In memory of the late Khwaja Ibrahim

"To Allah we belong, and to Him will be our return"

It is impossible to express the grief that we share with Najma Quader, Hamid Ismail, Saman, Pinky and all members of their respective families, with the passing away of our beloved Ibrahim, in New York, on Saturday 4th November 2006.

May his soul rest in eternal heavenly peace in th company of those Allah loves most. At a time like this we seek Allah's blessings and consolation as we ponder over His message in the Holy Qur'an as He says:

Ya Aiyuhallazina Aamanu-s-Tayeenu Bis-Sabri was-Salaat! Innallaha ma-as-Saabireen

O You who have attained to faith! Seek aid in steadfast patience and prayer: for, behold, God is with those who are patient in adversity.

Walanablu wan-nakum bi shayim Minal khaufi wal jooye wa naqsim Minal amwaali wal Anfusi was-Samaraat. Wa bashshiri-s-Saabireen-al-lazina Iza asaabathum Musibatun; Qaalu Inna Lillahi wa Inna ilaihi Raaj-e-oon. Oolaa-e-ka Alaihim Salawaatum Mir-rabbihim wa Rahmah; wa Oolaa-e-ka hum-ul-muhtadoon.

And most certainly shall We try you by means of danger, and hunger, and loss of worldly goods, of lives and of [labour’s] fruits. But give glad tidings unto those who are patient in adversity – who, when calamity befalls them, say, “Verily, unto God do we belong and, verily, unto Him we shall return”.It is they upon whom their sustainer’s blessing and grace are bestowed, and it is they, they who are on the right path!

As merciful as the Lord Almighty is, He welcomes the souls of the righteous as in verses 27-30 of Surah Al-Fajr (Chapter 89)

Ya aiyyatu hannafsul Mutma’eenna Yarjiee ila Rabbika Raadiatam mardee a Fadkhuli fi Ibaadi wad khuli jannati

[But unto the righteous God will say,] “O thou human being that hast attained to inner peace! Return thou unto thy Lord, well-pleased [and] pleasing [Him]: enter, then, together with My [other true] servants – yea, enter thou my paradise.!”

May his soul rest in eternal heavenly peace, in the company of those Allah loves most.

In-grief

Sayeed and Ayesha Shahabuddin
Karachi - Pakistan
Sunday 5th November 2006