Vaseem A. Siddiqui Passes away
The Muslim community of Southern California is greatly saddened by the death of a very senior and respected member of the community, Vaseem A. Siddiqui, who passed away on Sunday, February 18, at the Loma Linda University Hospital. Inna lillahiwainnailayhiraji'oon
May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace in JannatulFirdaus and give his family fortitude and courage to bear the monumental loss. My heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers are with the family during this most difficult time in their life.
Brother VaseemAzam Siddiqui was the eldest son of late Mohammad Ghousuddin and late Sardar Sultana. He is survived by his loving wife, DrShahida Siddiqui, and two beloved daughters, Sabrina Motiwala married to Aziz Motiwala, and Sabha Khan married to Farhan Khan. He was also blessed with four beautiful grandchildren, namely, Alina, Sami, Yousuf and Sophia. He was the eldest brother of late Wasif Siddiqui, late Shahana R. Ahmed, Javeed Siddiqui, late RukhsanaNoamani and ImranaImtiaz.
Brother Vaseem Siddiqui was an active member of the Muslim community of Southern California for more than 53 years. When the community started growing in leaps and bounds in the late 70's and early 80's, there were only two Islamic Centers which were miles apart. There was no other Center in between the Islamic Center of Los Angeles and the Islamic Center of Orange County. Br Vaseem was greatly frustrated with this situation along with hundreds of other Muslims in the area. He came up with a temporary solution and decided to turn his garage into a Musallah for Friday congregational prayers. His initiative worked and a great number of Muslims started praying in the garage on Friday which soon exposed the limitations of the space. It was at that time that the Muslim community of San Gabriel Valley decided to establish an Islamic center to cater to the needs of both adults and children. In 1982, Incorporation papers were filed with California Secretary of State to establish 'The Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley'. Alhamdulillah, with the tremendous financial support and generosity of the Muslim community of San Gabriel Valley, the initiative of Br. Vaseem launched from his garage led to the emergence of the third largest Islamic Center in Southern California. May Allah bless everyone who made this happen.
Br. Vaseem was a staunch supporter of the Reagan Republicans. He not only visited Washington DC but also established excellent rapport with key Congressmen and Senators bringing Muslim issues to their attention. Congressman David Dryer was a frequent visitor to his house.
He was a regular member of Toast Masters Club and was a good speaker. He was often invited by local churches to talk about Islam. He also formed a group of churchgoers and took them to various Islamic Centers for orientation, answering questions the group might have.
Funeral prayer for Br. Vaseem A. Siddiqui were held at the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 and he was buried in the Westminster Memorial Park.
May his soul rest in peace. (Ameen)
- Rafique Ahmed
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
