An Enduring Bond, A Life of Grace
By Shaikh Ahmad Kutty
The news of Dr. Muhammad Azmatullah Khan’s passing came as a profound shock, piercing my heart and stirring reflections on mortality. It reminded me of the timeless words of the righteous caliph, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allah be pleased with him), who used to say:
“Every day it is said, ‘So-and-so has died.’ One day it will be said: ‘ʿUmar has died.’ Are you ready for that day?”
In recent weeks, I have received several such reminders—news of the passing of beloved friends and relatives in both Canada and India. Yet, losing Azmatullah touches a place in my heart that few others could reach. He was more than a friend; he was a brother, a companion on life’s journey, and a source of unwavering support.
A Bond Forged in Compassion and Generosity
When I was a struggling student pursuing my PhD at McGill University, unable to afford even a car, Azmatullah quietly stepped in. He would drive us around, plan outdoor picnics for our families, and take us to farms in search of ḥalāl meat—when such options were few. Besides helping us get the meat, he would prepare and generously share delicious meals with us, hosting us warmly and joyfully. Our children played together, grew up together, and remain lifelong friends—an enduring legacy of the bond he helped build between our families.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not thank people, does not thank Allah.” My gratitude to Azmatullah is beyond expression.
A Life Rooted in Faith, Family, and Service
Dr. Azmatullah Khan came from Jolarpettai in Tamil Nadu, India—famous for its multi-track railway junction. His father, a railway officer, exposed him early to the rhythms of travel and movement, instilling in him a love for train journeys that stayed with him throughout his life. He would often recount stories from those times with fondness and nostalgia.
After completing his doctoral studies at York University, Azmatullah worked at King Abdulaziz University before settling once again in Canada. After some years in Montreal, he made Toronto his home.
He was a true gentleman—humble, kind, and ready to help others. His presence was uplifting, his friendship sincere, and his faith quietly powerful. Those who knew him loved him dearly, for he carried the qualities the Prophet ﷺ described in a believer: social, affable, and easy to befriend.
A Decade of Patience and Surrender
Tragically, during a train journey to Delhi, Azmatullah fell from his berth. The injuries he sustained from that fall led to a long and painful chapter in his life—more than a decade of being bedridden. But even in this immense trial, his character shone. He bore his suffering with dignity, without complaint, surrendering to the will of Allah. His beloved wife, Salma Khan—daughter of our esteemed elder and martyr Fazlur Rahman Siddiqi—cared for him with tireless devotion, embodying the spirit of patience and loyalty.
Azmatullah became the unifying figure in the Siddiqi family after Fazlur Rahman’s tragic passing in a car accident alongside his close companion, Bashir Fareedi. He held the family together with wisdom and grace, strengthening ties and offering encouragement even in his own time of need.
A Beautiful End to a Beautiful Life
Toward the end, Azmatullah’s readiness to meet his Lord became clear. He stopped eating, saying simply, “Those who are ready to leave no longer need food.” He called out to his mother, and then, while uttering the shahādah, the testimony of faith, he returned to his Creator.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever dies while uttering ‘Lā ilāha illa Allāh’ shall enter Paradise.” And: “When a believer desires to meet Allah, Allah desires to meet him.”
What a reassuring promise from the Messenger of Mercy (peace and blessings be upon him). As we grieve this immense loss, our hearts find solace in the words of the Qur’an,
“O soul at peace, return to your Lord, pleased and well-pleasing. Enter among My servants. Enter My Paradise.” (Qur’an: 89:27-30)
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Azmatullah Khan is survived by his devoted wife Salma, four sons, eleven grandchildren, one sibling, and countless friends who mourn his passing and cherish his memory. His life was a testament to quiet service, generous friendship, and faithful endurance.
We pray that Allah Most Merciful grant him the highest station in Jannat al-Firdaws, in the company of the Prophets, the righteous, and the truthful. May He continue to bless his family, strengthen their hearts, and allow the light of Azmatullah’s legacy to live on through them.
Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return. Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn.