It is with a very heavy heart that Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya USA informs everyone that a young Tifl from Philadelphia Majlis, Shuhob Ihtesham Janjua, passed away after being in a fatal automobile accident. Shuhob passed away at 9PM EST on April 1^st, 2010. اِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَاِنَّـآ اِلَيْهِ رٰجِعُوْنَ (Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return).

Shuhob Janjua was bright 7 year-old Tifl who was in the second grade. He enjoyed what many boys his age did, particularly karate, baseball, basketball and playing his Wii gaming console.   Yet, Shuhob had a much more meaningful identity that many people around him experienced when in his presence. Despite his tender age, Shuhob was very active in Jamaat events and at the masjid. As a Tifl, he would regularly attend Atfal classes and help out in any way he could and to the best of his abilities. Those around him understood Shuhob was well beyond his years as was seen through his character and actions. He was always one of the first Atfal who, without hesitance helped out in many Waqre-amals or anything that was asked of him. He was intelligent, studious, recited the Holy Qur’an daily and is a model and friend for all.

Ata-ul-Aleem Choudhary, Nazim Atfal of Philadelphia Majlis, shared few words that capture the real essence of Shuhob. He said:

“The realization that Shuhob has passed on is still unfathomable. In my mind, I see vividly images of his bright smile, and the way he tilts his head whilst partially closing his eyes as he greets me every time, enthusiastically calling "Aleem Bhai!",  followed by the warmest and most genuine of hugs. To think that I will never again see a smile play on his lips or that frequent flash of intuition glow in his eyes- my heart feels heavy with a loss I will only come to understand better with time. But with time also comes healing, for Allah is kind and merciful to those who leave and to those left behind.”

Shuhob’s cousin, Umer Chaudhry shared that Shuhob’s room is filled with pictures of the Khulafa. Shuhob wanted to wake up seeing the face of Hazrat Masih Maud (as) so he had a picture placed on the side he would normally wake up.

May Allah give this bright young boy a lofty place in paradise and give the grieving family and friends the strength to endure this tragic and devastating loss. Prayers are also requested for both Shuhob’s mother’s and brother’s health for a full recovery from the accident as well. Ameen.