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Condolence Messages

It is very shocking to hear that our good friend, Arif Peera, passed away this afternoon in LA. Details of the cause of his passing are not confirmed yet but he was very ill recently.

Arif was THE pioneer of the Haider Cup and a very good friend with a big heart.

I still have hard time coming to terms that Arif is no longer there. It was only last week that he called me on my cel and just couple of days ago I chatted with him online. He was in high spirits getting ready for his trip to Pakistan where he was scheduled to go for kidney transplant. His last words to me were "I will play in Haider Cup in Orlando".

Today not only we lost a golf buddy, but we lost a good friend and a great person. He will be missed by all of us but he has left a legacy where we all will get the opportunity to meet once a year during a golf tournament that he started and remember him.

May Allah bless his soul and may He give his wife, his kids, his parents, his sister and his brother-in-law, and his entire family the courage to bear this great loss. Ameen

Raza Dhanji

Orlando Haider Cup Organizing Committee

Haider Cup Committee

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajeoon.

As many of you know, Br. Arif Peera was not well during recent weeks and it is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing away of Br.Arif this afternoon.

To many of us, Br. Arif was the founder of Haider Cup which brought our brothers together from all across North America as well as he was a founding member of KSI Golfworld. In addition to this Br. Arif contributed much more to our communities - he was a supporter of charities around the world and worked with many of us to raise support for these worthy causes. Br. Arif was a leader in our community that always had a passion to do more for the greater good.

Br. Arif leaves behind his parents, a wife and two young children. He also leaves a legacy that will Insha-Allah be remember for generations to come.

Please join in reciting Sura-eh-Fateha for the Marhum and please remember him in your prayers.

Hameed Jagani

Vancouver Haider Cup Organizing Committee

Haider Cup Committee

Innalillah wa Innallihah Rajioon

It is with a very heart that I write this email to you regarding the sudden and very sad demise of our brother Arif Peera. As a fellow golfer, and brother in Islam, we are always reminded of how fragile life can be and what a gift it is indeed to be able to live and serve Allah the almighty.

As a member of the Toronto Haider Cup committee I had very many chances to know Arif and that is why it is very difficult for me to write this email. I wish all the strength to his family, especially his immediate family of parents, wife and kids. I too lost my father at the age of 9 along with my two sisters aged 7 and 5 and know how tough this loss can be.

It was not easy, but one thing my mom held on to was her faith in Allah swt and her unwavering belief in the Ahl-Bayt of Islam. It is these two things that will comfort and guide the family during these trying times.

I promise you one thing, on Monday morning, with the grace of Allah, I will be in the presence of the Zarih of the exalted Bibi Zainab and I will pray for my brother in Islam. I will also pray for him during the Hajj - Inshallah.

Hold steadfast and have patience.

Mohez Kamalia

Toronto Haider Cup Organizing Committee

On behalf of all the Canadian golfers who have had the honour to play in past Haider Cup matches, please allow me to convey our deepest sympathies on the untimely passing away of our friend Br. Arif Peera.

Arif was the mastermind of the Haider Cup matches and because of his unselfish efforts these past six years, he was able to annually unite KSI golfers all over North America in the spirit of friendly competition. His sole motive for spearheading the Haider Cup matches was that his fellow brothers in North America that shared his passion for golf can get to know one another on the golf course. Rest assured his legacy will live on as KSI golfers in the US and Canada will continue with the tradition that he started for many years to come.

In helping him organize the Haider Cup matches in the past, Arif and I had our differences. But he would always make the first gesture to come up and shake my hand or put his arm around my shoulder and warn me that no amount of arguments that take place in the heat of the moment can break the bond of a friendship. This was the type of man that Arif was...a true gentlemen. We will all truly miss him.

Please, once again convey our condolences to Arif's wife, parents, kids and the rest of his family. This is surely extremely difficult for them and may god grant them the strength to bear this tremendous loss.

And may god grant you happiness in the hereafter old friend! Amen.

Hassnain Chagani

Toronto Haider Cup Organizing Committee

INNA LILLAHI Wa INNA ILLAHI RAJEOON

I heard the sad and shocking news yesterday evening via a call from my uncle.

