Tributes pour in for Oustas Ebrahim B. Touray: Scholar, Teacher, and Servant of Faith

The coastal town of Gunjur awoke on Wednesday to the heart-wrenching news of the passing of one of its most esteemed sons, Oustas Ebrahim B. Touray, fondly known as Ebounding. His death marks the end of a chapter in the life of a man whose unwavering dedication to knowledge, faith, and community left an indelible mark on Gunjur, The Gambia and beyond.

Born and raised in coastal settlement of Gunjur, Oustas Touray began his Islamic education in his hometown before pursuing further and higher studies abroad. Upon his return, he devoted himself to teaching at several institutions, including the former Gunjur Secondary Technical School. His journey later took him to Norway, where he served as an Imam, guiding a diaspora community with wisdom and compassion.

Returning once more to The Gambia, he joined the Gambia College under the Ministry of Education, where he rose to the position of Head of the Islamic and Arabic Studies Department. In each role, whether in the classroom, mosque, or office, he combined scholarly excellence with humility, respect, and a rare gift for inspiring others.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Hon. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, who once taught alongside him, described him as “a man of remarkable humour, humility, and respect,” and a “towering figure in the propagation of Islam.”

Justice Jaiteh wrote:

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un

It is with profound sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of the eminent Islamic scholar, Ebriama Touray - fondly known as Ebounding - of Kombo Gunjur.

I first met him at Gunjur Secondary Technical School, where he was the Islamic teacher and I was teaching Agricultural Science. From the very beginning, I found him to be a man of remarkable humour, humility, and respect - qualities he extended generously to both staff and students alike.

The late Mr. Touray was not only a distinguished administrator at The Gambia College, but also a towering figure in the propagation of Islam. With humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, he spent his life nurturing faith, guiding the young, and serving humanity with sincerity of heart. His words enlightened minds, his actions touched souls, and his example inspired countless believers within The Gambia and beyond.

Though he has departed this earthly life, his noble legacy will endure - etched in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him or benefit from his teachings.

May Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus. May the Almighty also grant patience, strength, and solace to his family, the Gunjur community, and the entire Muslim ummah at home and abroad.

Ameen.”

Others remembered him as a fountain of knowledge, a unifying presence, and a compassionate mentor. His influence reached not only his students and colleagues but also entire communities in The Gambia and abroad.

Even in his final days, Oustas Touray was building a mosque and Quranic school in his neighbourhood - living proof of his lifelong commitment to service.

Dembo Karl Touray, former President of Gunjur Sports Committee said of the late Oustas Touray and his legacy. His words:

“ Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Elayhi Raji Oun, may Allah SWT have mercy on his soul and grant him a place in Jannah and those before him.

Today is a very sad day in the community of Gunjur and the Gambia at large. Imam Touray's knowledge has reached all corners of the country as he is always willing to share with others. He died while building a mosque and a Quranic school in his neighborhood. May Allah be pleased with him.”

Oustas Touray leaves behind a legacy of faith, scholarship, and generosity that will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and in the countless lives he touched.

Gunjur Online’s Ebrima Scattred Janneh simply said, full of sorrow;

“ Just cascade of sadness, tears and endless sorrow. May God forgive his earthly shortcomings and grant him the best of Jannahs”

Omar A.J Saho added: “ Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. 😢😢😢. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaws. Today is another sad day in Gunjur! My condolence to the family and the entire Gunjur for the loss.”

For his part, Njundu Touray wrote upon learning about the passing of Mr. Touray. His words: “ Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioun. May the Almighty Allah open the gates of Jannatul Firdaus for him as his eternal residence. Ameen!

A monumental loss to his family, friends, the community of Gunjur, The Gambia, and the Ummah.”

Bakary Touray, Chairman of the UK-based Kombo Sillah Association added:

“ Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. A fountain of knowledge and wisdom has departed. What a beautiful human being he was, and he will be deeply missed. May Allah Azzawajal forgive him and grant him His highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus al-A’la. Allahumma Ameen”

Further tributes come from London-based Absoulie Darboe, who wrote:

“ Dark Day in Gunjur

Today, Gunjur mourns.  

A heavy cloud of sorrow hangs over our hearts as we grapple with the loss of our beloved brother, Ebriama.

May Allah forgive him, elevate his rank, and grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaus.  

May He envelop Ebriama in His infinite mercy and light, and make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise. 😭

To those grieving, family, friends, and all whose lives Ebriama touched, May Allah ease your pain, soften your hearts, and bring healing to your souls.  

Loss is never easy, but through faith, we find strength. Through prayer, we find peace.

Let us come together in remembrance, in dua, and in love.  

May this moment of grief also be a moment of unity, reflection, and compassion.

JazakAllah Khair to everyone offering support, prayers, and presence.  

Your kindness is a balm in this time of sorrow.”

May Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest station in Jannatul Firdaus.

Adieu, Oustas Ebrahim B. Touray. Your light will continue to shine through the knowledge you imparted, the faith you nurtured, and the community you loved so dearly.