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Tributes to Mohammed Shafiq

9:09am Friday 7th March 2008

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THE family of Mohammed Shafiq have spoken of their loss and paid tribute to the 'best dad in the world'.

Relatives as far as America, Denmark and Canada have travelled to the family home in York Street, Nelson, to pay their respects to Mr Shafiq.

Mr Shafiq, who also has family in the UK from Manchester and Blackburn, was born in Gujarat, Pakistan.

He moved to England at the age of three with his family.

During his life he worked as a taxi driver and latterly as a building contractor.

Wife Shagufta Shafiq, 38, who married Mohammed in Pakistan in 1986 before moving to the UK two years later, said: "He was a good man, a good father and a husband.

"It is a big loss. He would do anything for anyone."

Daughter Komal Shafiq, 16, said: "There was no other father like him.

"He always wanted us to stick together."

His daughter from his first marriage, Afshaa Shafiq, 30, who lives in Denmark but was born in Nelson, said: "It is a really big loss to the whole family.

"I was supposed to visit my father on March 16, but nobody knew this was going to happen.

"I never had contact with my father until eight years ago.

"After my son was born, I got in touch.

"I found he was the best father. The best man in the whole wide world.

"He always wanted all of us to be together.

"All his life he did things for us.

"We want the person who did this to get punished.

"He used to help people all the time with all sorts of things."

His cousin Mohammed Attique, 41, of Reedley, said he was at Mr Shafiq's bedside when he died in the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Mr Attique said: "He was a really nice, happy man who really cared for his family.

"Obviously his family are very distraught at this time and hopefully we will find out what happened in the park.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."

Family friend Shokat Malik, 42, of Burnley, said Mr Shafiq was "a happy soul, a happy character".

He said: "He got on with everybody. He was a well-integrated member of society and the comm-unity.

"He was a devoted family man and general good guy.

"It's a sad loss to the family, who are just devastated.

"He is going to be irreplaceable.

"It's the manner in which he was taken away.

"It's just shocking."

Neighbour Mohammed Ibrar told how Mr Shafiq had saved the lives of two of his daughters.

Mr Ibrar, of York Street, Nelson, said his kitchen caught fire in the early hours one morning in 2004, trapping his two daughters upstairs.

Mr Shafiq was first beaten back by the flames and unsuccessfully attempted to find a ladder to rescue the girls.

In the end Mr Ibrar said his neighbour threw a mattress on the floor, enabling his daughters to jump to safety.

Mr Ibrar, a taxi driver who had known Mr Shafiq for 15 years, said: "He was a really good man.

"He saved my daughters' lives.

"I am very sad at what has happened to him.

"We were very good friends, almost like brothers.

"We will always remember him as a good, loyal family man."

Shazeen Khan, 24, was one of the daughters rescued from the fire and she said: "It's so sad to hear about his death especially when he saved our lives.

"He was a good father and a loyal family man who will be missed."

Safir Wahid, 51, of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, said he had known Mr Shafiq for a long time.

Mr Wahid said: "He was a very nice person.

"I often spoke to him when I came to visit my brother who lives next door.

"It's just so sad and shocking to hear about his death and you can only pray for him and his family."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "It is a real shock.

"We have only just found out what has happened.

"We can't believe this has happened to him."

The family says Mohammed Shafiq will be buried in the UK.

If you would like to pay tribute to Mr Shafiq, please add your comments below.

* Please do not comment on the circumstances surrounding Mr Shafiq's death as this may prejudice any legal proceedings.

Your Say YourTelegraph

Qais- My Uncle R.I.P, Blackburn says...
9:58am Wed 11 Jun 08

Thankz 1nce Again Brotherz An Sistaz 4 leavin Lovely Comments

Wateva Happened Az Happened
We will Have 2 Live with That

We Miss U ~Mamu
It Iz Not The Same
We Want u BAk

Allah Jannat Nasseeb Karai
Inshallah x
Ameen x[

Jasmin S, Denmark says...
11:43pm Sat 7 Jun 08

Rest in peace.
my heart goes out to Shafiqs family! I think about you all the time...
Hope this hell will be over soon, and the one hu did it, will be punished hard.
Even though i dont know you, i really fell for you.

jn_shafiq@hotmail.co
m

Last Words Of Mr Raja .m. Shafiq, Burnley, Paramedics says...
11:34pm Fri 6 Jun 08

The last Words Of Mr Shafiq............