I had spoken to Arif only last week to advise him of places he could go for treatment in Pakistan or India, and he seemed so excited to be in the process of getting treatment although slightly nervous.

He was looking forward to playing in next years HC after his treatment.

This news has really shocked me because we have all lost such a good friend and golf brother, after all the HC is here as a result of Arif.

I will really miss him but will remember him in my prayers.

Fayyaze Adat

London

Very disturbing news indeed. We pray for the Mahroom that Allah grant him a choicest place among our masoomeen...ameen

Shafiq Ebrahim

Toronto Haider Cup Organizing Committee

This is indeed very sad news. He was a pious young man and we pray to

Allah (SWT) to grant him a place amongst the chosen ones and to give his family sabre jameel at this most difficult time.

There is something we can do for the dparted soul. Perhaps we can arrange for all the Haider Cup golfers to contribute a small amount of money that we can then donate to a charity that he loved for his isaale thawaab. Whilst I am sure that Haider cup organizers will do a lot more in the future, this would be a good time to do something now as the dharity for his isaale thawaab will be most beneficial to him in barzakh

Akber Mithani

Vancouver

I am extremly aggrieved to hear the news of the demise of Arif Peera, but have to accept the fact and He knows what is best for all of us.We have to pray and console the family, the parents and wife and the children.

On behalf of the Executive Council of the Sports Council of the Africa Federation and on my own behalf, I send to you and the family our heartfelt condolences and may Allah grant Arif his rightful place in the hearafter.Amen.

I have personally known Arif's father for a long time and I send my pole to him and may Allah give, stregth to the family to bear the loss Amen.

I know that Marhum had been in the forefront for the promotion of golf and always reminded us of our commitments to KSI Golf World.

I am copying this email to the Chairman of the Umoja Sports Festival Safder Jaffer in Daresalaam and request him to observe a minutes silence at the start of the festival and also recite surahe fateha. I will request that an obitury be carried in the magazine of the Umoja Sports Festival.

We also send our condolences to the LA Jamaat

Amir Somji

Chairman - Sports Festival

Africa Federation

Please recite a sura Fateha for mahrum brother Arif Peera.

Iqbal Dhalla

Toronto

I am sitting at my desk reading about funeral arrangements for Arif and my brain is not able to comprehend it. How does someone with so much energy, so much love for life, so much enthusiasm for community bonding just leave us so suddenly?!

As a former LA golfer and community member who spent countless hours on the course with Arif, I can tell you the SIJLA community is in deep shock and grief. Our heart aches from the loss of our friend and for the pain Farha, Ali Abbas, and Fasial must be in right now.

We pray that Allah grant Arif peace and paradise in the hereafter and pray for his family to have the strength to endure this trajedy.

Khalil Sivjee

Toronto

INNA LILLAH WA INNA ILAIHI RAJEOON

Very sad to learn on the demise of your beloved brother-in-law and our beloved friend Arif Peera.

We pray to Allah (s.w.t.) to rest the soul of Marhum Arif in peace and amongst our Chahaarda Masoomin (a.s.) and grant you all the strength to bear this heavy loss. Amen.

Let us all raise our hand and recite Sura-e-Fateha for Marhum Arif.

God Bless

Bashir Tejani

UK

This is very tragic and heart-breaking news.

How right you are in terms of Arif's commitment to support charities and maintaining brotherhood. We were actually discussing to host a west coast tournament in the next few months and the first thing that came out of Arif's email just a couple weeks ago, was to make sure that charity was part of the event. His last recommendation to us was a charity called Comfort Aid so we should consider this when donating in his honor for his isaale thawab.

Mohamed Versi

Seattle

Salaams & Condolences.

It's hard to overstate just how much of a loss Marhum Arif's passing means to the brotherhood of golfers and friends he has, and more so for the most near and dear to him. I especially got to spend more time with him this past summer since we shared a ride to and from the tournament courses at Haider Cup in Toronto.

One doesn't have to spend much time with Marhum Arif before knowing that he had unreserved desire to spread goodwill amongst everyone; and he made the time to talk to everyone in the sincerest form.

