2011 May - Zahir Ahmad Khan
May 2011 - Zahir Ahmad Khan
LA/Inland Empire (California)
This month's Shining Star is the late Zahir Ahmad Khan Sahib, a beloved khadim from the LA/Inland Empire Majlis.
Zahir suddenly passed away on April 5, 2011 while returning to Los Angeles from a trip with his family in Pakistan. He was 32 years old and is survived by his father, mother and sister.
The son of Dr. Tahir Khan Sahib, Zahir was born in September, 1978. He was loved and admired by anyone who met him. His warm smile and charismatic personality were enough to put anyone at ease. He was always the first to approach and offer “salaam,” and ask about your well-being.
Zahir always seemed to be on the move, despite the fact that he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy - a disease that weakens the muscles which move the human body. By age 11, the disease had progressed so rapidly that he lost the ability to walk and Zahir had to begin using a wheelchair for mobility. Still, he remained very active and led a fulfilling life for the short time he was with us. Zahir was fond of traveling, having traveled extensively throughout his life to places like Pakistan, India (Qadian), Australia, Spain and the United Kingdom, to name a few.
Zahir was an extremely God-fearing, religious and spiritual person. He always listened to speeches and khutbaat with great attention, and revered Hadhur(aba) tremendously. He had a special bond and love for young children; many Atfal relished his company. Zahir was a very dedicated Tifl and, later, Khadim, who regularly attended Jama’at meetings, functions, and events. He seldom missed a Dars-ul-Qur'an or Salat-ul-Tarabi during Ramadhan. When MKA LA/Inland Empire decided to host a barbeque along with the monthly general meeting at someone’s residence in the hopes of increasing attendance, Zahir was the first to offer his home – such was his concern to participate in whatever way he could.
After high school, Zahir attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he graduated in June 2006 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. While at school, Zahir didn’t hesitate to become involved, and served as the secretary of the Cal Poly Pomona Interactive Web Development Student Association (IWDSA) for 2 years.
Zahir was very astute and had a photographic memory; his great ability to remember details and statistics off the top of his head was remarkable. His cousins and friends always enjoyed this, especially when it came time to watch Zahir’s favorite team in action – the Los Angeles Lakers.
On April 6, 2011, just prior to the Janaza prayer for Zahir, Imam Shamshad A. Nasir, Missionary Southwest Region , remarked during his Friday Sermon, “no matter how much pain he was in, not once did you ever hear Zahir complain about anything. Such was his steadfastness. Such was his patience.”
Several close friends have expressed their fond memories of Zahir Khan Sahib.
Many of us who knew him on a very personal level from childhood felt fortunate to have known him. He struggled with his physical handicaps throughout his life but never complained, never felt he was different, and never felt sorry for his own predicament; but instead went out of his way to ask about the welfare of others. Zahir had an affectionate smile and a positive attitude. He was extraordinarily compassionate. He was so genuinely nice and sincere that, at times, to me, he seemed other-worldly. Like an angel sent by Allah who blessed us, taught us, reminded us of the countless bounties Allah has provided us, and then returned to God in peace. - Ahsan M. Khan
Zahir was the most kind and loving person. I remember how excited he was to host us when we organized a barbeque at his home. He thanked us for coming and told me that we were welcomed in his home anytime. Zahir Bhai will be missed but in our hearts forever. - Usama Muzaffar
Zahir was a very inspiring person to be around. As the years passed and his mobility decreased, his attitude never changed. He was always positive and an overall joy to talk to. I had a great time talking with him about the Clippers, Lakers, and fantasy football. He never complained about his physical limitations and never wanted you to feel sorry for him. His strength and attitude is what I will never forget. - Salman Syed
Zahir was so kind and loving and when it came to children he was amazing. Every time Zahir would see me with my son Sultan, both of their eyes would light up and they would give each other a hug and a
kiss. He had a natural bond with individually with everyone he knew, even young babies and kids. He was so kind, and so loving, and so pure. – Saif Rahman
When I look back and reflect on Zahir's life, the first thing that comes to mind was that he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I don’t think I could ever recall a time when he became angry with anyone. The closest I remember seeing him get upset was when the Lakers did a bad play - even with that it blew over just a few seconds later. - Ahsan Jattala
