Asalaam alaikum (peace be upon you):
As a community, we have recently lost some leaders and loved ones that have left many in mourning, and reminds us of the blessing of life and importance of spending time with family and friends before it’s too late. We at MAPS wanted to acknowledge these specific losses while recognizing that there may also be others as well. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon (verily, to God we belong, and verily, to God we return). We send prayers to all those who left us, and to all who are in mourning.
Imam Benjamin Shabazz
Imam Benjamin Shabazz Smith passed away peacefully on March 4, after hearing the fajr (morning) azhan (call to prayer). With his passing, Seattle lost a beloved and foundational pillar of its Muslim community — a leader who served as imam to the community for over 30 years.
Imam Benjamin was a living example of standing up for people, speaking truth to power, and struggling for justice. He was a resolute, authentic and powerful Black Muslim voice and veteran (with three Purple Hearts), who dedicated his life to service. Rooted in his own experience as an African American, Brother Benjamin worked hard for racial justice, economic equity and human rights. He called out police brutality and the abuse of minorities by law enforcement 15 years before the Black Lives Matter movement, and long before others challenged the CVE program by Homeland Security. He was further committed to interfaith work and built relationships with leaders of different faith traditions, in pursuit of peace, freedom, and justice. A regular speaker and educator, Imam Benjamin last spoke at MAPS during Black History Month 2020, where he delivered a moving talk about African American history to help teach youth and adults in a visual and powerful way. He also supported, encouraged and inspired so many around him, young and old.
In honor of his contributions to the community, the City of Seattle even proclaimed March 8, 2021 as Imam Benjamin Shabazz Day. Watch the video here. You can also watch the livestream of Brother Benjamin’s janaza (funeral) service here.
Imam Benjamin leaves behind 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and one great grand-daughter — all of whom were his pride and joy. He touched the lives of many, and a memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy will take place in the near future, insha’Allah (God-willing).
Abdullah Farid Khalifeh
Abdullah Farid Khalifeh is the father of MAPS Board Member Oraib Khalifeh. Here is a message Sister Oraib shared about her father:
“[On Feb. 23], my father passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. I was lucky enough to spend the last few weeks with him, sharing fond family memories, visiting the family farm… I am blessed to watch as his legacy lives on through his 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and great grand-daughter. His kind and generous heart showed no bound and he swelled with pride whenever he spoke about his family.
He had a commanding presence and a contagious smile that lit up the room. My father passed on his love of Palestine, food, and the beauty of the Arabic language. He was kind- hearted, caring, thoughtful, and above all else, generous. His drive and intensity was reflected in everything he did. He possessed the immeasurable quality that defined a successful man.
I am beyond thankful that I spent his last weeks by his side. He supported me through my move to America, loved my four children endlessly, and stayed by my side through it all. He spent his 90 years working to enrich the lives of those around him and inshallah we can all strive to make him proud.”
Hizam bin Hamzah
Hizam bin Hamzah is the father-in-law of MAPS Board Member Ibrahim Abdul Rahim. Brother Hizam passed away on Wednesday, March 10, in Malaysia. He had multiple illnesses, a stroke, kidney failure and more. But despite mobility issues, he was always seen at his local mosque whenever his health allowed. His dedication and commitment were an inspiration. And despite all the difficulties and challenges Brother Hizam faced, he would nonetheless always say alhamdulillah (thanks and praise be to God), without complaining. He truly was among those who are patient.
Sayed Edris Menayar
Br. Sayed Edris Menayar is the son of Auntie Hayat Jan Menayar and the brother of sisters Dori Nasserziayee and Maryam Menayar Sabour, MAPS community members. Edris was a young and healthy 47-year-old man, originally from Afghanistan, who loved soccer, gymnastics, and sports generally. While jogging at Grass Lawn Park in Redmond on March 3, he suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed and passed away.
Edris lived a simple and virtuous life, following the prophetic tradition. He did not believe in accumulating wealth — he did not even have a bank account. Instead, he would give anything beyond his needs to those less fortunate, including his federal stimulus check. He slept on the floor, instead of a bed, and his personal belongings were extremely minimal. He encouraged others to also spend less on material goods and support those in need. He spoke little but listened and loved a lot. For the people who knew Edris, he made them a better person. He was a devoted son, a loving brother, and a beloved friend. His sudden passing reminds us to hold on dearly to our loved ones, as we never know when our time ends.
May Allah SWT (God Almighty) shower mercy upon Br. Benjamin, Br. Abdullah, Br. Hizam, and Br. Edris, forgive any of their shortcomings, and reward them abundantly including granting them the highest place in paradise. And may Allah SWT (God Almighty) provide patience, comfort, ease, peace, and strength to the family and loved ones of all of these dearly departed Brothers — may they live on through the memories we have of them. Ameen.
On behalf of MAPS, we send these prayers and our condolences, and ask the entire community to please also pray for these recent losses in our community (along with other losses not even mentioned). May all our prayers be answered in the best of manners.
Thank you, and jazakum Allahu khairan (may you be rewarded).
Hyder Ali
MAPS President
