Marhum Shiraz Abdulrasul Noormohamed
1976-2022
Born on October 7, 1976, Shiraz was a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished friend, and respected member of the community.
At the tender age of 16, Shiraz embarked on a journey of migration with his family, finding a new home in New York City. There, he completed his high school education and pursued his passion for knowledge by obtaining a degree in Paralegal Studies from college. His dedication led him to a successful career at Davis Polk, where he contributed his skills for many years.
Shiraz’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly throughout his life. From an early age, he harboured an interest in business, engaging in buying and selling products as a side venture. In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shiraz took a bold step forward and established his own business, demonstrating resilience and determination.
In 2002, Shiraz entered into matrimony with his beloved wife, Esmat Kara. Together, they built a beautiful family and were blessed with three wonderful children: Sahil, Saaqib, and Saheim.
Beyond his professional and familial responsibilities, Shiraz was a man of diverse interests and passions. He immersed himself in various sports, including soccer, volleyball, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, archery, and table tennis. He also dedicated himself to fitness, regularly attending the gym. Shiraz’s love for soccer extended beyond playing; he also shared his expertise as a soccer coach, mentoring aspiring athletes.
A humble servant of the community, Shiraz devoted himself to volunteer work, serving as a Madrasah teacher, a member of the Mayyit Committee, and a Mukhi in the Edmonton Jamaat. He contributed his time to the Muslim Scouts and served as a dedicated volunteer for the JCC, ensuring the safety and well-being of others. Shiraz’s compassion extended to assisting with food delivery and groceries for seniors, embodying the values of kindness and empathy.
Deeply rooted in his faith, Shiraz found solace in the teachings of the AhlulBayt. His devotion was evident in his recitation of marshias and Nawhas, and his spiritual journey led him to Karbala, where he made pilgrimages to pay homage to Imam Hussayn.
In his 40th majlis, Shiraz’s son, Sahil, eloquently expressed the family’s sentiments, reflecting on his father’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith. Sahil’s heartfelt words encapsulated the profound impact Shiraz had on those around him, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity.
On the day of his burial, Sahil bravely stood before mourners, offering words of remembrance and gratitude. He spoke of his father’s enduring presence in their lives and expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support and love.
Shiraz Abdulrasul Noormohamed will forever be remembered as a beacon of light, whose warmth and compassion touched the lives of all who knew him. Though he may have departed from this world, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.
May his soul find eternal peace and his legacy continue to inspire us all.
“The one who is sweet” – a poem by a friend Riyaz Visram
When Allah (SWT) created the universe;
He wrote down a special destiny in Lauh al-Mahfudh (a preserved tablet),
Allah (SWT) knew that Esmat deserved a husband;
Who was ever so kind,
Who was ever so passionate,
Who was ever so pious (a lover of Ahlul-Bayt),
Allah (SWT) knew that Sahil, Saaqib & Saheim deserved a father;
Who was ever so adventurous,
Who was ever so inspirational,
Who was ever so loving,
Allah (SWT) knew that Uncles Abdulrasul (Johnny) & Gulamali, Auntie’s Lutfiya & Kaniz deserved a son;
Who was ever so caring,
Who was ever so humble,
Who was ever so respectful,
Allah (SWT) knew that Sajeda, Shani-Abbas & Saida deserved a brother;
Who was ever so enthusiastic,
Who was ever so motivational,
Who was ever so protective,
Allah (SWT) knew that Mombasa, New York, Edmonton & Toronto deserved a friend;
Who was ever so courageous,
Who was ever so genuine,
Who was ever so generous,
So, Allah (SWT) blended all these traits and sculptured a very special individual;
Who was capable in the toughest of a situation;
To radiate comfort and warmth,
Who was capable in the dullest of a moment;
To radiate humor to the hearts,
Who was capable in the fullest of a life;
To radiate never his pain, yet to assimilate everyone else’s,
Shiraz was his name;
“The one who is sweet”,
Whose life touched ours in a multitude of different ways;
Mombasa to New York; Edmonton to Toronto & beyond,
We remain grateful to Allah (SWT) ;
For “Sweetness” forever & ever,
We remain grateful to Allah (SWT);
For Shiraz forever & ever.
Sahil’s Speech on Burial Day
In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful
Salamun Alaikum
“…O my Sustainer! Open up my heart make my task easy for me, and loosen the knot from my tongue so that they might fully understand my speech.
“Our eyes shed tears and our hearts grieve, but we do not say anything except what pleases our Lord… We surely belong to Him and Him, we shall return”
I had never expected that I would be speaking on behalf of my dad on a day when he was no longer with us.
I can’t say it will get any easier to come to terms with such a huge loss. They say time heals but does it really, I am not sure. What I am sure about is that we have to accept our fate, the fate that Allah has written for us. For He is all-knowing, he knows what is better for us than we do ourselves. They say He is the best planner of all.
