Innā Lillāhi Wa Innā Ilayhi Rājiʿūn

“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.” (Qur’an 2:156)

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of the beloved father of our dear brother and friend, Muhammad-Awwal Alli, a 17-year-old young man now faced with unimaginable responsibility and grief.

Muhammad-Awwal is originally from Nigeria and moved to the UK in recent years. Many of us, or our parents, came to this country over 40 years ago, often with the support of extended family and strong community networks. Sadly, Muhammad-Awwal and his mother do not have that same support system around them today.

They currently live alone in a small flat, bearing the heavy burden of rent, bills and council tax. With the recent loss of his father, things have become even more difficult. His mother is now observing the ʿIddah period — the Islamic mourning period of four months and ten days — during which she cannot leave the home unless absolutely necessary. This has placed the full weight of daily responsibilities on Muhammad-Awwal, who now must support his household while also studying full-time in college and continuing his Hifdh studies.

Despite these heavy trials, Muhammad-Awwal has remained committed to his faith and community. He has led the five daily prayers at Eldon Masjid, and during the month of Ramadan, he was honoured to lead Taraweeh prayers at Daarul Arqam Masjid and Eastway Musallah. His dedication to the Qur’an, his calm presence, and his beautiful recitation have been a source of inspiration for many.

This GoFundMe has been set up as a group of his friends, similar to his age, to help ease the financial pressure on Muhammad-Awwal and his mother. Your donations will go directly toward helping them manage rent, bills, and daily living expenses, so that Muhammad-Awwal can focus on his education, his Hifdh, and caring for his grieving mother.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever relieves a believer’s hardship in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

Let us answer that call. Please donate what you can, make sincere duʿāʾ, and share this campaign with others. Your support — no matter the amount — is a form of sadaqah and a powerful act of brotherhood.

May Allah grant Muhammad-Awwal’s father Jannat al-Firdaws, forgive his shortcomings, and bring strength and ease to his family. May He reward you for your generosity and your duʿāʾs.

JazakumAllahu Khayran,

Friends of Muhammad-Awwal Alli