Hundreds attend huge multi-faith vigil for Khurm Javed

A whole community joined Khurm’s family friends and religious leaders in silent tribute at St Mary’s Church on Bramall Lane this afternoon for the moving multi-faith tribute to the 30 year old who was fatally shot just yards away last Saturday.

Several hundred people packed the church grounds and gathered behind a seating area for relatives to remember the life of the much loved father of two described as an “inspiration to the community”.

They wore t-shirts printed with his name, carried balloons and queued to add their contributions to a tribute wall at the entrance to the church.

A welcome and opening prayer was said by Rev Claire Dawson, Priest of St Mary’s. Imam Amer Hafiz gave a recitation of the Quran and Iman Sadaqat Hussain of the Madina Mosque gave a tribute to Khurm and prayers.

The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield offered words of support and a blessing.

Iman Hussain said: ”We have come here to mourn the loss of an innocent life, a person who was dear to each and every one of us.

"Our coming here today is a symbol of that coming together of humanity and we stand against all the forces of disunity. I cannot begin to tell you what your presence here today and your support will mean to us and the grieving family. They are heartened with your support.

“Today is a day we hoped and prayed we would never see. An ordinary law abiding citizen, who was out with friends living his normal life became a victim of gun crime and tragically lost his life.

“As a father myself I cannot imagine how anyone could commit such a heinous crime. Our thoughts and our heartfelt prayers are very much with Khurm’s family in this difficult time for them.

“We have lost an amazing individual, intelligent, talented kind loving person who chose to give his time and energy help others.”

He said Khurm was a remarkable person who gave love and affection to everyone who had encountered him whether he had known them or not. He was a committed professional solicitor and a hard working individual who tried to achieve at the highest level.

“He was a much respected an true inspiration for the entire community,” Iman Hussain added.

“Khurm was a loving son, a beloved husband an a caring father who loved his two children dearly . He enjoyed being around family and friends and relished their company. he was ultimately a person who captured the hearts of and brought a smile to everyone who met him.

He loved his sport and he had a brilliant competitive nature . He was a renowned award winning cricketer who was well recognised for his accolades and achievements.

“Khurm was positive and cheerful person who approached everyone with open arms.

“He had supported many in the community with his kind, caring an generous nature and would always go above and beyond for others. he has left an everlasting impression on everyone he encountered. Khurm was a devout muslim and just like all of us here today was very much looking forward to this blessed month of Ramadan. Though it will be difficult we must remember to look beyond the sadness of this moment to celebrate the life of Khurm Javed and to be proud of all our fellow citizens who have come together to affirm our shared community.”

Rev Claire Dawson added: “It’s the least we could do myself and Sal from the Mosque coordinated it together . I asked that it should go ahead because I just felt it was needed and necessary after the shock of what happened just to come together in prayer and that his death wasn’t the end of it – but that there was some hope after that and to give some comfort and in the place of tragedy. To try and find some life and some hope. Our faith communities have that – we all have a hope and a faith and it is how do we enact that in the face of tragedy. it’s by putting down our barriers and coming together as one community.”

Khurm’s friend Omar Yasin said: “I’ve known him for the best part of my whole life.

It’s a tragic loss.

“He was a beautiful guy, a best friend, an excellent husband and father and son – the kindest person you could ever come across. He would go above and beyond to help people, members of the community or members of his own family.

“That is why so many people are mourning his loss.

“His smile would light up the room, he had such a cheeky smile.

“In our circle of friends he was the one that kept us together and made us laugh. Now nothing is the same.

There is a group of us friends – brothers who sit together and it’s something that’s not going to be the same any more.

He said his friend loved his cricket.

“He was a good player He used to play for Kashmir CC at Totley .

“He was very close to his father and brother and as cricket players they played together with a very good bond of friendship.

“Khurm was a very big Arsenal fan even though he lived in Sheffield. He was a very competitive guy – he loved sports and played football regularly.”

Omar emphasised there was an open invite to all at the vigil regardless of colour faith or religion.

“That is irrelevant in these circumstances and we can come together as a community and somehow stop what has happened, he said.

“He is an innocent lad and that’s gone to waste We must think of his wife and two children. He was very close to them.”