Just returned from a memorable Janazah of Dr. Abbas Khan, and mashaAllah, I do not remember attending a funeral as well attended as this one. The funeral prayer was first prayed in Streatham Mosque yesterday, and the mosque was completely packed out. Salatul-Janaza was prayed again today at Regent's Park mosque, and it was like Jumu'ah. Once again Salatul-Janaza was prayed at the graveyard itself, Gardens of Peace in Ilford. There may have been 500+ attendees at the graveyard alone to participate in the burial process. Such a funeral procession I have only read about in history books but never witnessed myself, let alone in England.
It wasn't just the numbers that impressed me, but also the attendance of some of the notables we all know, such as Fraz Farhat, Nabil al-Haq, Adnan Rasheed, Sh Tamir (from Muntada), Shaykh Suleman Ghani, and many others I may not recall, or didn't see.
I also met friends who I hadn't seen in nearly two decades. People came from all over the country. Undoubtedly, this is a good sign from Allah to comfort his grief-stricken family, and what awaits him in the next life is far greater without comparison.
It is also amazing how we can still have a Shaheed from South London in post 9/11 world who can be celebrated publicly by people of all backgrounds.
What an eventful life and what an honourable death. From Abbas Khan, to Dr. Abbas Khan, to al-Shaheed Abbas Khan.
May Allah raise his ranks in the hereafter and crush Assad and his henchmen in the near future.
Dr Abbas leaves behind two young children and a wife. A couple of days ago I asked his brother if his children have been told about this. He said yes, they have been told but they refused to believe it saying, "You're lying. He is not dead". They are only 6 and 7, how are they supposed to understand all of this?
But they are right, nevertheless: "Think not of those slain in the way of Allah as 'dead'. Indeed, they are alive, and with their Lord they have provision..." (3:169)
Dr Abbas Khan sacrificed his wife, children and his own life for us all. It is therefore our moral obligation to ensure that we all collectively look after his children.
The charity he went to Syria with - Human Aid - has set up a justgiving page to raise funds for his family. Already, within the space of a few hours they have raised over £6k! But that's only 6% of the target. So let's keep up the momentum by contributing whatever we can. Please share this status with others to raise awareness. May Allah reward you all on behalf of Dr Abbas's family.
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