I remember going to Zahir Bhai's house in December 2010 just to visit him. He was an amazing person and we just talked for hours about the khuddam activities. He was always interested in the khuddam activities even though it was becoming difficult for him to participate in them. - Anique Tahir
I remember every single time I met Zahir, he always had a positive attitude, and a smile on his face. Even at times when I had a rough week or a bad day, Zahir was usually the first person I would meet at the end of the week with a good attitude. He would always ask how I was doing and sincerely cared to listen. After meeting Zahir, I would walk away with a good feeling in my heart and all the negative things in my life would be forgotten. - Faisal Rajpoot
Zahir had a humble personality with everyone. I loved seeing how he had a distinct and strong connection with each and everyone. For me personally, if it weren't for Zahir who taught me everything I know about the LA Lakers, I wouldn't have become the fan I am today. – Taha Majeed
Zahir was a man of humbleness, devotion, compassion, and most importantly a man of God. I was very fortunate to grow up with ‘Zar.’ When we were younger I would visit his house when and he would take me to his room where he had all the latest games for almost every game console. He was always a very gracious host asking me what I wanted to do and made sure I was having a good time. I also fondly remember riding on the back of his wheelchair. He even had some tricks that he performed with his chair where he would spin it around. I use to be amazed as a youngster. My fondest memory of Zar will be his charismatic personality, passion for life and his caring nature. - Fahad Rajpoot
Zahir helped during my high school career to decide which university to go to. He sold me on his Alma Mater, Cal Poly Pomona, which he at the time attended. He told me all about the Computer Information Systems program and guided me as I started my college career. As I started college, I attended many classes with him. His note taking skills were phenomenal and his handwriting was impeccable – it looked liked something that was type written. He was a sharp and talented student with a great zest for knowledge and learning. He also took his video games very seriously and was an intense competitor. He had a knack for hitting the crazy buzzer beaters on you with only seconds on the clock. After hitting the shot he would look over at me and give me a smile. Then, being the good sportsman that Zahir was, he would congratulate me on a good game. I also had the opportunity to attend live and watch many Lakers games with Zahir. Every game was an experience with Zahir seeing him chant 'Defense!' or 'Come on Lakers, Lets Go!' (yes even at home while watching on TV), he would move about in his chair, out of nervousness during an intense game, and he would make some hilarious comments about certain opponent players and getting on the officials for not making the right call. Zahir had an incredible memory and knew obscure statistics that would probably take me hours to find. He would even be able to tell you about the NBA referees and what their tendencies are to make calls. Zahir always offered me great advice and encouragement when it came to school, work, and life in general. He truly was an inspiration to me and was an amazing individual. He was always so kind, generous, and easy to talk to, always approached everyone with a smile. Zahir will always hold a special place in my heart as he was a brother to me, he was and always will be my best friend. - Sufyan Farooqi
I will always remember Zahir’s intellectual talks and also his fun side with rides on the back of his wheelchair. On Sundays at the mosque, we used to watch the Lakers and football games on the TV in his van - and I was a Laker fan… Zahir was the Lakers and sports analyst. There is so much more to say about him but words sometimes can't express such a great person. - Bilal Rajpoot
What I most remember about Zahir was his love for the Lakers and technology. In fact, Zahir was the first to have internet through Prodigy, and he and I plus Shazi and his brothers would spend the night and play sports trivia on Prodigy all night. - Jawaad Malik
Growing up I would always witness Zahir Bhai’s passion for the Lakers. I would often go to Dr. Tahir Khan's house as a child which created a good relationship between me and Zahir Bhai. His passion imprinted on me greatly and solely because of him am I such a huge Laker fan today. Zahir Bhai would always have a shining smile when anyone greeted him, and I will always remember his passion and smile. - Harris Ahmed
Zahir will always be an inspiration to me. Remembering his resolve, his patience, his calm demeanor, and his appreciation will always serve as an inspiration to me.
I will never forget how Zahir would greet me with a smile on his face. His appreciation, patience, and resolve will always serve as an inspiration to me. – Naem Mohamed
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