السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

Last month, our community experienced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of our beloved Imam of OCC Masjid Al-Rahman, Sheikh Junaid, who passed away in his late 80s. For decades, he dedicated his life to teaching the Qur’an and Hadith, guiding families, counseling members of the community, and reminding people of Allah with sincerity and compassion.


Sheikh Junaid was originally from Arba Gugu in the Arsi region of Ethiopia. At the age of 36, he traveled to Saudi Arabia to pursue Islamic studies at the University of Madinah, where he graduated in 1983 with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Hadith and Islamic Studies.

After completing his studies, he moved to Moyale, a town on the border of Kenya and Ethiopia, where he spent many years teaching the Qur’an and Hadith. Many people, including children, learned from him and completed their studies under his guidance.

In 2000, he migrated to the United States with his wife and children and continued teaching within the Oromo Muslim community. Alongside teaching, he also offered Islamic counseling, creating a space where people could speak about their experiences, emotions, and struggles, and receive guidance rooted in faith. Because of this, he was deeply loved by those who knew him.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah have mercy on him.

While Sheikh Junaid has returned to his Creator, we pray that the countless lives he impacted will continue to be a source of reward for him.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”
— Sahih Muslim


قال رسول الله ﷺ:
"إِذَا مَاتَ الإِنسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثٍ: صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٌ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٌ صَالِحٌ يَدْعُو لَهُ"

To honor his legacy, we are raising funds as Sadaqah Jariyah (صدقة جارية) on his behalf for an orphan sponsorship fund, helping provide children with food, education, clothing, healthcare, and a safe environment where they can grow and thrive.


The Prophet ﷺ said:

“I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” and he held his two fingers together.
— Sahih al-Bukhari


قال رسول الله ﷺ:
"أَنَا وَكَافِلُ الْيَتِيمِ فِي الْجَنَّةِ هَكَذَا"

May Allah accept this charity for him, forgive his sins, expand his grave, and grant him Jannat al-Firdaws. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your support and generosity.