He regained consciousness only briefly — whispering to distraught wife Shaugufta, 47: ?Pray for me.?


Last night she was too shattered to speak. Her son Umar — his face cut and bruised — would say only: ?I’m OK. I can’t talk about it.?

Think!, Saudia Arabia, Riyald says...
2:00am Tue 3 Jun 08

Aslamolaikum-Wa-Ra-M
a-Tulla-He

May ALLAH gRANT MR SHAFIQ JANNATUL FIRDAWS.

If You think and practice about Islam and the war of Karbala it's quite simular.

In Karbala Hazrat Ali and his companions were killed-by means of shaheed, they were are shaheed people. Contrasting to Mr Shafiq's death is also simular because he was murdered in the park in a jungle where in karbala it also was a jungle. but you muslims do you know that the biggest reward that a shaheed gets not matter what bad or good deeds he/she doesin life will be entered in paradise mashallah. UN KEE SHAAN AJAB HAI! THEY'LL HAVE PALACES MADE OUT OF DIAMONDS, GOLD, and GLASS. THIS IS WRIITEN PLEASE PRACTICE ABOUT ISLAM AND YOU'LL KNOW THE TRUTH. OUR QURAN IS OUR ILM AND IS OUR TREASURE THAT WE ARE TRYING TO SEEK IN THIS UNREAL WORLD! DONT GET LOST IN THIS WORLD SEEK THE QURAN. THANKYOU FOR READING MAY ALLAH PUNSIH THOSE WHO DO BAD 4 PEOPLE. THOSE PEOPLE HAD NO FAITH NO ISLAM EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE MUSLIMS BUT NOW THEY ARE NON-MUSLIMS "KFR" THEY CAN NEVER BE FORGIVED EVEN IF THEY ASK ALLAH THE ALMIGHTY for FORGIVENESS HE WONT ASWELL AS HE WILL SAY GO ON ASKED THE DECEASED IF LET BE! u have no place on earth and hereafter u evil people

Nazneen/Nazzy /Ashraf, Pakistan Jango says...
1:41am Tue 3 Jun 08

Aslamolaikum Brothers and sisters,

I am sisterinlaw of Mr Shafiq. I am very sorry to hear about this really bad incident. I am Shagufta's small sister from pakistan we here are always thinking of them every minute.
May Allah TALA Grant our Loving Brother in Law Jannatul Firdaws.-----People who die first are always good people----but he is "shaheed" the highest station of jannah

Nagina Raja, Canada, Ontario says...
1:26am Tue 3 Jun 08

May Allah Rest Your Soul In Heavens Of Paradise

I am Mr Shafiq's Sister Inlaw, I am really sorry for my adorable sister shagufta. I am very shocked to hear about this and am very saddened to hear about a courageos man to be murdered in this manner. Where has the justice system gone in the UK We dont want British Justice WE AS A WHOLE WANT THEM CULPRITS HANGED. MAKE A LAW LIKE THIS NOW ENGLAND!!!

Raman Prakash, India,Goa says...
1:20am Tue 3 Jun 08

REST IN PEACE Mr Raja Shafiq May Allah Grant you the Heaven of Paradise.

Mr Shafiq was my old friend we met at the pakistan train station a long long time ago. I am very sad to hear about this tragic incident. May Allah The Almighty Punish those who did this to him.

Raja Umar Shafiq, Nelson, York Street, Lancashire says...
1:11am Tue 3 Jun 08

Please, Dad By Umar Shafiq-SON

As soft winds sweep away the days
I look back on life through a haze.
Remember playgrounds, parks and friends,
In childlike gaze that never ends.
The laughter in a game of catch,
Shall memory ever attach...
To innocence in youthful eyes,
Catching the ball to Dad's surprise.

I recall my first bike, first wreck,
Who picked me up, said, "What the heck?"
Convinced me to give one more try,
While, knees skinned, I forgot to cry.
Just the joy knowing he was there,
Making him proud my only care.
There was nothing I couldn't do,
My heart held fast that to be true.

Though teenage years were kind of rough,
I sure wasn't too big or tough.
You taught me to defend what's right
And never back down from a fight.
So I learned the hard way to stand,
Still, with each lump, I found your hand.
Drawing from you an inner strength,
And stubborn pride of equal length.

