“Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajeoon”
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”
(Surah Al Baqarah – 2:156)
Marhum Syed Asad Jafri (1978 – 2023)
It is with great sadness that The World Federation of KSIMC and the whole Khoja community received the news of the passing of Syed Asad Jafri, a few days short of his 48th birthday on October 29th, 2023 at his home in Stouffville, Ontario, Canada.
He was the second son of Marhum Syed Zahid Asghar Jafri and Syeda Zehra Jafri.
For the rest of the world, he was Syed or Maulana – but for the youth in our community he was Asad bhai, and for our elders, just Asad.
Syed Asad Jafri’s father, Syed Zahid Jafri, was one of the pioneers of the Council of Islamic Guidance. He grew up under the care of the early immigrants of the South-Asian Shi’i community that settled in Toronto. The unexpected death of his father sent a shockwave throughout the community. A tragedy that played an integral role in shaping him into becoming the man we all knew.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he took on an active role in the community during his formative years. He was known to give lectures during the youth gatherings held at Al-Mahdi even before he left for the seminary. After the period of nine years that he spent in the Hawza Ilmiyya, his natural skill of oration gained further eloquence. His crowds began to consist of all ages of people, from the elderly to the young. Always the trailblazer, he began charting a path at that time for the plethora of English speakers that we have today. With his natural charm, wit, and knowledge, he brought the message of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) to the English-speaking world. A unique feature of his majalis was his delivery of English masaib. A recounting of the chronicle of Karbala that drew out tears from the eyes of even those who did not think the English language could be so emotive.
Syed Asad was one of the founding members of the Al-Mahdi Youth Society (AMYS). He was someone who was deeply concerned about the future of Shi’ism in the West. His foresight pierced through the obscurity of the troubles of the newfound community in a foreign land.
Compassion, family, community, and faith – words that became his motto, and his life’s mission. He would reach out to people in the community who he had not seen for some time. He would personally invite them to events and gatherings. He genuinely cared about their well-being. He would ask about their lives; professional and personal. He would remember their names and their stories. Whether it was a voice note on WhatsApp or a bear hug on Eid – his presence was indisputable. This warmth is what drew people towards him and formed the bonds of brotherhood. Wherever he travelled in the world, his presence made itself known. He would work diligently in identifying and addressing the most contemporary issues. He would consult with his elders and his colleagues in generating solutions to the pressing concerns of the Ummah. He truly considered all believers as a part of his family and community. In the darkest of times, he would bring light to the people with his speeches filled with knowledge and interspersed with doses of humour. Truly, he was a man of God who took up his calling, and devoted his life to the work of Allah (SWT), for Allah (SWT).
He once said to his brother, Syed Ali Jafri, just before he left for the Hawza: “I want to have a meaningful impact on others and the world”. Syed Asad, you accomplished your dream. As we watched his funeral, we saw people from all walks of life. Thousands upon thousands of mourners, some who did not even know him personally but in such visible grief that it was as if they had lost a close loved one. This profound impact that he left on every single one of us will remain with us for the rest of our days.
Syed Asad leaves behind his wife, Zehrabai Baqri, and his children, Misbah, Rehma, and Hassan. His mother, Syeda Zehra Jafri, his brothers, Syed Ali Jafri and Syed Abbas Jafri, and his sister, Shahanabai Jafri as well as the extended Jafri family.
A Tribute to Syed Asad Jafri from The World Federation:
“It’s not important how many years you live, what counts is the legacy you leave behind”
- Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
Marhum was a prolific and profound orator who truly guided the youth and elders of our community through mainstream discourses that were relevant, full of depth, powerful oratory with sincerity and simplicity.
I recall meeting him when he attended The WF Qur’an Curriculum seminar last year in London and how he engaged with the teachers with the highest level of humility and a down to earth personality. At difficult times when ensuring we get good guidance in English language in the midst of many challenges from alternative thinkers, Marhum Syed Asad was a firm pillar who advocated mainstream faith winning the hearts and minds of our communities world-wide.
- Safder Jaffer
WF President
Which was the most sought after chai place in the Hawza gathering?
When the group of students from the West assembled for Thursday night programmes, and towards the end of the programme tea was served, the thought in many students’ mind was: “Wish I could sit close to that tall senior student from Canada. He really sounds cool”
The senior student was none other than Syed Asad Jafri. A tall, charismatic and highly personable servant of Imam Mahdi (aj).
The above is a recollection from The WF Secretary General, Arifali Hirji.
Another more recent incident was when an important strategic Quran Conference, organised by the Madrasah Centre for Excellence, for Madaris teachers from all over the world was going to take place in London, in May 2022. A keynote speaker was sought after. Who could resonate with all the teachers, youth and ulama? Never did any of the organisers believe that a person from across the pond would accept coming to London with only about week’s notice.
“I recall that I contacted Syed Asad from the train platform, trying to catch him at a convenient time. When we spoke it was like time stood still. This is how friends feel when they speak to each other. After explaining the purpose of the conference to have a curriculum that changes the whole Quranic culture of the community, he said on the phone, there and then:
‘Agha Arif, I am coming InshaAllah!’
This was the spontaneity and sincerity of Marhum Syed Asad Jafri”
- Arifali Hirji
The WF Secretary General
In May 2022, the Madrasah Centre of Excellence (MCE) at The World Federation of KSIMC was honored to host Syed Asad Jafri at the MCE Qur’an Curriculum Conference. His remarkable qualities of kindness, generosity, and approachability made collaborating with him a privilege. From the moment we interacted with him, it became evident that he was dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for the children and youth in our community. His commitment to nurturing the spiritual well-being of the next generation was inspiring.
The global community mourns the loss of Syed Asad Jafri, a visionary leader who believed fervently in the future. He served as a true role model for both the young and the old. His optimism and hope for the future were contagious, and he worked tirelessly to ensure the best for people.
As we move forward with projects such as RSE curriculum and the Tarbiyah Qur’an Curriculum, we are determined to carry on his legacy of hope and optimism. Our goal remains steadfast: to prepare our children for the arrival of our Imam al-Mahdi (aj) while upholding the values that Syed Asad Jafri so passionately embodied.
- Zulekha Hirji
Head of MCE
The Khoja News team offers our deepest condolences to the Family of Marhum Syed Asad Jafri, and our community members especially in the UK and America. We pray to Allah (swt) to elevate the rank of the Marhum. For his family and loved ones to be granted patience in this difficult time. For his children to find solace in knowing their father grew up an orphan but became the spiritual father for so many.
We request our readers to remember the Marhum with a Surah Al Fateha.