Remembering Ashfaq Ahmad by Moazzam Begg

CAGE mourns the passing of Ashfaq Ahmad, and extends our deepest condolences to his family and all those who loved him.

Remembering Ashfaq Ahmad

by Moazzam Begg

"Our dear Uncle Ashfaq Ahmad has returned to his Lord.

لله ما أعطى و له ما أخذ و كل شيء عنده إلى أجل مسمى. غفر الله له وأسكنه فسيح جناته وجعل مثواه الجنة وجعل قبره روضة من رياض الجنة.

He was the father of four, including Babar Ahmad, for whom he fought with dignity, patience, and hope.

But he was so much more.

I first met Uncle after my return from Guantanamo. Babar was imprisoned in the UK, facing extradition to the USA on nonsensical terrorism charges. 

During the campaign for Babar's release, uncle and I  shared a platform several times, including one parliamentary meeting at Portcullis House, alongside Boris Johnson, who was advocating for NatWest bankers facing extradition to America, and Sadiq Khan, Babar's childhood friend and local MP.

Uncle Ashfaq told me that he'd taken great inspiration from watching my father's campaign for me and believed with firm conviction that his son would eventually be freed.

Babar, of course, was freed, but after 14 years in prison, 10 of which were spent in UK prisons without trial, fighting extradition, and the rest in America.

During those years, I'd see uncle at meetings, outside court, at prison visits and even at my father's house, simple, kind, gentle, dignified, and very funny despite the dire situation.

I had the opportunity to see him in the hospital some days ago. He was not conscious, but when I held his hand, he gripped it softly. I was able to recite the Quran, make dua, kiss his forehead and remind him of some of the jokes he used to make.

On Babar's suggestion, we also called our old friend Shaker Aamer, who'd spent 15 years without trial in Guantanamo, now living abroad, to recite the Quran and make dua for uncle. We both felt it had a visibly positive effect.

Uncle Ashfaq regained consciousness very briefly a couple of days later and said some words to Babar. 

Among them was لا إله إلا الله.

Ashfaq Ahmad was among the last of his generation. He leaves behind sons and daughters who were raised by him and his wife, who passed away only 3 months ago, to be the best they can be in preparation for the hardships of this world and the tests of the next.

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said:

إِذَا مَاتَ اَلْإِنْسَانُ اِنْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثٍ : صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالَحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ

When a son of Adam (i.e. any human being) dies his deeds are discontinued, with three exceptions: Sadaqah, whose benefit is continuous; or knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped, or a righteous child who supplicates for him." 

Babar has written a heartwarming eulogy about his father and his legacy, and the family have set up a page to build a mosque in memory of both parents, which I urge all to support.

May Allah grant Uncle Ashfaq the highest rank of Al Firdous al-'Ala and reunite him with his wife under the shade of His infinite mercy.

May He bring ease to the family he leaves behind and reunite them all together in the very best of places after long and fruitful lives."