Hanif By Name, Hanif By Nature

Yesterday, I attended the janazah of a brother who was close to me and many others. The passing of Hanif Matin was a shock to us all, but we accept Allah’s decree in this matter.

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our dear Brother and friend, Hanif, who returned to his Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the cause he held so dearly. For over 20 years, I had the privilege of knowing him, and in all that time, I never once saw him without a smile. He greeted me with warmth and parted with kindness, embodying the very essence of sincerity and goodwill.

Hanif did not leave behind wealth or fame, but what he left behind is what he dedicated his life to. His legacy was truly carrying Islam wherever he went, with no hesitation or compromise. He was loved by all in his community, and the imam recalled how he saw Hanif grow from a young boy who used to run around in the mosque to a man who, even when giving talks in the masjid, made the imam himself reflect.

He was a devoted carrier of the Islamic call for Khilafah, tirelessly working for the unity of the Ummah and the establishment of justice under the guidance of Islam. His conviction never wavered, and even in his passing, his voice continues to resonate. The imam leading his janazah reminded us all of his efforts, recalling how he was part of a global movement striving for change. In light of the tragic situation in Gaza, the imam reflected on how true his words were—that the so-called leaders of today do not represent the Ummah, and that the call for singular leadership remains more relevant than ever.

At the janazah, his elder brother shared a profound reminder—that Allah does not call people in order of age but rather takes those whom He loves. He spoke of how his younger brother, Hanif, was an example to him, not just as a brother but as a role model in carrying the call of Islam, speaking to people, and winning hearts and minds.

Beyond his activism, he was a man who cared deeply for others. He would often seek parenting advice from me, always striving to be the best father he could be. Upon returning from working abroad, he sent me a simple yet profound message: “Your advice of being patient was right—time is the best remedy for all issues I faced in the past.” These words, like so many of his, carried wisdom and patience—virtues he exemplified throughout his life.

Everyone had nothing but good to say about Hanif, a testament to the kind of life he lived and the impact he had on those around him. But what I do know with certainty is that, according to the life Hanif led on this earth, Allah (SWT) will have much better words to say to him. We pray that his mother, brother, family, and friends can find solace in knowing that he truly lived this life as an investment for the next, and that, by Allah’s mercy, his final abode will be Jannah.

Hanif, you will be deeply missed. Your departure leaves a void in our hearts, but we take comfort in the knowledge that, by Allah’s mercy, you will be reunited not just with your beloved father but with all those who strove for His Deen, working tirelessly day and night for this noble cause.

May Allah accept his deeds, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him the highest ranks in Jannah. Ameen.