Kifayat Mohammed (b 8 June 1944 d 30 May 2020) to his parents, Mum Saliman and Dad Suliman and great grandson Dookie Meah (arrived at Faith Al Razack 30 May 1845). He is the brother of Nazir, Shaferan, Shaira, Shafajat, Hazra, Enajat, Rafijat, Rafina, Shakajat, Jamat, Bab, Hidayet.
He married Yasmin in 1973, becoming the father of Rihanna, Faadia and Sofiya. His career as an accountant flourished at the newspaper TnT Mirror (b 1982 – d 2018) in his native Trinidad. Kif migrated to Canada in 1989 with Yasmin and “the girls”. Here together with Raynier Maharaj they founded the newspaper Caribbean Camera. He worked at Airpride Inc with Uncle Farooqui. Then he chose to retire to a life of service with the Sayeda Khadija Center (SKC). He moved his family to Brampton from Markham to facilitate an easier commute to SKC.
This recital of Kifi’s biographical data is insufficient, insufficient as it does not give us an insight into his extent.
Kif was the exemplary “eye of the storm”. His gentle manner and ability to listen keenly but calmly gave him the ability to absorb details and then respond with kindness and calmness. Uncle Kifi, as he was fondly known, remained unperturbed and showed no anger in any situation. It was a quality that many who interacted with him, whether in his private or public capacities, greatly appreciated.
His wife, Yasmin, and daughters were his constant connection and priority. Uncle Kif and Yasmin had a relationship of emotional stability and a shared spirit of generosity, a natural affinity for each other.
Kif and the girls had a close bond even into adulthood, relying on him to travel to their various destinations. He cared and loved his daughters very much.
As he aged and began to slow down, the role of provider and caregiver was reversed. The girls’ father became the center of their attention and education. His failing health necessitated this change, and each rose to the challenge of providing tender care and comfort to Kiffy in his second childhood.
One of the enduring images of Kiffy (one of his endearing names) was the length of his prostration. SubhanAllah! Kiffy dedicated his last decade to fisabilillah service at the Sayeeda Khadija Center (SKC). His dedication, diligence and warmth were critical characteristics in the formative years of SKC. His interaction with the growing congregation and volunteers contributed to the welcoming and family atmosphere essential to the growth of SKC.
O Allah, forgive and have mercy on uncle Kif; forgive and forgive him. O Allah, he is under Your care and protection; protect him from all trials in the afterlife. Accept him in the Ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), allow our Prophet to intercede for him and for us, accept His intercession and grant uncle Kif and us eternal happiness. Amen Ya Rabbi