But there the line of fate was drawn,
As though I blinked and you were gone.
I found myself facing the sun,
Not man, not boy, fatherless, one.
Eyes blinded by a void inside,
I could not live that you had died.
Alas finding it to be true,
I could do nothing without you.

Please, Dad, today just hear my call,
I'm sorry that I dropped the ball.
My life is wrecked, my knees are skinned,
My emotions undisciplined.
I can't get up although I try,
Please don't be upset if I cry.
Though I can't fight what I can't see,
Please, Dad, say you're still proud of me.

MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY GIVE YOU THE BRAINS, NELSON says...
12:03am Mon 2 Jun 08

HOW CAN U EVEN TALK LIKE THAT (ANNOYMOUS)

THIER FATHER WAS THERE TO PROTECT HIS CHILDREN UNLIKE U PEOPLE. WHO'S THERE 2 PROTECT U NO-ONE EVEN ALLAH WONT BE ON UR SIDE U EVIL BASTARDS. HOW CAN U TALK IN SUCH AWAY THE FAMILY ARE ALREADY IN PAIN AND UR PUTTING MORE SPICES TO MAKE IT WORSER.

ALLAH KASAM U PEOPLE WHO TALK OF THE UNTRUTH WILL SEE THE UTMOST BAD. IT IS SAID THAT PEOPLE HU DONT KNOW THE TRUTH WILL HAVE THIER GOOD DEEDS TAKEN AWAY NO MATTER IF THEY ARE HAJJI OR A SPRITUAL LEADER. U HAVNT SEEN THE TRUTH WITH UR OWN EYES NEITHER U WER THERE.

HONESTLY UR GOING 2 GET REALLY BAD CURSE FROM THE CHILDREN WHO ARE ORPHNS NOW UR NOT MUSLIMS UR NON-MUSLIMS!!!!!!

TRUST ME WHAT GOES AROUND WHAT COMES AROUND INSHALLAH.

U PEOPLE WILL SUFFER INSHALLAH.
GOMRA HOGAI HO!!!

DILLY, nelson says...
10:30pm Wed 14 May 08

qais u bro ryt cuzzi tell every to plz leave their respect.

QAIS IQBAL, BLKBURN says...
7:30pm Wed 9 Apr 08

WATZ DA POINT DA POLICE DOIN DEY JOB NW
WEN WE HAVE LOST ME UNCLE

HE PHONED BEFORE HE WENT AND DA PEDESTRIANS AND DA 50 PEOPLE RANG DA POLICE BEFORE HE WAZ STABBED

ALL TOGETHER DA POLICE HAD BOUT 40 CALLS OF FAMILY AND FRENDS AND EVEN THEN THEY IGNORED DA EMERGENCY THEY ARRIVED 2 HOURS LATER WEN MAMU WAZ IN DA HOSPITAL GETTIN TREATED POLICE MAKE IT LOOK LIKE DAT WERE DA VICTIMS IN DIS AND IAM VERY ANNOYED

R.I.P MAMU

AMEEN X

Qais Iqbal, BLKBURN BUT HME TWN NELSON says...
7:13pm Wed 9 Apr 08

Mashallah
Thank You All
4 Your Syampathies An Ur Comments
Towards The Family And ME Uncle
We are All Shocked and Devastitaed
We Still Cant Believe it
He Use to Come 2 Me Home In BlkBurn Every Monday and Friday Along Wid ME AUntie And me Couzins and Now I just Wait and Wait But There iz No Uncle I have To Live wid dat And Pray and Pray

WE Love U

WE MISS U

AND Definalelety

Always Remember U

R.I.P M.A.M.U

THANKS AGAIN
BROTHERS AND SISTERZ

PLZ LEAVE UR RESPECT NOT LIKE DEM SCUM DNT HAVE RESPECT 4 ANYONE

KEZ-G-UNIT@HOTMAIL.C
OM

BASHRAM DIZGRACEFULL

U LADZ GANNA GO THROUGH A ROUGH LYF SO SIT BK AND ENJOY DA RIDE COZ U MESSED WID DA RNG PEOPLE

AMEEEEN X

TLK TO FAMILY MEMBAA ON

KEZ-G-UNIT@HOTMAIL.C
OM

famida/basharat ali, birmingham says...
12:17pm Tue 18 Mar 08

just to let you know jj and anyone else reading this that mr shafiqs funeral took place on friday 14th of march.now all we brothers and sisters can do is pray for all mr shafiq. REST IN PEACE

JJ, Birmingham says...
12:23pm Sat 15 Mar 08

thanks aishah, whats the latest with mr shafiq do u no?? they have stopped mentioning it on the newss now :S

hussain raja, aberdeen says...
4:42pm Wed 12 Mar 08

I believe that these animals should be punished in the most severest ways possible as they have just taken a innocent mans life,a loving father and a caring husband. What is more painful than to lose your father or husband, who will guide their children on the right path to become respectful and good people, who will help the children in their studies and who will support his family and who can take his place.

