Heroes and giants amongst us come from near and from afar, across time and space, big and small. They respond to a calling often only they seem to hear and see, while resonating to those needs and aspirations fewer still hold high and dear. They see beyond the tear and hear beyond the fear. They see hope where many see despair, tire, and futility. They love when love becomes scarce, impure, and mobile. It has been said that a teacher (“ustaz”) is almost a prophet; this is one of those few precious, archaic sayings that must be true.