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The World Federation is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations
Vision Statement
The World Federation
exists to achieve the
pleasure of Allah SWT by
developing spiritual and
vibrant communities
serving humanity
Mission Statement
The World Federation
enables its member institutions
to promote the
values and practices of the
Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri
Faith for the spiritual and
material well being of
humanity at large
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Obituary of Marhum Alhaj Murtaza Ahmed Lakha
Updated 18 June 2010
Murtaza Ahmed Lakha was born on 6 August 1940 in Zanzibar to a pious lady by the name of Sughra and to Ahmed Abdulrasul Lakha MBE who was a zakir, a linguist and a successful industrialist recognised by all the communities that knew him to be an influential leader.
He was the last born with five siblings. He emulated his father whom he had served to the end. From a very tender age he was reputed to be wise with a formidable and charming personality, yet humble. Having always been an excellent student in Zanzibar, he completed his Barrister-at-law qualifications at the age of twenty and graduated top of his year. Being underage he had to wait another year before he could be called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in London. His devotion to his parents is inspiring, for he declined a prestigious offer from Lord Denning to join his chambers in London, in order to swiftly return to Zanzibar where he served his family and the community under trying circumstances.
In 1965 he married a noble lady from Mombasa who was to be his life partner in every sphere of his life, Fatma daughter of Amina and Hussein Abudullah Jaffer. In marriage he set an example of true practice of Islam, for he was gentle, cheerful, thoughtful, generous and above all consulted his partner as an equal. Together they raised three children, Shabbir, Sabira and Gulamabbas. The family life they nurtured was a balance between appreciating the blessings of this world and providing for the everlasting hereafter. He had the pleasure of conducting the Nikah ceremonies of his two sons and the enjoining of his daughter-in-laws to the family, Mahjabeen Amirali Delhiwala and Shaheda Shams Jeraj. He was a loving grandfather to Zeeshanali, Leila and Haider.
He valued the teaching of the Holy Prophet (saww) that travel broadens the mind and he traversed the world with his family appreciating Allah’s diverse creation. He could see the living reality of the Holy Qur’an when visiting different wonders of this world – from the sun never setting in the arctic to the ruins of Taqi Kisra in Iraq. He always treasured time with his family.
Professionally he was widely regarded as one of the best lawyers in East Africa and he continued to command respect for his knowledge of the law and its application when he moved to London. He was often invited to present papers at the International Bar Association conferences around the world. In times of crisis he was relied upon for his wisdom and sincerity by both individuals and institutions.
Despite his significant professional success, his greatest occupation was service to Islam. He was blessed with inspiring oratory and he combined his persuasive eloquence with humility – a trait that endeared him to people from all walks of life and of all ages. His propagation of the message of truth, peace and justice was facilitated by a considerable reservoir of knowledge and skill as a linguist, speaking six languages fluently: Gujarati, English, Swahili, Urdu, Arabic and Farsi. He was totally devoted to spreading the message of the Holy Qur’an and the Ahlulbait (as) and spoke on a wide range of subjects in English and Gujarati all over the world. It was a hallmark of his lectures that he would devote the same thoroughness in preparation regardless of the size of an audience or the geographic location.
His literary contributions in the service of Islam are truly impressive. Being a passionate advocate for communicating the eternal holy teachings in contemporary and modern language motivated him to undertake a range of translation work into English. These works included the translation from Arabic into English of the famous speech by Lady Fatema (as) at the court of the first Khalif, the translation from Gujarati into English a book on the Twelfth Imam (as)(ajf), translation from Gujrati into English the Philosophy of Tawheed and from Arabic into English the Manaseek-e-Hajj by Ayatullah Ruhani and Ayatullah Seestani. The most profound and widely acclaimed of his works was translation from Farsi into English of the complete Mafatihul Jinan (Keys of Heaven) including the companion book Baqiatus Salehat (Everlasting Good Deeds). He had also authored his own work on the Twelfth Imam (as).
He is an excellent example of how to be a good Muslim by living a well balanced life. As a distinguished barrister, he was always conscious of his social and spiritual obligations of practising true Islam. He spoke to people with compassion irrespective of gender, creed or status and would greet them with a kind smile. As an example of his attitude of humble service, he would serve tea in the mosque after delivering a knowledgeable and passionate sermon. He would also attend to a queue of people who needed to consult him for his legal and spiritual guidance. He was a faithful friend and took great care in his responsibilities to people he encountered in all walks of life. He was revered worldwide as a wise leader, without having to hold any office. He practised spiritual teachings in every aspect of his life, for he was a strong believer in Islam being a way of life. He was a master at explaining the application of Islamic principles within non-Islamic contexts.
Being a generous philanthropist was ingrained in his character and in some cases he was the highest individual donor for construction of mosques or for the education of needy children, however his endeavours would generally be confidential, always mindful of the need to do good in secrecy only for the pleasure of his Creator.
The faithful devotion of this noble and pious soul is manifested by the circumstances of his passing away:
- His last deed was to speak in memory of Lady Fatema (as) the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww) to whom he was steadfastly dedicated – Sunday afternoon.
- His last meal was the holy food served in the name of Lady Fatema (as) – Sunday night.
- His last worship was to pray Namaaze Tahajjud (Shab) – pre-dawn Monday morning.
- His last request, whilst still on his prayer mat, to his dear wife was for the holy earth from Kerbala (khake shafa) – soon afterwards he became unconscious.
- His last breath was taken on the anniversary of the passing away of Lady Fatema (as), at approximately the same time of day – on Tuesday 18 May 2010.
Alas, unlike the gracious Lady Fatema (as), who was very tragically buried at night in secrecy, he received a funeral with over a thousand mourners which was also broadcast live across the UK and globally.
An online library of audio, video and literary material from this illustrious personality and devotee of the Ahlul Bait (as) is available at www.murtazalakha.org.
He is buried at Watford Cemetery, UK, and his grave number is J16.
Please recite Sura Fateha for the benefit of his soul.
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