Grand Mosque in Memory of Roqiya - Gold Foil. All sales to Medical Aid for Palestinians

All sales from this postcard will be donated in Roqiya’s memory, to Medical Aid for Palestinians. I have seen an outpouring of love for Roqiya, and of people remembering her attributes and effect on them. I would like to suggest purchasing a postcard to exchange memories about Roqiya or to send to your friends or loved ones to remind them of what they mean to you. I am happy to calligraphise any message.

‘Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.’ This post is a tribute to Roqiya Sabeg, a girl who has been described by many as ‘sunshine in human form’. A courageous, warm, vibrant, beautiful soul, who passed away on Friday. Her passing has shocked thousands worldwide, and many have said that despite not knowing her well, she has left a profound and lasting impact.

Roqiya was someone who in her short life stood firmly against injustice and was always a voice for the oppressed. Until her last moments on this Earth, she advocated for the freedom of Palestine, a country she felt deeply connected to as a Muslim and as a daughter of the resistance against occupation, oppression and persecution in Algeria.

I have written this tribute with our friend @travelwithsouheila, who also hails from the beautiful country of Algeria. We chose this masjid as an apt tribute to Roqiya. It is one she was photographed at, in her element, looking so ethereal and beautiful as she always did. It is also named after Emir Abdelkader, a courageous leader who was instrumental in the revolution against the French colonial invasion of Algeria and its ultimate freedom. His consistent regard for human rights and the liberty of all people reminded us of Roqiya and what she unrelentingly stood for.

The verse from chapter four of the Holy Quran entitled The Women is one I have chosen to inscribe on this mosque because it is what came to mind immediately when I heard of Roqiya’s passing and reads:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّـٰمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah”. Roqiya truly embodied this command of Allah in every facet of her life. May her memory and legacy be an inspiration for us all to do the same.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون - to God we belong and to Him is our return.