In Loving Memory of Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE

Waseem and I grew up together. We were not just friends, but family — he was like a younger brother to me. I knew him through every stage of life, and in each one he was the same: principled, dependable, and deeply committed to people. Losing him so young feels profoundly wrong. Writing these words, knowing I helped lay to rest someone I have known all my life, is a pain I never expected to carry and one I will never forget. That sense of loss is shared by his family, his friends, and an entire community that leaned on him every day.

At just 44 years old, Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE was taken far too soon.

He leaves behind a devoted wife, three young sons, and a baby due to be born in just days — a child who will grow up knowing their father through the impact he had on others and the values he lived by.

Waseem gave his life to service. People knew they could call him, that he would listen, and that he would act. Across Lozells and Birmingham, he was a constant presence — someone who showed up when it mattered most and stayed when things were difficult.

He passed away suddenly while abroad mourning the loss of his beloved uncle and was laid to rest beside him. What began as a journey of respect became his final farewell.

Above all else, Waseem was a family man. He was devoted to his wife and children, and he leaves behind a young family now facing a future without him — no more school drop-offs, no more taking his sons to watch his beloved Aston Villa.

This GoFundMe was created to honor Waseem’s life through Sadaqah Jariyah — ongoing charity in his name. All funds will be used responsibly to help the less fortunate around the world through various charitable projects. Dependent on how much is raised, the following projects and schemes considered will include;

Please note Sadaqa or Lillah only, no Zakat applicable.

Let us turn our grief into goodness, our pain into purpose, and our loss into a living legacy.

If Waseem ever supported you, stood up for you, or helped you in any way, this is a chance to give back in his name. Please donate whatever you can. No amount is too small.

“Whoever gives charity equal to a date from lawful earnings, Allah nurtures it until it becomes like a mountain.”

- Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim

Charity does not decrease wealth.”

- (Sahih Muslim)

May Allah grant Waseem Zaffar the highest place in Jannah, forgive his shortcomings, and accept every service he carried out as ongoing reward.

May Allah grant patience and strength to his wife, children, mother and sisters and make this charity a means of reunion in the hereafter.

Ameen.