Assalamualaikum,
With a heavy heart yet a deep sense of purpose, I am raising funds to build a mosque in honour of my beloved grandmother, Altafun Nessa Razaque, who returned to her Creator a year ago (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un).
Her life was a testament to love and sacrifice, as she remained devoted to caring for her children and grandchildren until her very last breath. Personally, I have never found the words to describe the relationship we had or the void created in our lives since 18th February 2024, 7:32 AM.
Anyone who knows me knows that more than a grandmother, my Nanu was like a second mother and a best friend. I'll forever miss the endless times she’d call me just for company. I’d walk down, and she’d prepare a pot of gua for me while we talked about anything and everything.
Her faandan still sits in my room, feeling out of place because it truly belongs to Nanu, in her usual spot on the sofa where she was always seated when we entered the house.
Her personality was admirable, even humorous at times—like when we’d catch her sneakily eating Doritos and fizzy sweets or her obsession with wanting me to get my driving licence so I could take her to the shops. She would have undoubtedly been my first and most frequent passenger, but she wasn’t here when I passed my test, making the accomplishment bittersweet.
Eid and special occasions will never be the same without her food, gifts, and presence. She simply loved the energy of having her grandchildren around her. This love was evident when she passed, as each of her ten grandchildren stood around her, witnessing her final departure from the home that was once home to all of us.
Her Final Days
The ten days leading up to her passing were deeply emotional yet wholesome. Her sudden deterioration shook us all. Every night, we took turns staying with her, wondering if it would be her last.
Regrettably, the night she passed was the one night I stayed at home. Just before Fajr Salah, we got the call to return, and she had less than 24 hours left. The reality of those final ten days finally hit—it no longer felt like a big sleepover with my cousins looking after Nanu. It was a reality none of us were ready to face.
For me, the hardest truth was that she would never see me graduate, get married, or meet my future children. Despite the house being full of family, I was the only one who witnessed her last breath—a moment I will never be able to erase from my mind. I also had the honour of washing her body, knowing I would never hear her call my name again.
Her passing changed our lives, but her legacy will never be forgotten. Her strength—after losing three daughters—and her independence were always admirable. I will always look up to her.
May Allah reward her, forgive her sins, grant her the highest rank in Jannah, and reunite us all.
Building a Mosque in Her Honour
As Muslims, we believe that when we leave this world, our deeds come to an end—except for three things:
- Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)
- Beneficial knowledge
- A righteous child who prays for them (Sahih Muslim)
A mosque is one of the greatest forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. Every prayer, Qur’an recitation, and act of worship within its walls will bring continuous blessings to her soul, In Sha Allah.
The Prophet ï·º said:
"Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Jannah." (Bukhari & Muslim)
How You Can Help
With Ramadan approaching, I humbly ask for your support in this blessed cause. Whether through:
- Donations
- Sharing this campaign
- Making dua
Every effort counts. May Allah accept it from all of us and grant my grandmother, and all our loved ones, the highest ranks in Jannah.