Madinah’s beloved host dies after serving pilgrims for 40 years

Jeddah: The passing of Shayk Ismail Al-Zaim Abu Al-Sabaa, a renowned Syrian man known for his decades-long acts of kindness and generosity in Masjid An-Nabwi, Madinah, has left a profound impact on the community. His death, announced on Tuesday, April 16, has sparked an outpouring of tributes and reflections on social media platforms.

Born in the Syrian city of Hama, Shayk Ismail Al-Zaim made a life-changing decision over 40 years ago to immigrate to Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It was here that he became widely known as "the host of the Prophet’s visitors."

Shayk Ismail Al-Zaim’s daily routine involved setting up near the Prophet’s Mosque, where he would offer free food and beverages to passersby and worshipers. His offerings included coffee, tea, dates, sweets and other refreshments. Despite his age of 96, Al-Zaim maintained this tradition faithfully, serving around 300 people daily.

The news of Al-Zaim’s passing quickly spread on social media, with many individuals and organizations sharing heartfelt tributes to honour his life and legacy. Countless individuals recounted personal encounters with Al-Zaim and expressed gratitude for his selfless service.

Shayk Ismail Al-Zaim Abu Al-Sabaa leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will be remembered for generations to come.