Fazal Virani (1973–2022)

Fazal Virani was a devoted Azadar, humanitarian, and community leader whose life became inseparable from the revival, preservation, and global transmission of Saff Matam. His service was not confined to organisation or advocacy alone; it was lived, embodied, and sustained through action, sincerity, and an unwavering love for Azaa.

Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Fazal was the eldest son of Marhum Asgarali Virani and Mualima Fatima Bai Virani. His formative years were shaped by strong religious grounding, discipline, and a deep attachment to Azadari—values that remained central throughout his life.

In the mid-1980s, Fazal moved with his family to Stanmore, where his father served as President of the Jamat. The family endured a profound loss when Marhum Asgarali Virani passed away suddenly at a young age and was laid to rest in the sacred Haram of Imam Ali al-Ridha (as) in Mashhad. This tragedy left an indelible imprint on Fazal, instilling in him a heightened sense of responsibility toward faith, service, and community leadership.

After establishing a successful career in the City, Fazal chose a path of purpose over comfort. He committed himself full-time to humanitarian service with the Zahra Trust, working in some of the world’s most conflict-affected and vulnerable regions. Through heartfelt and often emotionally charged video messages from the ground, he became widely known for conveying the realities of suffering, resilience, and hope—giving voice to the oppressed while embodying the spirit of compassionate service rooted in Azadari.

During the 1990s in Stanmore, Saff Matam had been relegated to small, marginalised areas of the centre, with limited visibility and declining youth participation. Fazal, together with his brothers and fellow emigrants from Tanzania and Mombasa, worked tirelessly to restore its prominence during Muharram. He motivated and mentored youngsters to recite—many of whom would later become respected and prominent reciters—and consistently encouraged youth to participate actively in Saff Matam within the mosque itself.

Fazal’s love for Saff Matam was truly second to none. Long before this website came to fruition, he had already established a dedicated YouTube page where he regularly uploaded Saff Matam recordings—many of which he personally filmed on his phone. Wherever in the world he travelled, Saff Matam travelled with him.

On one occasion in Toronto during Muharram, Fazal had accompanied a scholar who was reciting Majalis-e-Azaa at the Afghan Centre. After personally driving the scholar to the venue and attending the majlis, Fazal would take an Uber across the city to the JCC—ensuring that he would not miss Saff Matam. This commitment was not symbolic; it was instinctive, reflecting how deeply Saff Matam was woven into his life.

Recognising the power of digital media at a critical moment, Fazal used his YouTube channel as a catalyst for revival when participation in Saff Matam was at a low ebb. By sharing powerful Saff Matam performances, Azaa and cultural expressions from across the world, alongside rare and historic recordings, he ignited a wave of renewed interest, pride, and engagement. What followed was not merely increased visibility, but a genuine cultural and spiritual resurgence that transcended borders.

In conversation, Fazal often spoke of a vision to create a Saff Matam book—one that could be distributed globally, containing written Saff Matams while the corresponding recitations would be preserved and shared online. He played an instrumental role in collecting and preserving a vast number of the initial write-ups that would form the foundation of this project.

Fazal was not only an archivist and organiser, but a participant at heart. A keen Azadar, he regularly stepped into the Saff himself, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his brothers, often asking his sons to record as he joined the circle. His presence generated an immediate and contagious josh, creating a domino effect that uplifted the entire Azaa. Whether on the volleyball pitch or within the mosque, his natural charisma drew young people toward faith, community, and Azadari.

The momentum he helped create grew into a remarkable snowball effect. The revival of Saff Matam among youth in the West began, in time, to inspire renewed interest in the historic centres of coastal East Africa—an extraordinary reversal in which the diaspora revitalised traditions in their lands of origin.

On 22 February 2022, Fazal Virani returned to his Creator at the age of 48. Though his life was cut tragically short, his legacy endures—in revived circles of Saff Matam, in the countless youths he inspired, and in this very platform, which stands as a testament to his vision and sacrifice.

We humbly request readers to remember Marhoom Fazal Virani with Sura-e-Fateha gifted to the mother of Imam Hussayn (as). May Allah (SWT) grant him maghfirat, envelop him in His infinite mercy, and grant him the highest stations of Jannah in the proximity of the Ahlulbayt (as).