We will try to live each day knowing that my beloved father would be proud and smiling on us from heaven. We cherish his memories as he continues to live in our hearts. To us, he is like a star in the sky. We may not see him but he will always be there.
My dad will always be fondly remembered as the smiley, friendly, loving, kind and caring person that he was; who lived a spiritual and happy life – a life with hope and humility a life with courage and purpose.
My dad lived to help others and we should all be encouraged by his charitable intentions and voluntary works, if you can hear me today I want you to know that you will always be our hero. I want you to know that we love you so much and we will always miss you.. Our tears may dry but our hearts will always grieve for you. We pray for you every day and live in hope that someday we can be reunited with you in Jannah.
On behalf of my father’s family, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the kind words of comfort, acts of support, personal visits, messages of condolence and your prayers. These kind gestures are very comforting indeed and help us immensely in many ways. May the Almighty bless every one of you for the kindness you have shown to us. We truly feel blessed to have you in our lives.
I would like to also thank the ISIJ of Toronto, especially Mehboob’s uncle the burial team Mubarak’s uncle, Kazim, Numaish Aunty and the unsung heroes, the volunteers. Thank you for all the help and support. We pray to Allah to accept your efforts and reward your endeavours both here and in the hereafter. Amen
I would also like to thank you all for your presence here today, for taking the time from your busy lives and some of you even travelling long distances, It means a lot to us and I am sure it means a lot to my dad.
I humbly request you all to forgive my father if he has ever said or done something that may have hurt anyone. If there are any dues owing to my dad whether monetary or otherwise kindly contact me or any of the family members at the earliest so we can settle them on his behalf.
Sahil’s speech On the 40th Majlis
In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful
“…O my Sustainer! Open up my heart [to Thy light], and make my task easy for me, and loosen the knot from my tongue so that they might fully understand my speech.
My respected Scholars and elders, brothers and sisters Salaamun Alaikum
“Our eyes shed tears and our hearts grieve, but we do not say anything except what pleases our Lord… We surely belong to Him and to Him we shall return”
They say …Life is not guaranteed at all but death is guaranteed upon all, yet we still prepare for life more than death.
My dad, Shiraz was different though.. He served in his little way for the pleasure of Allah SWT whenever he got the opportunity and he was aware that death is inevitable and that this life is transient until we are called back to our permanent abode.
I understand from our family that he had some sort of premonition or sensed the inevitable, and expressed what he thought would be his last wishes should the inevitable call of Allah arrive.
We did however have a lot of questions which sometimes kept us awake at night but on further introspection, these now seem insignificant, we have to stay strong and accept Allah’s will and our preordained destiny.
Knowing now that my dad has returned to his Creator, Allah Subhanah Wa’tallah and is in a good place. However, I can’t say his loss in this World gets any easier to come to terms with. We live each day in the hope that someday time will heal… We may feel the pain every day but we live on, with faith in Allah Who is all-knowing, he knows what is better for us than we do ourselves.
Dad, …..as Mum tells us every day you will be watching over us and guiding us from the heavens above and we will strive to stay on the Right Path (Sirat ul Mustaqim) knowing that you will always be with us, like a guiding star in the sky.
We will always cherish our moments together as a happy and loving family and these memories will help us get through life…. We may not see you but you will always be present in our hearts and our consciences.
As Rocky would say……But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward.
Rest in peace in the knowledge that I have your gloves now and will try my best to keep our family moving forward together.
Dad … will always be remembered as a caring and kind person, an avid and faithful follower of our AhlulBayt, who lived a spiritual and happy life – a life with hope and humility…..a life with courage and purpose.
Dad as they say……
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear
The end is nigh but no speech would be complete without some important thank yous.
On behalf of our family, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the kind words of comfort, acts of support, personal visits, messages of condolence and your prayers. These kind gestures were very comforting indeed and helped us immensely in many ways.
May the Almighty bless every one of you for the kindness you have shown to us. We truly feel blessed to have you in our lives.
I would like to also thank our Community of Ja’fari Islamic Centre Toronto, the Managing Committee, the volunteers and the unsung heroes.
Thank you for all the help and continued support. We pray to Allah to accept your efforts and reward your endeavours both here and in the hereafter. Amen
And as my dad always taught us our good actions and intentions will Inshallah bring us closer to our 12th Imam, Imam Al Mehdi Al Muntazir, May Allah hasten his reappearance. Ameen.
I would also like to thank you all for your presence here today, for taking the time from your busy lives and for some of you even travelling long distances, to join us in prayers at this commemoration service. It means a lot to us and I am sure it means a lot to my dad.
To conclude please remember my beloved dad, Shiraz Abdulrasul Noormohamed in your prayers and keep his fond memories alive.
Please join me in reciting a sura Fateha for him and all our deceased loved ones.
Sura Fateha
May Allah SWT repose the departed soul in the abundance of His mercy and rest her amongst the chosen ones – Ameen. We request our readers to remember marhum and all the Marhumeen with Sura-e-Fateha.