The pain of losing a parent is never easy to bear, but losing him in the way we did is a pain I cannot express.

On the evening of the 29th of March, I watched as my father, otherwise healthy and mobile, was taken ill on to an ambulance after having a fall and was lacking oxygen in his body. 

For five days, he fought for his life in hospital as my mother and I agonised at home over his state without being allowed to visit. Restricted to home due to my own self-isolation, I was relying on information from my brothers who took turns to sit vigil by his bedside around the clock. 

As doctors warned that my dad won’t make it, the agony of still not being able to visit him was incredibly tough. But what was to come was worse. On the morning of 2nd April, my father saying his shahada, breathed his last. May Allah have mercy on his soul. Ameen.

For 9 hours after my father’s passing, I deliberated over how to break the news to my mum who has many chronic illnesses and the impact it would have on her. But Allah is the source of all strength. She showed tremendous resilience. 

Almost a week later, we buried my beloved father without being allowed to touch him or see his illuminated face. 

I didn’t get a chance to have a last embrace. 

My Father was the most loving man with a beaming smile and the most impeccable manners. Always in the service of people.

The Imam of Newbury Park Masjid called him the first Shaheed of Newbury Park and remembers fondly the warm hug he would share every week after Jumm'ah. 

He was a real people person.

Allah has blessed us with incredible beautiful years with my father, but I know he touched the lives of many in London, Portsmouth and further. 

As we grieve this immense loss, our immediate thoughts turn to how we can make a difference. Both for him and ourselves. 

He loved spending time in Masjids and supporting people in need. What could be more apt than build a Masjid for a needy community.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: 'Whoever builds a masjid in which the Name of Allah is mentioned, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise.'" (Sahih)

We have teamed with Penny Appeal to build a Masjid in Africa (exact location to be confirmed), for a sum of £10,000.

I ask for your kind generosity to support me complete this project. The project will take between 12-18months commencing from the day we as a team reach our target of £10,000