It is with deep sadness, the team at the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council UK announces the passing of our most senior and beloved Executive Secretary Maulana Shahid Raza OBE on the 6^th of September 2022. ‘To God, we belong and to Him, we return’ [Q, 2:156].

As an Executive Member of the Shariah Council, he served diligently for more than three decades facilitating and supporting the vulnerable members of the Muslim community.  Maulana Raza was notably recognised for his sympathetic and sensitive approach to handling matters of marital dispute and divorce. During his career, he helped many families reconcile or reach amicable means of separation. His professionalism, strong work ethic and the fountain of knowledge with which he ran the council are memories etched in the minds of our team and worthy of treasuring his example for the years ahead. However, his contribution to the council is a small part of his dedicated effort to improve the services that ensured the British Muslim community stayed connected to their faith and the land in which they reside, the United Kingdom.

Amongst these achievements are his leadership as Imam to Leicester Mosque and the interfaith forums. Combined, Maulana Shahid Raza’s legacy alone demands respect, admiration, and love from us all at the council. Besides his professional approach to his work, he was also a gentle and humble person, with the most delicate disposition. It was a pleasure to have worked and been trained by him. All the members of the council feel the gap that he has left behind and are equally grateful to him for imparting his knowledge, skills, and experience to us all.

We earnestly pray and seek Allah’s pardon, compassion, and eternal paradise for him. May the angels descend upon him with greetings of peace and glad tidings, may he find strength and forgiveness in the love of Allah, and may the Light of the All-Mighty Allah guide Maulana to his destination of peace and felicity. We ask Allah to reunite him with His Beloved ones, Ameen. Until we meet again, you will remain in our thoughts and prayers as a fond memory and loved teacher. Thank you for supporting and teaching us to run this council with justice, compassion, tolerance, diligence, and concern for the community we serve.