David, Nelson, Nelson says...
8:09am Tue 11 Mar 08

My sympathy goes out to this mans family, and whilst I am not religious nor fully understand "Sharia law" it seems to me some of it ought to be appliedhere in the Uk
The politicians are spineless and ineffective (Jack Straw) a prime example.
The liberals and do-gooders will bleat; but the return of the stocks, the birch, and public floggings would recieve a 99% YES vote.

samina, middlesbrough says...
12:49pm Mon 10 Mar 08

May God give him a place in Jannat. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.
May Allah give your family Sabber

aishah, burnley says...
10:31am Mon 10 Mar 08

JJ wrote:
May allah grant you peace in heaven. has mr shafiq bin buried ?? any1 no wen his funereal is
JJ i am afraid he has not been burried yet and the funeral service date has not been mentioned at the moment, due to the medical reasons.

kashif khan, Holland says...
8:12am Mon 10 Mar 08

Salaam,Uncle Shafiq was a very good man ,i heard a lot about him and his family.So all we can do is dua for him that Allah gives him a place in jannat and gives his family sabar hosla.....

bushra, NELSON says...
9:13pm Sun 9 Mar 08

i was shock to hear off Mr Shafiq's death, he didnt deserve to die the way he did, i pray that Allah gives him a place in jannat n gives his family sabar ameen, i hope the BASTEREDS who did this to uncle gt punished if nt in this life bt in the life hereafter.

j, bly says...
6:56pm Sun 9 Mar 08

Salaam to all muslim brothers and sisters. Being a muslim myself i am ashamed that not one sinlge bystander of this horrific tragedy did not try and stop this. You all know what your reasons are pray to Allay for your forgiveness. the police well lets see what they come out with this time bunch of useless twats. Y hasn't the female call centre staff not yet been suspended?!
May Allah rest Mr Shafiqs soul and grant him jannath. To his family everyone is thinking about you and making duas ameen.

nazia, says...
6:02pm Sun 9 Mar 08

I HAVENT GOT WORDS TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY.ALL I CAN SAY ITS VERY TRAGIC AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO MR SHAFIQS FAMILY.I JUST LIVE A COUPLE OF STREETS AWAY FROM MR SHAFIQ,HE WAS A MAN WHO LIVED FOR HIS FAMILY.I HOPE ALLAH GIVES HIS FAMILY SABBAR,AMEEN

nazia, nelson says...
3:32pm Sun 9 Mar 08

RIP uncle. He was a very nice person and a family friend. I saw uncle 2 days before he died he passed my car on netherfield rd and my mum sez is dat shaffiq i said yeh she sez mashallah he looks in good health and then i heard the bad news i was proper shocked. allah give sabar to his famil. ameen

JJ, Birmingham says...
11:09am Sun 9 Mar 08

May allah grant you peace in heaven. has mr shafiq bin buried ?? any1 no wen his funereal is

shahid, burnley says...
11:09pm Sat 8 Mar 08

rest in peace brother....

Mu'minah, Nelson says...
10:13pm Sat 8 Mar 08

SAB wrote:
THAT PARK SHOULD BE CLOSED,ITS NOWT BUT TROUBLE,DEALERS,FIGH TS,AND NOW THIS,THE COLLEDGE IS TO BLAME,FOR THIS,THERES LOADS OF STUFF GOING ON THERE...PARKS ARE MEANT TO BE FOR KIDS..THERES BEEN MUGGINGS IN THERE BEFORE AND A LOT..THE POLICE AND BURNLEY COLLEDGE HAVE TO GET A GRIP BEFORE ANY1 ELSE IS KILLED BY SCUM...
A park is a park. It's a place where children play and a place of good childhood memories, and where dogs go for walks. Its the PEOPLE who ruin a good place. If the park was closed the scum who are always looking for trouble will find someplace else to deal their drugs, and have fights and do other things. Are we going to go closing every place now, which they pollute with their bad actions?
Perhaps appoint a park ranger or guard, but closing the park would be silly. Thats like giving in to these idiots.
If we aimed to change the youth, and help them stop their anti-social behaviour, we would feel safe no matter where we go. I personally do not think enough is being done to help prevent this, the religious and community leaders need to play bigger roles in kerbing anti-socialism. I have seen many people, ex-druggies and 'badboys' give up all vices and take practising the Deen to be their full-time hobby. There was such a transformation, its amazing alhamdulillah! Thats the type of change we ought to call for.

faz, nelson says...
9:55pm Sat 8 Mar 08

i can't believe whats appned its all jus rong its shudnt ave appned dem animals shud be jailed 4 lyf....
i knw umar n his fam n they're brillant y ne 1 wud wan do dis is beyond my understanding.....
My dua's r wit da family...May Allah SWT grant jannah to uncle shafiq n give umar n his fam sabar so thy can pull thru dis diffcult tym Ameen
****

Mu'minah, Nelson says...
9:47pm Sat 8 Mar 08

assalamu alaykum

Well said Dimmy.

This is so tragic, words are not enough to describe it. We cannot even begin to imagine how the family must be feeling during a calamity such as this. May Allah swt ease their pain and help them through this great trial, and as we know Allah swt does not burden any soul beyond its scope.

May Allah swt illuminate the qabr of Uncle Shafiq, may He make his tongue strong during the questioning of Munkar and Nakir, and May Allah swt save him from the fitna of the qabr.

As mentioned, these boys are very lucky they are not in a country which belives in eye for an eye, or tooth for a tooth, or LIFE for a LIFE. But Allah swt is most Just and He is ever-Watching, He will show us true Justice, even of they get away with a few years. These people walk this earth as if they will live forever, yet they are nothing when the wrath of Allah swt envelops them. Yet He is ar-Raheem, so we should all turn to Him for forgiveness. We will all be questioned for our actions. How could we possibly be allowing such incidents to happen?? What would the sahabah and tabi'een have done, we need to follow their footsteps and end this voilence. We are the ambassadors of Islam, we should be setting an example for other communities that we are the servants of Allah, and our adab and akhlaq make us role-models. But look at us, we are despised by all because of our bad actions and awful character and behaviour. Think about this! When have you ever read the paper when there isnt a single report in there of Muslim youth doing this crime or that crime. If we bring Islam back into our lives, these incidents will never again take place in the community insha'allah ta'alah.

Khawar, Herts says...
8:42pm Sat 8 Mar 08

Very sad news coming from Burnley.My condolence to the family for their sad loss.
I used to live in Padiham and went to Burnley college I have very good memories of Thomson Park but it seems it has been overtaken by thugs. Police as usual never took the call seriously. Burnley police is the most ignorant and useless police force in the country. I say this from expereince. The people of Burnley must claim the money back from the council tax, the amount that goes to police. They are not providing the quality service are they?

Burnley, Lancashire says...
7:50pm Sat 8 Mar 08

I dont know Mr Shafiq or his family but on reading all the tributes left for Mr Shafiq - you get a sense that he was a true gentleman, dad, husband, uncle and dear friend to all that knew him and loved by all.

This is such a tragic story and upsets me dearly.

Mr Shafiq may you rest in peace. This world may have lost a true gentleman but paradise has most certainly gained one.

Our thoughts are with your family and friends at this time.

...lets get tough on these mindless thugs.

ZERO TOLERANCE please.

DiMmY, Nelson says...
6:06pm Sat 8 Mar 08

R.I.P Uncle. May Allah grant and reward you with paradise for all the good deeds you did in this life. Also for the fact that you died protecting your family - making you Shaheed. My sympathy is with the family, and hope they can be patient and pull through this. It was his destiny to die this way, and his time to go has Allah had decided. Allah only puts a burden like this on a family, who Allah knows can get through the burden, so Inshallah i hope the family recovers soon, even though i know it must be very difficult for them to be without a great husband, father, uncle...

The scums that committed such a horrific crime should have the same punishment done to them - DEATH! I wish they were in a muslim country, where they would by hung straight away. I hope they rot in jail, and IF they do ever come out (which they probably will because the english law is so ****) they better fear for their life as a lot of people are truly angered by this, as you can all imagine if it was one of your own family members. I aint saying that they should get revenge by killing one of them because that would put them in the same position, but lets just say it was their father that had been killed in this way - How would they feel? how would their mother and sisters cope without a father? how would they be able to sleep at night? because thats exactly how the members of uncle Shafiqs family feels. Their wife, who is like an aunty to me, even though we are not related, has suffered many panic attacks since her husband was murdered and also was taken to hospital numerous times after fainting on multiple occasions. She was at my house with my mum the morning the incident happened, all cheerful as she usually is, and was telling me about how her son Umar was doing at college, but later on that day she was crying because her husband had been brutally killed.

I cannot believe something like this happened between the muslim community. The Day of Judgement is upon us, as a sign of it is when muslim brothers shall fight between each other. The people that did this have no deen or respect. Even though i'm angry and upset that they have done this, they are also muslims, and as a muslim you must try and get every other muslim to heaven, so we should also pray for the people that did this, for them to become better muslims and learn from their mistakes, as at the end of the day, we are not to judge - only the Almighty Himself is. Im not saying im the perfect example of a good muslim because im far from it, but everything is up to Allah and They shall decide whether you enter heaven or not.

The only thing we can do now is to pray and make dua' for Mr Shafiq and the family and hope they can overcome this burden. I hope this brings all the community together and makes all the young lads think about violence and weapons, as no-one should die in this way, regardless of their colour, race or religion.

R.I.P Uncle. You've gone back to your Lord and to a better place. You will never be forgotten and will be missed by everyone. Ameen.


waseem, burnley says...
4:31pm Sat 8 Mar 08

SALAM. MAY ALLAH SWT GRANT THE FAMILY PATIENCE IN THEIR TRAGEDY AND MAY HE THE ALMIGHTY GRANT MOHAMMAD SHAFIQ A LOFTY STATUS IN JANNAH AL FIRDOUS.. AMEEN... WHOEVA HAS DONE THIS CRIME WILL HAVE TO PAY IN THIS WORLD AND THE HEREAFTER.......

SAB, burnley says...
2:21pm Sat 8 Mar 08

THAT PARK SHOULD BE CLOSED,ITS NOWT BUT TROUBLE,DEALERS,FIGH
TS,AND NOW THIS,THE COLLEDGE IS TO BLAME,FOR THIS,THERES LOADS OF STUFF GOING ON THERE...PARKS ARE MEANT TO BE FOR KIDS..THERES BEEN MUGGINGS IN THERE BEFORE AND A LOT..THE POLICE AND BURNLEY COLLEDGE HAVE TO GET A GRIP BEFORE ANY1 ELSE IS KILLED BY SCUM...

iram, Brierfield says...
1:26am Sat 8 Mar 08

R.I.P uncle
didnt u much, only as umar's dad u was a role model for him, he always luked up 2u,
hope you get a place Jannat.......

dudeAZN, nelson says...
1:12am Sat 8 Mar 08

INNALILLAHI, WA INNA ILAIHI RAJIOONN

R.I.P, BROTHER, MAY ALLAH (SWT) GRANT YOU A PLACE IN PARADISE, AMEEN.

WHAT AN UNJUST WAY TO DIE, THOSE WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE SHALL BE PUNISHED.

nabeela, duke bar says...
10:57pm Fri 7 Mar 08

what are these muslim broz doing-killing. i disagree coz har insan ko jeene ki waja hothi hai aur hum us pe izaat karthe hai. hum hai disgrased with these pakistani youths.

puthar, burnley says...
10:53pm Fri 7 Mar 08

oh my god what is gon into these people I am very sad should i tell ya why coz he were my mate and he din't deserve.

Rahila and students at Burnley College, Brierfield/Burnley says...
10:29pm Fri 7 Mar 08

You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he's gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what he would want:

Smile, Open Your Eyes, Love,
and Go On!

Rahila x

Rahila, brierfield says...
10:19pm Fri 7 Mar 08

uncle shafiq was a brave man who tried to spread peace .what happened with him wasnt good.May Allah swt grant this doting father, loving husband, and shaheed - Mr Mohamed Shafiq - the highest station of Jannah - Jannatul-Firdaws - and reward his courage in this world with eternal contentment in the Next.ameen...

Cuk, Manchester, says...
9:55pm Fri 7 Mar 08

A eye for an eye.......... kill these evil murdering scum bags. Where is the justice in this country? My blood boils as blood spills on our streets by these senseless murders.

Bring back hanging, the electric chair or lethal injection - I would be happy to administer any of the above to the murderers of Mr Shafiq.

Mr Shafiq may you rest in peace, may you find
your place in heaven and may your family find strength at such a painful time.

Mrs Phillips, says...
9:48pm Fri 7 Mar 08

A wife has lost her husband, children lost their father and England loses a courageous man.

My sincerest condolonces to the family.

My thought and prayers are with all.

I hope justice prevails.

As for the Police - SHAME ON YOU!

Uzma, Nelson says...
9:48pm Fri 7 Mar 08

Salaam Alaykum and hello

To Allah swt we belong and to Him is our Return. They went before us and we shall also follow.

Astaghfirullah-ul adheem. Another innocent life taken away by 'wannabe-gangsta' thugs, and what for?? "Looking at someone the wrong way". What have we reached? How can we call ourselves Muslims and at the same time allow such incidents to take place. What would the Prophet Muhammad saw say if he saw the state we are in, did he not teach that to kill one innocent soul is like the killing of all humanity?
How can our mothers and womenfolk be giving birth to such murderous monsters who care so little about the sanctity of life?
We need to collectively condemn this gang-culture and street violence, i can say with certainty that had the muredrer been white, it would have caused riots and and an outcry, and if the victim had been a white and the murderer asian, again there would be an uproar in the community. Why cant we all join together and root out this evil of street violence. It is the duty of EVERY parent to pay attention to their children, how can they be unaware of what they get upto, who they hang out with, carrying dangerous weaponse etc? These scumbags need to be taught a good lesson, lock them up and throw away the key.

maryam, nelson says...
9:16pm Fri 7 Mar 08

it is very saddening to hear about mr shafiqs death..how can these bastads be so cold hearted and do such and evil act,i mean wot could be soo bad that mr shafiqs life had to end this way??..wot has this world come to that they have no respect for elders,i hope they get life in prison but even so that will never be enough punishment for what they have done..they should get hanged and not see light again, no1 has the right to take any1s life NO MATTER WOT!!may Allah grant mr shafiq a place in heaven and give his family sabbar..Ameen...

Sam, Manchester says...
9:07pm Fri 7 Mar 08

A very sad and disturbing story, may Mr Shafiq rest in peace. I feel the upmost sympathy for his family. I have read many articles suurounding this story and i find it extremely disturbing to know that there were up to 50 people present watching, why didn't anyone do anything?! It is truly horrific. I hope that the culprits receive a painful punishment that will prolong for as long as they shall live.

mohammed shafi, birmingham says...
8:48pm Fri 7 Mar 08

from my heart i am really saddened to hear about the tragic death of mohammed shafiq.may allah grant him a place in jannat and give all the family & freinds sabr.our thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time of loss.We should all pray for mr shafiq to give him peace so he can rest in peace.Those who live in the hearts of others never die,keeping you in our thoughts in this very difficult time.

Gulz, Nelson says...
8:26pm Fri 7 Mar 08

What a sad place this world has become...a father cannot protect his child..and other children are able to take the life of an adult..of someones elses father..forgetting that they have fathers of their own...May Allah swt grant Mr Shafiq a place in heaven..and punish those that did this..Ameen.

famida/basharat ali, birmingham says...
7:44pm Fri 7 Mar 08

Sallam to all readersw..as we all know its a sad loss to hear about mr shafiqs death and how its happend.Parents always look out for their children and always will but in return to loose a life from sum1 elses child its not fair.where has justice gone?where has humanity gone?these people that had the guts to kill sum1 as innocent as mr shafiq who just wanted to protect his child are very ungratefull,gud for nothing living on this earth,shame to their upbringing and to the people related to them cos every1 related to the murders will b cursed they wont get away with this bcos their soul will not let them live for all the sins they have done.All we can say is the ones that have done all this will be punished by allah.There is no punishment one can give as severe as wot allah can do.ameen.With due respect to mr shafiqs family its not a right time to say this but in tme allah wiil give you strenghth to overcome all this wot has happend.no1 can bring mr shafiq bak just left with memories.all we can do is pray for him to rest in peace...
quote

sofia, lancs says...
7:21pm Fri 7 Mar 08

RIP mr shafiq my thoughts are obviously with his family right now but i also hope that the scumbags that did this rot in hell. What is the worlsd coming to, why is the youth of today adamant on destroying innocent lives over petty squabbles. Im only 21 myself but every single step i take outside my front gate, i fear for my life and that of my loved ones.

