Zulfiqar Hussain

What can I tell you about the best Mamoo Jaan (Uncle) in the world? Where do I start? When someone is as unique and as special as my Uncle was, there isn't really a defining starting point. He meant so much to so many people, not just family and friends, but people he would see at the mosque or on the street or when he was playing cricket, the game he loved. I have no doubt that if he hadn't been such a committed family man, he could have become a world class cricketer! (Ok - maybe not world class - but Im sure he could have played for Essex.......Essex Corinthians that is!!!)

When we were at school, Beefy (another name for my Uncle - as he was so meaty and juicy!!) used to go to our parents evenings. The next day the female teachers would remark on how handsome he was - MashAllah (this phrase is used when admiring or praising something or someone, in recognition that all good things come from God and are blessings from Him). When we told Zian (yet another name for my Uncle!) what the teachers had said, a big smile would come on his face...but he was too modest to say anything else. Same thing would happen at weddings. Girls would try to befriend me and my sister - just to 'get to know' Zian, and they were heartbroken when we told them he was already married! Me and Fozia (my sister) loved seeing his big handsome face light up when, yet again, we told him he had another admirer. We always asked him what cream he used to look so youthful and again, he would just give us a big beaming radiant smile and say nothing. Thing with Beefy was that not only was he so handsome on the outside, he was even MORE beautiful on the inside. There was nothing he wouldn't do for anyone and was always helping out friends and family. Ever since I've been on my own, he was always there for me, seeing what he could do to make my life easier. On the 20th December 2008, Zian took my car to get the stork fixed. I was thinking of what to get him by means of saying 'thank you' as he would never take any money from me, or anyone else, and was torn between getting him a big fresh cream cake from 'The Pantry' (as he loved that cake!) or as my mum suggested - a jumper! I decided I would get both and give him the cake on 24th December 2008, and the jumper on christmas day, as the whole family was gathering at Beefy's house on 25th December 2008 and he wouldnt get much of the cake if I took it round then! I was off work 24th December 2008 and had set my alarm for 10am to get the cake so I could take it round in time for lunch and me and Zian could have a little feast! On the 24th December 08 I got up about 6.30am for the Fajr (morning prayer). There were countless missed calls on my mobile phone (phone was on silent) from my Brother Nadeem, Sister Fozia and my Uncle Adnan (Brother of Zian). I knew straight away something was wrong. My heart began beating rapidly and tears were streaming down my cheeks before I even knew what this was all about. There was also a voice message on the phone. It was my sister. She simply said, and I will never forget those words as long as I live, 'Sof, Beefy's gone'. Even though she was crying whilst leaving the message I heard clearly what she said 'SOF, BEEFY'S GONE'.

My wonderful, handsome, funny and loving Mamoo Jaan was too special for this earth and so Allah SWT took him to a better place. InshAllah he is in Jannah with Amajee (my nan) and Abajee (my grandad) no doubt tickling them and making them watch cricket!!! There is not a single second of the day that I dont miss you Zian. My heart remains broken just like everyone else's in the family. I am so proud and honoured that you were my Uncle, cos you were the best!

On the 24th January 2009, a month after Beefy passed away, his daughter Neelam gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Eesa, Beefy's first grandchild. Zian loved children and I feel sad that Eesa never got to know his Grandfather as he would have been the coolest Grandad on the planet!

I know you are in a better place now Zian, but it doesn't stop me missing you. Love you forever and look forward to the time we meet again InshAllah.
Love always, Your Boo xxxxxxx