Until we meet again- Azhar Safwan
Yesterday, on the 6th of September, we laid our beloved brother, Azhar Safwan, to rest. After his passing on the 5th, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer, we gathered to honour a man who, I sincerely feel, lived in service of Allah, striving sincerely, yet impactfully to support the vision of the final Messenger, our Messenger, Muhammed (saw).
I was blessed to know some of our brothers charity, but since his illness and passing, I learned even more of his goodness—of the lives he touched, the causes he supported, and the many he inspired, including myself.
His Funeral
Azhar’s funeral was a blessed one, from his final ghusl (bathing) and shrouding, to the janazah salah (funeral prayer) , to his burial. He was accompanied until We laid the final specs of dust by countless people, friends and strangers alike, who traveled from various parts of the UK and beyond. Some were moved by his kindness and companionship, while others attended only because they were inspired by his legacy and the heartfelt stories, sentiments and tributes, shared by scholars and leaders of da’wah who knew him well.
Azhar had personally requested me to take care of his final rites, a duty I was honored and blessed by Allah to fulfill to the best of my ability.
After his burial, I was asked to share a reminder with those present; I have attached it here for you to benefit from as well, courtesy of a recording done by our brother Ejaz Taj, may Allah reward him.
https://youtu.be/d_U6QLekshI?si=tAm9U4TLluLnjpm3
His son Abdullah
I am especially proud of Azhar’s teenage son, Abdullah, who stood by my side, manifesting amaizng maturity and strength as we completed his father’s final rites together. Masha’Allah, he is truly a testament to his parent's legacy, and I am so very proud of him.
A Final Note
From Azhar’s final life's moments to his burial, we witnessed signs of a beautiful departure, one that reflects the path of the people of Jannah, and may Allah make him from among its residents. Ameen!
Azhar’s life was a legacy of calm strength and unwavering trust in Allah.
A true legacy is not only in how we are remembered, but in how we are raised on the Day of Judgment, and I only feel greatness for our brother on that day.
Brother Azhar has passed the baton on to us, so let us now rise to continue his journey and honour his memory by serving the Ummah and standing firm in the causes beloved to Allah, as our Lord expects from us.
Let us also remember in our prayers his beloved wife and the four young children he leaves behind in our care.
May Allah grant them a beautiful patience, ease their hearts pain, and assist us in being present for them as they navigate this loss.
May we be a source of strength and support for them. Ameen.
📌 Finally, I am raising funds for a Waqf in the name of our brother. I sincerely request for us to stand with this effort, in the hope that it will be a means to enter the Paradise that we faithfully hope Allah will grant our brother. You can contribute to the effort here:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ourazhar