----- Original Message -----
From: roshanali karim
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2012 9:53 AM
Subject: FW: Late Murtaza Lakha
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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 of
Imam Hussain (as), linguist and 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 as a
zakir and he served him 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
Abdullah Jaffer. In marriage he set an example of true practice of Islam, for
he was gentle, cheerful, thoughtful, generous and 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 being mindful of the need to provide for the everlasting
hereafter. He had the pleasure of conducting the Nikah ceremonies of his two
sons and the enjoining of his daughters-in-law to the family, Mahjabeen Amirali
Jaffer 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 Circle, 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 most fulfilling
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), 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.
Philanthropy 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 and 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:
a.. His last public 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 - afternoon of Sunday 16th May 2010.
b.. His last meal was the holy food served in the name of Lady Fatema
(as) - Sunday night.
c.. His last worship was to pray Namaaze Tahajjud (Shab) - pre-dawn
Monday morning.
d.. 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.
e.. His last breath was taken on the anniversary of the passing away
of Lady Fatema (as) - 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
that was broadcast live across the UK and globally. He is buried at Watford
Cemetery, UK.
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. This library will continue to be updated as more of his
material is converted into digital format.
Please recite Sura Fateha for the benefit of his soul.
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