To some, golf is just a game. To me, golf helped me see life differently, maybe even better. The things that Marhum Arif did, made me a better golfer, which in turn, made an impact on my life - something even preachers can learn from. I miss him dearly, and offer the deepest condolences from my family to his.

I'm grateful God, for giving us a friend like Marhum Arif for the time that we at least had together; and pray to God to keep his soul under the Blanket of Peace and Mercy, amongst the Choicest Servants. Ameen.

Requesting Al-Fatiha for Marhum Arif Peera.

Muhammad Kermalli

Orlando/Toronto

Salamun Alaikum

It was really a shocking news. But what Allah(S.W.A)knows,we do not.I have personally met marhoom and I found him to be pious and very gentle. Let us all pray to Allah(S.W.A)to grant the marhoom's soul amongst the chosen Ahlulbait and give his family sabre jameel at this most difficult time.Please recite sure Fateha.

Hassanali Rashid

Vancouver

I'd like to extend my personal condolences to Marhum Arif's family and to all of us who share in his loss.

I had the chance to play, sit, and spend the best of moments with Arif several times and words cant describe what a delightful person he always was.

He carried me through my toughest match of my golf career and I will never forget him for that. Not only was he a host to all of us year in and year out..he was a bigger brother and great friend. The lessons he taught all of us on and off the course will be missed and there will always be a BIG gap left for us to fill. I will always remember his constant smiles and great golf stories.

I pray to All-h to shower his best blessings on our Beloved Brother.

Let's all remember Marhum in our Dua's. Kindly requesting a Surah Fateha for him.

Muhsin Kermalli

Orlando

Yesterday we lost a true gentle soul from this earth. Arif Peera will always be remembered as a man with passion for life on and off the golf course. His presence was marked by optimism, charity, and strong faith in both words and actions. He has left a void that can only be replaced by remembrances of his contribution to all our lives.

We pray for his safe passage and especially for his family's strength through this tragic loss.

We all offer our deepest condolences to his family.

Rest in peace my brave friend.

Mohamed Sivjee

Los Angeles Haider Cup Organizing Committee

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajeoon

Our dear brother Arif's passing away is a tremendous loss to all of us. Our hearts go out to his wife, children, parents and other members of his family. We pray for his maghferat and a place fro him in the proximity of Masoomeen (AS). I take this opportunity of extending my heartfelt condolences to the family and pray that May Allah bestow sabre jameel upon the family to bear this loss.

Here was a young man, humble, graceful; full of passion for community and humanity. We all admired his outgoing and easy nature which made all those who came in contact with him, to feel at ease. I saw him at close quarters, handling the organizational challenges of the Hayder Cup Tournament in California some two years ago with much diplomatic dexterity.

As one who values and appreciates Community Service and the well being of our small Khoja Community, more than most, I acknowledge that Marhum Arif will remain a role model for many young people in our community. Using the vehicle of sports, especially Golf, he managed to bring together community members from far and wide, to cement our brotherhood and enhance our networking. He truly understood the value our social capital as a community, which seems to gradually receding, as we spread out far and wide in the world. Marhum Arif showed us that despite living in the western most corner of the world, in the context of the Khoja Community, his endeavourers placed him right in the center of our Community.

Therefore, in addition the many excellent means of preserving his memory through charitable activities and having more sports tournaments in his memory, the greatest tribute, his peers and younger members of the Community can pay, is to try and be as community conscious as Marhum Arif was and espouse the values of brotherhood and unity as much as he did.. This communities' social capital would no no bounds if we had fifty Arifs in our Community. I urge all, especially our young, to emulate the leadership Marhum Arif provided, in maintaining our links as the Khoja Shia Ithnaasheri Community across the globe for generations to come.

Let us remember Marhum Arif with a Surae Fateha.

Hasnain Walji

Ex-President

World Federation

Plano, Texas

INNA LILAHI WA INNA ILAHI RAJEOON

Our Prayers are with the Family of Marhum Arif Peera who best in the Judgement of Allah (SWT) has left this World for the Heavenly Abode. Ameen.

l have never played Golf and have met Marhum Arif in Orlando and can remember his Smile,something which is not going to be erased from my mind. Undoubtedly he will be remembered not only by the Golfers Fraternity but beyond that.

