Public invited to help honour memory of fatal Smethwick mosque stabbing victim through ongoing charity fundraiser
A fundraiser has been set up to help honour the memory of a teenager who died after being stabbed outside a Smethwick mosque.
The GoFundMe page has been set up by Sameer Khan to raise funds for Zeshan Afzal under the Islamic act of Sadaqah Jariyah, or continuous charity, which refers to any act that continues to benefit humanity even after the death of its initiator.
He said that the funds raised from the page, which has already raised nearly £11,000, would be used as a continuous reward for Zeshan after his death in Smethwick and said that all donations would be appreciated.
The message on the GoFundMe page said: "In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
"This Ramadan, a month of mercy, forgiveness, and immense reward, we were tested in the most heartbreaking way.
"Our beloved brother was tragically taken from us during this sacred month, a time when the gates of Jannah are open and deeds are multiplied.
"He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a light in our lives. His kindness, generosity, and laughter touched everyone who knew him.
"To lose him during Ramadan has been an indescribable pain, but we hold onto the promise of Allah’s mercy and the hope that this blessed month is a sign of honor for him.
"The Prophet taught us that when a person passes, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.
"We are raising funds in his name to serve as Sadaqah Jariyah, a source of continuous reward for him in his grave and a means of light for him in the Hereafter.
"Your donation, no matter how small, is an act of charity in this blessed month when rewards are multiplied.
"We ask you to give for the sake of Allah, to make du’a for him, and to help us turn our grief into ongoing good that benefits others.
"May Allah accept your charity, forgive our brother, expand his grave, fill it with light, and reunite us with him in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen."