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Tributes to Mohammed Shafiq

9:09am Friday 7th March 2008

comment Comments (170)   Have your say »


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

i, blackburn says...
12:25pm Wed 5 Mar 08

REST IN PEACE!

M, Manchester says...
12:36pm Wed 5 Mar 08

The reports suggest that Mohammed was a model citizen doing his civic duty.
We need more like him.

Ian the Beancounter, Darwen says...
12:39pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Yet another family torn apart by knife-carrying scum. May Mr Shafiq rest in peace, and his family find the strength to cope with their loss.

Sidra, Nelson says...
12:41pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May allah grant you peace in heaven. I knew his daughter and i spoke to him a few tyms dis was so uncld 4 he was onli tryin to stop d fight btwn his son and d oda lads

D, Hyndburn says...
12:54pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Couldn't agree with you more M. Pitty the oter 50 or so in the park weren't more like him.RIP

X, X says...
1:03pm Wed 5 Mar 08

ashes to ashes,dust to dust, this life is just a test...do good today and people will remember you...rest in peace my friend may allah give you a place in heaven ameen

Immy, Accrington says...
1:11pm Wed 5 Mar 08

R.I.P May Allah grant you jannat.

MB, Blackburn says...
1:50pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah (swt) give you courage and strength at this very sad time. Hope the people responsible for this crime are severely punished. Rest in Peace.

carly&suzan friends of usman, nelson says...
2:03pm Wed 5 Mar 08

sorry to hear the sad news of the loss of your father and also of a loved husband xx

raja ali, nelson says...
2:08pm Wed 5 Mar 08

MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY.HE WAS AGREAT MAN AND WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.

Average Joe, Higher Croft says...
2:11pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Mohammed Raja Shafiq rest in peace.

My thoughts are with Mohammed's family, I hope with time your lives become less painful.

God Bless.

S M, nelson says...
2:13pm Wed 5 Mar 08

So sad to here about Mr Shafiq he was a nice man and will be sadly missed.Our thoughts and prayers go to his family at this sad time xxx

Bob, Burnley says...
2:21pm Wed 5 Mar 08

An absolutely needless loss of life for a man who was trying to do good. My sincere condolences to his family.

pervez, uk says...
2:28pm Wed 5 Mar 08

may he go to jannat a sad loss of a father and husband

Danielle and Aishah, burnley says...
2:37pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Our thoughts and wishes are with Mr Shafiq's family. Our prayers are with the family and we hope the people responsible are punished.
It must be a tragic and devastating moment for the family suffering such loss.

May God bless Mr Shafiq. Amen.

Spbia Attique, Manchester says...
2:40pm Wed 5 Mar 08

All i can say is Rest In Peace uncle, he was a role model to society and us, his family. He didnt deserve his life taken away from him in such a cruel manner. You will always be missed and remain in our hearts.
Lots of love
Your niece Sobi xXx

a, burnley says...
2:54pm Wed 5 Mar 08

REST IN PEACE MAY ALLAH GIVE YOU A PLACE IN JANNAT AMEEN

MM, Blackburn says...
2:57pm Wed 5 Mar 08

My heart goes out to this man's family. I cannot begin to understand the pain and anguish they will be feeling. Many would have walked the other way and not got involved. This poor man did the right thing and is now sadly dead. Catch the scum-bag that did this. Someone knows who is responsible. I hope they do the right thing and tell the police. May this man's soul rest.

mariam, Burnley says...
3:12pm Wed 5 Mar 08

A tragic story. May Allah grant this man a place in jannat and give sabr to the rest of his family.x

dukebar, burnley says...
3:14pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah grant you Jannah and forgive you for your sins. ameen. the prayers of the Muslims and NonMuslims are with your family. May Allah give your family patience and strengthen their imaan.May Allah reward you for your good deeds and inshllah we will see you in Jannah. Ameen... RIP

F, Blackburn says...
3:29pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah grant u Jhannat Inshaallah and give Sabr to his family. Ameen

Such a sad story and tragedy. i am not from burnley and although i did not know Mohammed Raja Shafiq, who seems such a great person, i'm very sad and upset to hear and come across this news.
The youth nowadays have got no respect left for their elders. Inshaallah justice will be done, after all Allah is The Most Just.
My condolences go out to his family.
Rest in peace

SH, Burnley says...
3:36pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah (swt) give you courage and strength at this very sad time. Hope the people responsible for this crime are severely punished. Rest in Peace.

faz, burnley says...
3:42pm Wed 5 Mar 08

another tragic loss of life,when are people going to start waking up,and parents teach their kids what respect is,i am a young guy with kids and fear for their future,the police should ban knifes all together,why do we need to cary a knifes,in our days we use to fight with fists,peace to mohammed shafiq

steve, accrington says...
4:03pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Another life wasted in this crime ridden country.When are the politico`s going to wake up, climb down from their ivory towers, and smell the coffee ?

rani gohar, burnley says...
4:04pm Wed 5 Mar 08

we werent sure it was mr shafiq we asked a member of the family it was him, it shocked the whole family may allah give place him in jannat we met him at number of times he was polite and respectable man. may allah give his family sabar all we can do is pray and we hope justice is done because they always say a good person is gone first. this is not the way he should have died.

Ejay, Blackburn says...
4:21pm Wed 5 Mar 08

I never knew Mr Shafiq and I am not from Burnley but it is dreadful to read of another waste of an innocent life.
My greatest sympathies go to his family.Just another peaceful citizen trying to bring peace to others and paid the ultimate price.
The police should regularly do stop and search regardless of colour or creed and the carrying of a knife should be an automatic jail sentence..preferably for several years and at least ten years if caught twice.
When will this government,the police and the courts finally get to grips with this problem.

iceberg, Nelson says...
4:38pm Wed 5 Mar 08

very very sad he was a nice family guy,my he rest in peace

Clare, Burnley says...
4:48pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Yet another wasted life!!! Lets Hope the police do their job and nail the scum bags who did this... Rest in peace

Alisha, b'ham says...
4:54pm Wed 5 Mar 08

r.i.p may Allah grant u jannat inshallah

Phil, Burnley says...
5:04pm Wed 5 Mar 08

What a sad and needless loss this is. RIP MR Shaifiq you were clearly a brave family man, who was dearly loved. I hope that the animals responsible for this terrible attack are completely ashamed of themselves. The community needs to unite and assist the police in ensuring that justice is done and the offenders are rightfully punished. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.
God Bless.

Mr Khan of GK Associates Legal Services, LONDON says...
5:14pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Dearest sympathy for the family of the deceased, nothing can bring back his life, but i am sure with all this support from family and friends it will make the bearing a lot easier...
they say time is a great healer.
May Allah SWT grant him peace and harmony in Jannat. AMEEN

saf, blackburn says...
5:29pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah Grant him jannat, May he rest in peace to the day of judgement. Can believe this has happened this story has touched me. Duas. Make sure the culprits are punished Life for Life.

dilly, blackburn says...
5:32pm Wed 5 Mar 08

wat a tragedy. i m a 20yr old and from my point of view dis is utter nonsense its happened to many times there needs to be drastic action taken before it happens time and time again. MR Shaifiq is clearly a courages and brave man. just do dua for his family and pray.
May Allah SWT grant him peace and harmony in Jannat. AMEEN

someone, nelson says...
5:38pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah swt grant him jannat n give his family & friends sabar.
SHame sum1 with courage and sum1 whos was trying to do the right thing has been killed, and it was probably "muslims" who did it i guess. I bet if it was goray we wud have said it was because of racism but the fact is its beacuse of stupid ignorant people who only think of themselves. We need to look at our community, if anyone knows anything they shuld tell the authorities.

Debbie, Blackburn says...
5:55pm Wed 5 Mar 08

My thoughts are with Mr. Shafiq's family at this very sad time. What a tragedy.

When will youths learn that knife carrying is dangerous and deadly.

Mr Shafiq has lost his life, his family have to live the rest of their lives without him ant the families of the youths who delivered the fatal wounds have to live their lives with the knowledge that their children are killers.

So sad and so needless.

A, Burnley says...
6:21pm Wed 5 Mar 08

A brave man who tried to spread peace. Unfortunately he came across pure evil. Rest in peace sir, I pray for you and your family and I pray for justice.

J.S.Khatkar, Birmingham says...
6:44pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May peace be with you

chaudry and family, Nelson says...
6:47pm Wed 5 Mar 08

we are very sorry to hear this tragic news. we empathise with the family and understand how sad it is to lose such an important member of the family. May mr Shafiq go to Jannat and may his family gain some peace. Ameen

Mohammed Nawaz, Oxford Road, Nelson says...
6:52pm Wed 5 Mar 08

I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Shafique. I cannot imagine the heartache, pain, anguish and sorrow you are going through, may Allah give you sabar and strength through this awful time.
My father was a friend of Mr Shafique and so was my uncle and I had met him on several occasions, he was a kind, generous and hardworking man, who loved his children just as we all love our children. He never hurt no-one and would help anyone without hesitation or second thoughts. He was and always will be remebered as a good man who was an icon to his children, as an honest induvidual who was kind and caring and above all a decent and respectable human being. May Allah The Almighty, Master Of The Day Of Judgement, Creator of The Heavens of Earth grant him a place in Paradise. Ameen.

Joan, Darwen says...
7:06pm Wed 5 Mar 08

I pray for justice, here is another family man protecting his family, the result another death, my thoughts are with your wife and family at this sad time.

T, birmingham west midlands says...
7:15pm Wed 5 Mar 08

inshallah the culprit's will be caught for this murder of a brave good man, may allah grant him paradise inshallah, and may allah inshallah keep his family in peace in this difficult time.

A, Brierfield says...
7:23pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Allah bless him and give him a place in Jannah....May Allah give his family strength and patience at this difficult time....Ameen

Haleema, Burnley says...
7:34pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Another horrifying attack on an undeserving person, that makes me cringe at the fact I am human and actually part of the same species of the cowards that could such a thing.. I hope the culprits are brought to justice, and are punished in a way they deserve.
No doubt Allah will grant this wonderful man a place in Jannah, and give his family sabar at this difficult time. Ameen.

edward, burnley says...
8:09pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Whatever culture, creed or colour parents should unite and insist we teach children are all brothers and sisters with little time on earth to see the beauty of this creation. How sad that every day we still read or hear of such tragedies whatever the reasons... and so much being spent on education. Another downgrade for the name Burnley and a tragedy for another family. May peace persist and let this not become a political issue which some people may want to make it. A man has died, his family and the families of the men involved will be devastated.

Shizzy, burnley says...
8:17pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May Mr Shafiq recieve Jannah, Inshallah...

GT, Burnley says...
8:19pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Condolences to the family of Mr Shafiq...

When are people going to learn violence solves nothin only brings out the worse in us all - a needless death over a petty squabble... was the reason for this fight really worth someones life? I think not - sounds like a lot of people have blood on their hands because of this,,

Nabeela, Nelson says...
8:25pm Wed 5 Mar 08

What ever happend wasn't right
im really shocked,
i feel sorry for his family,
rip Mr Mohammed Shafiq,
i have talked to him,
he was a really nice man,
i hope the murders get life sentance,
what was the point in taking someones life???


azar, birmingham says...
8:39pm Wed 5 Mar 08

man I didn't kow him but I feel as if it was my own dad. Where is the respect. Parents are losing control. My dad tought me respect and the the peaceful path was the right path. Sahme sothers don't do the same. Let not this death be in vain

JKhan, Burnley says...
8:50pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May your sould rest in peace Ameen. You will always be missed. May you deserve heaven in the afterlife. Our condolences are with your family... :(

wasim rashid, burnley says...
8:56pm Wed 5 Mar 08

REST IN PEACE

Marrayam, nelson says...
9:03pm Wed 5 Mar 08

i just found out about this, this morning... i was really shocked i didnt think anything like this could happen to him. He was a really freindly person. Also i feel really sorry for his family as what they are going through because his children are only young yet... so that must have been a terrible shock to them aswell ...thats all id like to say...

mo, nelson says...
9:08pm Wed 5 Mar 08

firstly i wana say that i hav personally known Mr Shafiq from a young age. He was a very very nice decent person who did not deserve to go in this terrible way.The murderers deserve nothing but life in prison!!! May he rest in peace!!!!!

jennie, burnley says...
9:12pm Wed 5 Mar 08

my thoughts and prayers are with mr shafiq's family.again another life taken through mindless thuggery!may you rest in peace

Nabeela, Nelson says...
9:13pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Oh My God...
i found out about this after school,
I couldn't belive it,
its really bad,
they should get life sentance like people are saying,
i feel really sorry for his family,
and having a death like that no one will want to,
Rip Mr Mohammed Shafiq,
Allah Protect your family,
thats all i would like too say

ZA, Burnley says...
9:14pm Wed 5 Mar 08

R.I.P, May Allah grant you Jannat, Inshallah

JP, Burnley says...
9:18pm Wed 5 Mar 08

I feel sorry for Mr Shafiq's family's loss in such a terrible way. I hope that this type of tragedy does not happen to anyone else. I hope the people who did this will get punished. R.I.P, May Allah grant you Jannat, Inshallah

Jason B, Burnley says...
9:21pm Wed 5 Mar 08

R.I.P God Bless You x

alisha, greater manchester says...
9:25pm Wed 5 Mar 08

may allah give the family strength at such a tragic loss and i truely hope the murderers suffer for life.... youth in uk disgust me such a evil and cruel act .... its time this useless government woke up!!!!!!!!!

anonymus, blackburn says...
9:30pm Wed 5 Mar 08

may he rest in peace. and for the people who did this may they have to suffer just like how his family and friends are suffering. he is a true role model to us all.

R, S, East Lancs says...
10:24pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Just when are the politicians going to wake up to youth violence that is prevalent in all our communities?

R.I.P Mr Shafiq and condolences to the family.

kay denson, nelson lancashire says...
10:25pm Wed 5 Mar 08

I FEEL GREAT SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILY,I AM VERY SORRY FOR THERE LOSS.WHAT IS HAPPENING WHEN A PARENT CAN NOT DEFEND THERE CHILD, I CAN NOT BELIEVE WHAT IS HAPPENING ALL AROUND US.
WE HAVE TO MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF THESE THUGS AND BULLIES AND LET OTHER PARENTS KNOW IT IS SAFE FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO STAND UP FOR OUR CHILDREN, AND THE THUGS AND BULLIES KNOW THAT THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES FOR THERE ACTIONS.

dukebarboii, says...
10:28pm Wed 5 Mar 08

MAY ALLAH HELP YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THESES TIMES.AND MAY ALLAH BLESSS YOUR SOUL.

waheed, READING says...
10:58pm Wed 5 Mar 08

What a loss of this beautiful life for his imidiate family i promise you Allah SWT will give you the strenght to come through this i know exactly how you all are feeling stay strong stick together and most of all look after your mum.


Waheed From Reading Berkshire.

sheraz, manchester says...
11:08pm Wed 5 Mar 08

i am very sorry for your loss
may you rest in peace, and the people responsible rot in jail.
may your family stay strong for you

S Mirza, Burnley says...
11:16pm Wed 5 Mar 08

Very sad incident, may Allah bless his soul in peace. Law and order situation is getting worst and measures should be carried out to clamp youngesters and anti social behaviour. Tough punishments should be given to pass a stronger message and lets not waste Shafique's life in vain. It is an eye opener, how the level of respect for elders in society has declined. What have the killers achieved? Youngesters MUST reject so called COOL Crime Culture.

Khan, Nelson says...
11:21pm Wed 5 Mar 08

I can not believe what has happend. I have a lot of anger built up inside of me because of the low life thug wannabes going around killing their own muslim brothers. Shafiq did what any father will do and this is what has happend to him. Us, as a whole community should work togheter to keep the ummah strong. Like one of the brothers stated above THIS IS TURNING INTO BLACK ON BLACK CRIME. Lets stop this. Inshallah he will have a place in jannat and also allah will keep his family strong. Ameen

Justice, Burnley says...
11:25pm Wed 5 Mar 08

This is a very tragic incident. It is time that lessons are learnt and people came forward with their voices and bring these wrong people to justice. An innocent person whose mistake was just only to calm the situation gets punished in losing his life. It is not long that those responsible people will have to pay for their bad deeds. My sympathies and condolences are with the family. May Allah grant uncle Shafiq jannat. Ameen.

M, Nelson says...
11:41pm Wed 5 Mar 08

God bless him... And grant him a high place in Heaven.... he died trying to save his son.. what a blessed end to ones life.

All I want to question is - what were them 'bystanders' doign standing there watching? Are they that weak that they couldn't step forward and help him? Do these people not realise that what you do with others today - tomorrow it could be your father , God forbid.
I dont even want to think about how sick these peoples minds are. Petty arguments over who's better - leads to death. And thats nobodys fault but the lack of intellect on the part of us today... God help us all.

Mark, Darwen says...
11:48pm Wed 5 Mar 08

May God let you rest in peace. You have done your duty.

BRIERFIELD, BRIERFIELD says...
12:02am Thu 6 Mar 08

REST IN PEACE UNCLE SHAFIQ.
U IN A BETTER PLACE.
DA PEOPLE WHO DID IT WIL PAY 4 IT.THEY WIL ROT IN HELL.
ALLAH WIL GIV YO FAMILY SABBER!
AMMEN.

m, nelson says...
1:43am Thu 6 Mar 08

RIP.. RAJA SHAFIQ. GOD BLESS HIS SOUL. SUCH A TRAGIC WASTE OF A LIFE. INSHALLAH HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE.

LIFE FOR A LIFE. BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY AND HANG THE SCUM THAT DID THIS DISGUSTING ACT.

Smu, Blackburn says...
2:31am Thu 6 Mar 08

Rest in Peace Mr Shafiq,

Didn't know you but still hurts inside, loss of precious life. You went to do good and in doing that your life was taken away, May Allah(SWT)grant you a special place in jhannat and give your soul everlasting peace. AMEEN

Hamid, Blackburn says...
9:47am Thu 6 Mar 08

May allah grant uncle shafiq jannat and give his family sabber.

As for the scums who did this hang them.

Claire, Burnley says...
9:49am Thu 6 Mar 08

May you rest in Peace, My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time!

Lets hope the scumbags that have taken away this poor mans life and ruined the lives of his family and friends get the punishment they deserve!!!

R.I.P ****

sam, birmingham says...
10:08am Thu 6 Mar 08

ya allah swt! look at wat the world is coming to, may allah grant hima place in jananat, he seems like a gud man, reminds me of am father, honeslty i do not kno him, bt i feel pain! ameen. may allaha swt gve sabbar 2 his fam, and hang the bastards up hu did this.

ajf, says...
10:22am Thu 6 Mar 08

Why do these people not realise that weapons KILL they are not TOYS fists are bad enough but to be tooled up is definitely going to end in tragedy for someone.
And pack mentality does not help so all you spectators that were curious enough to go to the park knowing there would be trouble shame on you .
I hope some good comes from this terrible incident and people realise that NOTHING is solved through violence the braver man is the one who can walk away from conflict .
So many more peoples lives are now ruined MR Shafiqs family , the family of the guilty AND the guilty ones
FOR WHAT ??????????????

majjid, Accrington says...
10:29am Thu 6 Mar 08

May Allah give sabr to the family and give janna to the deceased ameen. With regards to Helen's comments I think your stereotypical prejudice comments are unwanted. I have been born and bred in England and try to follow my religion which is peace, there is bad in all communities be it white, asian and black. These louts don't represent Islam they are far from Islamic. You say uncivilised, have you ever been there?