Our Condolences to the LA Jamaat for the Loss of a Valuable Member of the Community and we all Pray that Allah (SWT) Grant his Family and the Community the Sabr to bear this lmmense Loss.Ameen.

Jabir Chatoo

President

Husseini Islamic Center

Orlando

It is with profound sadness that we have heard this news. Arif was a young man who loved his community and was an inspiration for young and old. His humbleness and kindness was very evident. His family including his parents and sister as well his brother in law have been known for always working together towards the betterment of the community. Their support that they provided Arif to fulfill his dream of bringing our community together frequently is today a reality. I remember when he was first thinking of putting the Hyder Cup, that we talked and how one kind effort brought the members of our communities on this part of the continent together. He will be missed by all. It shows us all how life is so precious and why at any age one can make an effort that can make a difference.

We pray to allah st to give his family the patience to bear this great loss and may allah St give him a place in heaven. Amin. .
Sura Fateha is requested.

Hussein Walji
President. Nasimco.

Salaams Brothers,

Words cannot begin to describe the emotion that I am feeling today, and that I am sure all of us are feeling. Our brother, Arif Peera, has left us.

Only a few weeks ago many of us gathered to celebrate his son's birthday... only a couple of weeks ago, that many of us enjoyed his company at the cricket match... only a few days ago that many of us saw him at the mosque...

Alas, I am saddened by the fact that I was at none of those events..

I have known Arif from time we moved to Los Angeles in 1989. Our families always lived in close proximity to each other, in distance and in relation. There are no words that I can use to describe Arif that would be anything but positive.

I remember the times when he used to come and play Volleyball with us. I remember how funny it was because Arif would always yell at himself anytime he messed up.. we all thought he yelled at himself before anyone of us could yell at him.. it still brings a smile to my face..

Arif always took jokes so well. We would tease him about Golf and what have you, and he always took it with a smile. Better yet, he always had a come-back...

Arif's recitation on Duas and A'maals in the mosques were always excellent. I will truly miss his recitation of Munajat of Imam Ali. These are the things that will inshaAllah build his home in Heaven.

We all take life for granted my brothers.. Who knows where we will be tomorrow. Sometimes we joke with each other and sometimes we hurt each others feelings.. we have to be careful.. only Allah knows..

I ask that we take this opportunity to reflect on our lives and our relationships...

Most importantly, I ask that we take a moment and remember our friend and our brother Arif. May Allah grant him a high place in Jannah. May Allah grant his family patience to deal with this loss.

I apologize if I wasted your time with my random and unorganized thoughts - such is the time.. Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Jamil Jaffer

Volleyball Captain

LA Union Sports Club

Salaamalakum,
In a world where far too many indivisuals spend their energy dividing people, Br Arif Peera was busy bringing his community together by introducing the Haider Cup.Arif was the founder of Haider Cup. Arif is the spirit of Haider Cup.

When I first met Arif ,it was as though I had known him all my life. With his ear to ear smile, his embracing bear hug and his enthusiastic welcome, he put you at ease immediately.

Each year the Haider Cup event has not only given many of us an opportunity to enjoy the thrills of a fantastic golf event, but has solidified everlasting friendships from all over Canada and the US.Arif also used this event as a forum to raise money for varios projects. Inshallah this spirit will continue for many years to come and then be handed down to the next generation. A job well done. May Allah bless Arif for your efforts.

Arif never missed a Haider Cup and he never will. He will be sitting on the 19 tee on a beautiful golf course in Junnaat. Looking down at us, he will be laughing at our hook shots, duffs and slices, listening to our petty excuses and wondering "Why did I ever put these lousy, talentless, wannabe golfers together!? "The answere will be ....I needed comic relief in Junnaat!!

Arif THANK YOU from all of us. Thank you for all the memories we shared. You will always be with us.

Allah please give Arifs' family strength during this time of sorrow. Allah please give Arif a special place in Junnaat. Allah please give us all the courage to reach out to one another and always seek unity.....As did Arif Peera.

