Dr Firoz and Shaista Alam Grieved as Son Hammad Passes away
Hammad Alam, son of Dr Firoz Alam and Shaista Alam, passed away on October 3, 2023, in Sacramento. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un . His untimely death is a monumental loss for his family and leaves the community in a state of shock and distress.
In a glowing tribute to the departed soul, the Asian Law Caucus which Hammad served since 2020, described how he led local and state campaigns to protect and strengthen the rights of Arab, Middle Eastern, Asian, Black, and Muslim community members. “At ALC, Hammad was fearless in his work, from mobilizing to redress the harms of the Muslim and African Bans to defunding state programs that wrongly stereotype Muslim, Black, and other communities as inherently suspicious. At mosques, schools, and community centers throughout the Bay Area, Hammad spoke with countless families to ensure they knew their rights - and knew that his team had their backs. He also guided Bay Area community members through difficult and sometimes frightening experiences, helping them to travel, live, and worship without being targeted and harassed on the basis of their faith, race, or country of national origin. He truly had an immeasurable positive impact on their lives.
Hammad had been a steadfast advocate for the most marginalized in our communities, relentless in growing the power of community-led movements for safety, justice, and belonging. He never shied away from sharing how his own personal experiences shaped his commitment to ending racism and Islamophobia, modeling what it means to foster connection and understanding towards building a better world.
Prior to joining ALC, Hammad worked to defend the civil rights of communities as an Equal Justice Works Fellow at Advancing Justice Southern California and as a law clerk in the Eastern District of California. He served on the Board of Directors of Council on Arab-Islamic Relations - Los Angeles (CAIR-LA) from 2016 to 2019. He was also a board member of MSA West since 2016.
Hammad graduated from the UCLA School of Law and held a master’s in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School.
Wherever Hammad lived, he built a caring community. From his roots in Southern California to his time in the Bay Area and Sacramento, Hammad nurtured his relationships with others working for racial justice. He was a connector, mentor, and leader, not particularly to the Muslim community but well beyond. Organizations and advocates across California and beyond are growing stronger through the unforgettable lessons and lasting partnerships he imparted.
On a personal level, Hammad’s love for soccer and music was infectious, as he joyfully shared what made him happy and whole with his colleagues. While at ALC, Hammad married his love Haifa and earlier this year, they welcomed home a beautiful daughter, their “ray of light,” Inara. Even as new parents, Hammad and Haifa continued to be tireless sources of care and resilience for their communities.
Hammad will be deeply missed. Pakistan Link/Urdu Link share the grief and loss of Dr Firoz Alam, Shaista Alam, Haifa, Inara and the family. May his soul rest in peace.
Allah yerhamo.
Janaza for Hammad Alam
Friday, October 6, 2023
Jummah prayer at Masjid Anoor (1:10 PM)
6990 65th St, Sacramento, CA 95823
Asr prayer and Janazah prayer (4:13 PM)
6330 Eagles Nest Road
Sacramento, CA 95830
