenge. Managing these emotions in a materialistic world is extremely difficult. My faith and the values instilled in me by my parents set me apart from others. I believe that compassion and empathy are essential for meaningful work and leadership.
One of my favourite teachings, which I often share during sermons, is that God is merciful and has sent only the best for humanity. This inspires me to lead with mercy and patience, working compassionately for the community. My faith and values thus deeply influence my approach to leadership, guiding me to serve with humility and understanding.
What advice would you give to youngsters who want to make a difference in their communities?
For young people aspiring to make a difference in their communities, I would say that sincerity and honesty are essential, even if they lack experience. A young person should approach social work with genuine dedication and integrity. It is also important to develop resilience — like a crocodile’s skin — to handle all kinds of criticism along the way. Social work is often met with critics, which can be discouraging but if you remain committed and believe in your purpose, nothing is impossible. With dedication and perseverance, good work will ultimately prevail.
This interview was published in UK Based Newspaper, MauritiusNow