Sibthain Akbar

Toronto Haider Cup Organizing Committee

Haider Cup Committee

I had the good fortune to meet Arif during the Haider Cup matches in L.A 2005 and Toronto 2006. Arif was an extreemly gracious host in L.A and went out of his way ensuring all of us were well looked after. Arif took time out of his busy schedule and visited the Toronto team hotel in L.A to personaly thank all us. Even though I had only known Arif a short while, his personality was such that he made one feel like a life long freind and a brother.

I am deeply saddened at the loss of such a gentle and pious man, he will be greatly missed by all of us.

My heartfelt condolences to all his family, we will remember him in our prayers.

Fateha

Baqir Naqvi

Toronto

I will always remember Arif as a caring and loving family man. I spent many hours with him on and off the golf course. We spent alot of one on one time on the golf course where we talked about many topics, shared many ideas and he never missed the opportunity to talk about his family......be it Ali Abbas and Faisal's accomplishments at school, participation in plays and recitals, sports achievements or just something funny they did or said. He shared about his wife Farha's successes in academics and her experiences and successes in the work place, their family trips and their family vacation plans.

Those of us who knew Arif know about his tremendous passion and zest for life. It was never about the glass being half full or half empty........Arif's glass was always overflowing. I also considered him to be a visionary, he shared many of his ideas and visions...........many of which I thought were far fetched at the time. He always had the knack to surprise me by turning those visions into reality.

Let us all remember Arif for what he stood for and for the person that he was.............a caring and loving family man, an integral part of the community who touched the lives of everyone he met and a friend to one and all. My dear friend whom I will miss very much.

Mehboob Dhala

Los Angeles Haider Cup Organizing Committee

Asalamun alaykum

To lose a youth of Aarif's calibre is a big loss to the community at large. I had known Aarif,albiet briefly, during his short transit trip to Dar. He was my tennis partner at that time. I found him a gentle,polite and caring young person. Everytime I read the golfing articles from him it gave me tremendous pleasure. He was the organiser of so many tourneys in N.America,so I understand.

My condolences go to his family and esp his father whom I know so well. May Allah s.w.t. grant him place near Chaharda Masoomin and give courage to his family to bear the great loss.

Mohamed Pirbhai

Dar-es-Salaam

It is very shocking and hard to understand about the passing of our dear friend Arif Peera. I had the privilege of playing against him in many Haider Cup events including the last 2006 in Toronto. A true gentleman who was well spoken, kind and very giving. Arif you will be truly missed. Haider Cup will not be the same.

May Allah give his wife, children and family courage through this very difficult time.

Let us all recite Sura Fateha.
 

Azim Chagani

Toronto

It was a shock to learn about passing away of Br Arif. The Haider Cup will not be same with out them.

My heartfelt condolences to all his family, we will remember him in our prayers.

Shabbir Dewji

Vancouver

Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Elaehi Rajeoon

It was a shock to learn of Arif's sudden demise. We have known him since he came to study in California. We saw him grow into a wonderful husband, dad and become an important member of the community. He always had a jest for life, and spent most of the time with either friends or family.

Arif, we miss you. May Allah swt Bless you and give patience to Farha, Ali Abbas, Faisal, Ukera, Zakia, Shaista and Imran to bear this loss.

Guess what Arif.. because of your continued encouragement, (I got my first set of used clubs from Arif), I did start golf and I love it.

Hasnain Khaku

Anaheim Hills, California

To Allah we belong and unto Him is our return.

A former resident of Dubai, I remember Marhum Arif as a thorough gentleman. He was a compassionate person with a kind nature and an ever smiling face.

He kept in touch over the email and introduced me to KSI GolfWorld and was always looking for ways to do charity work through the game. OneWorldChallenge was one of his great ideas to collect funds for charities. I suggest KSI GolfWorld to dedicate the annual event to Marhum Arif and to re-name it in his memory.

He will always be remembered for his selfless nature and passion to care for others.
His love for the community was well known and it came to the fore during the Hyder Cup when it was played in California.

May Allah grant him a place amongst the Masumeen (AS) and to give his family members the strength & Sabr to bear this tremendous loss.

On behalf of my family I would like to extend our condolences to Haji Ukera unncle and his family especially to Marhum's wife and children.

Let us remember Marhum with Sure Fateha and pray to Allah to shower him with His mercy.

Askary M. Khimjee
Dubai - U.A.E