Death has claimed Faisal Al-Halabi, brother of the Minister of Education and Higher Education in Lebanon, Judge Abbas Al-Halabi.
Al-Halabi was one of the prominent figures of the Lebanese community in Nigeria, and one of his friends called him the ”connecting link” between all parties due to his tactful manner and diplomacy in communication between members of the community and the local people.
Al-Halabi’s funeral was held at the Makarem Mutual Aid Association center hall in Ras el-Matn, in the presence of the Sheikh Akl of the Unitarian Druze community, Sami Abilmona, and various political, social, cultural, and educational figures and dignitaries.
The Sheikh Akl's Testimony
His Eminence the Sheikh Akl offered a testimony for the deceased, in which he stated:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“O soul at peace, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing. Enter among My servants and enter My Paradise.” God Almighty has spoken the truth.
This is the inevitable death that we await, which meets us wherever we go. The Almighty says: “The ones whom the angels take in death [while they are] good and pure, [saying], 'Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise for what you used to do.'” This is the key to Paradise—for what you used to do. Righteous work is the path, the key, and the way to Paradise, to the testimony of family and brethren, and to the pleasure of God Almighty. Our dear departed worked, so may his path to Paradise be clear and manifest, for righteous work is what is required. The dear departed was a giver, and he was righteous in his work, in his giving, and in his magnanimity. We have heard the testimonies about him, and this is the treasure and the provision that a person saves for the Day of Judgment and reckoning.”
He continued: “The deceased is the son of a noble and generous family, and His Excellency the Minister, Mr. Adnan, and all members of the family have made contributions and offerings for which they are to be thanked, whether in health, educational, or social institutions. Furthermore, he was an in-law to a noble family, the Al-Khalil family, who are generous and always present at charitable occasions and in answering the call.”
He concluded: “We ask God Almighty to cover the deceased with His vast mercy. May God magnify your reward, and we ask for his family longevity and safety, and to follow in his footsteps. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”,
His Eminence then led the prayer alongside Sheikh Safi Ghanem, and the body was laid to rest in the family cemetery in the town.