Wasim Khan, Nelson-on-Trent says...
6:49pm Fri 7 Mar 08

This is very sad news. And the fact that these young boys can kill elders is disgusting. Dont they think?! Does anyone actually know the reason to the bullyin etc? I mean was MURDER really the answer to resolve the issue?? Surely the situation couldnt have been that serious?? Im curious to know to why a murder took place, no has mentioned to what reason it happened? Did his son really do something he shouldnt have?? maybe not...??

C, Bacup says...
5:47pm Fri 7 Mar 08

Yet another SAD loss of a life cut short by mindless thugs,I thought parks were a place for kids to play,round hear it seems the thugs have took over them! Another dissapointment to the public from burnley police! May the family heal with time your in everyones thoughts and prayers muslims and non-muslims,its time the community came together as one to put a stop to all this violence.....Rest In Peace.xxx

ash (star plumbing ), nelson says...
5:47pm Fri 7 Mar 08

i knew him through business but more through a respected member of our local community. He was honest and generous and would help anyone.May Allah grand him a hight status in Jannat. Our thoughts go to his wife and family at this time, may Allah give them strength and courage at this time and give them sabar. (patience)

Izzy, Ozzy says...
4:22pm Fri 7 Mar 08

RIP Mr. Shafiq.

kamran khan, Blackburn says...
4:09pm Fri 7 Mar 08

May his soul and family live in peace.

nas, burnley says...
3:00pm Fri 7 Mar 08

R.I.P Uncle.

faz, burnley says...
2:49pm Fri 7 Mar 08

BJ wrote:
I\'m not normally moved to comment on events such as this, but I think that Mr. Shafiq\'s senseless death prompts it. I wasn\'t privileged to know him personally, but from the comments that have been made it seems that he was only doing what any devoted and concerned parent would have done to protect their offspring. Perhaps if the parents of the perpetrators of this shocking crime had taken a more active interest in their offspring, this incident needn\'t have occured. My sincere condolences to Mr. Shafiq\'s family. As an afterthought, could someone perhaps explain what \"jannah\" or \"jannat\" is? As a non-muslim it is not a term with which I am familiar.
jannat means heaven paradise

<<<<< <<<<SHAZ EEN KHAN>>>> >>>>, nelson says...
1:12pm Fri 7 Mar 08

Aunty, Kanwal, Omar, Komal, Ussy and Addi,

No one can know just what you've lost;
No one can understand the cost;
But when you feel your energy drain,
Please count on us to help ease your pain.
Let us help you cope with grief;
We hope with time you'll feel relief.
We can't replace the one who's gone,
But let our concern help you carry on

Lots of love Shazeen, Sharaz, Nareen, Marea, Aneeka and Salina x x

mubarak, london says...
12:11pm Fri 7 Mar 08

Maryam wrote:
May Allah swt grant this doting father, loving husband, and shaheed - Mr Mohamed Shafiq - the highest station of Jannah - Jannatul-Firdaws - and reward his courage in this world with eternal contentment in the Next. To his family: May you be rewarded in this world and the Next for your sabr. Offer supplications on behalf of this man and never forget the good he has done for you. Maybe go to Jamaat for a while. Spend some time with the poor, the orphans, the sick, the war victims and the elderly. Give in charity. Travel. Read plenty of Quraan especially Surah Yasin. Support one another. Be there for one another in this time of grief. Children, be strong for your mother. Allah is with you! But remember one thing: this life is a test and this world is overrated. Don\'t get too attached to material things, - for ultimately we all belong to Allah, we are accountable only to Him, and we are to return to Him alone. May you inshallah be united on the Day of Qiyamah by the Almighty Grace of God as one big happy family in the company of our Prophet Mohamed salalahu-alayhi-wasa lam. I make dua for you guys and for your father.
I couldn't have said it any better-well said

kelly, blackburn says...
12:10pm Fri 7 Mar 08

thinking of the family at this dreadful time.
RIP