Vigil for Portlaoise 'angel’ who was loved by everyone
The Islamic vigil for Aaron Hussain was overseen by Sheikh Mohammad Kadour (middle) and Sheikh Hassan Sher (right). Photo courtesy of ICCI Portlaoise Mosque
A CHILD killed in a road traffic collision in Portlaoise last month was “an angel” loved by everyone, a vigil held in his honour was told.
More than 100 people turned out to pay their respects at a ceremony for Aaron Hussain (5) on 15 March, at the ICCI Portlaoise Mosque in his home town.
The schoolboy from Kilminchy died on 22 February, after he was hit by a car while playing close to his home. The Islamic vigil, overseen by Sheikh Mohammad Kadour and Sheikh Hassan Sher, was attended by Aaron’s heartbroken father Tauqir Hussain.
Speaking to the congregation, Sheikh Hassan Sher said Aaron’s family were going through hardship and pain as he asked the community to pray for the family.
“Aaron is an angel now,” he said. Turning to his father, he said: "You are hurt, not only you, but we are also all hurt. He is already in paradise."
He said that the concept of Islam with regard to someone who dies in childhood is that straight away the doors of paradise are open for him. He said: “This is what Muslims believe. The doors for Aaron have opened.”
Speaking after the vigil, Sheikh Hassan said that he was “deeply moved” by the child’s death and that the Muslim community had come out to support his heartbroken family.
“A community has come together in the loss and grief," he said. "Aaron is a martyr now; he is automatically in paradise. His parents are going to Pakistan and, before they go, we wanted to bring them together.”
Former Laois County Council election candidate and family friend Naeem Iqbal said concerns have been raised with local TD Seán Fleming about road safety issues in Portlaoise, following Aaron's tragic death.
He said: "Two children have died on the roads here in two years. There are children playing in their local areas, which are congested and it is really dangerous for them.
“They are coming out from behind the cars which are in the estates … there is not enough space for children to play in, such as green sites.
“There are over 800 houses in Kilminchy, where Aaron died, and the only play area there is a small basketball court. Portlaoise is lacking in facilities, there is no infrastructure for the children to play safely."
He said Aaron’s death has caused “deep hurt” in the community.
He said: “I went to see him when he died, I saw his face, I will never forget it. I could not sleep. It caused me so much anxiety, I can’t imagine the parents’ pain, but they are very, very brave. They are a very close family, it's very hard."
A junior infant pupil at Portlaoise Educate Together, Aaron was cherished son of Tauqir Hussain and Irina Novikova and loving brother to Adam.
