Shaykh Ismail, who served free tea to visitors in Medina for 40 years, passes away

Renowned elderly Syrian man, Shaykh Ismail Al-Zaim Abu Al-Sabaa, known for his generosity and for serving free tea and coffee to passersby in Medina for four decades, breathed his last on April 16.

Abu Al-Sabaa passed away at the age of 96. He was a widely beloved figure, and many who enjoyed his tea and coffee in Medina shared fond memories and expressed their deep respect upon hearing the news of his demise on social media.

Hailing from the Syrian city of Hama, Ab-al Sabaa migrated to Medina four decades ago and was famous as “the host of the visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.”

The death of Sheikh Ismail Al-Zaim Abu Al-Sabaa, at the age of 96 years. He was known for his charitable work & for distributing tea, coffee,milk & dates to pilgrims and Umrah performers daily for free in Medina for more than 40 years.

اِنّا لِلّهِ وَاِنّا اِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون pic.twitter.com/c8cMZHPmUY

— The Holy Mosque (@theholymosques) April 16, 2024

Driven by a spirit of selfless giving, Abu-Al-Sabaa served free food, tea, and coffee to as many as 300 people daily in Medina.

Seated on a plastic chair, Abu-Al-Sabaa would set his table near the Holy Prophet's Mosque, offering plates of sweets, dates, tea, and coffee.

Shaykh Ismail mentioned in his several interviews that his service was a selfless act, done solely for the sake of God. He never sought any financial assistance.