Haji Daoud Nabi, a 71 year old Afghan refugee fled to New Zealand to seek asylum in the late 1970’s. He was a respectful man, an incredible father and a loving grandfather. He was a source of warmth and made everyone feel loved, welcomed and at home. He was a Muslim. He was a Human. He was also the first of the 50 deceased victims of the Christchurch massacre and the one who greeted the killer with the now-famous words “Hello/Welcome brother”. The very words which are being echoed loudly throughout the entire world. 

The grandfather of 9 died trying to save another worshiper from a bullet. He is a HERO and he shouldn’t be forgotten. He was a pillar of Christchurch’s Muslim community. He ran the local Afghan Association and was known to help newcomers settle in New Zealand, meeting them at the airport and helping them get started in their new lives. According to his son Omar, his father talked about “how important it is to spread love and unity among each other and protect every member of the society we live in”. May Allah allow him to hear the angels say “Welcome brother” as he enters paradise. 

Over the coming weeks, we will be mourning the victims of the Christchurch Massacre by sharing their names so that we may keep them in our prayers, and cherish their memory.  Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we pray for Allah to give strength and a beautiful patience to their families and loved ones. As an Ummah, let their loss be a reminder of the fleetingness of life, and our responsibility to spread the message of peace, love, unity and JUSTICE. 

Today you can support Haji Daoud Nabi and his family by contributing towards this project to build a water well for him in Africa. This is a sadaqah jaariyah - a lasting source of good deeds for all that participate in this legacy. The deceased can also benefit from charity given on their behalf. Providing water is one of the best acts of charity that one can do. Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to donate to a noble cause.