Condolences pour in after journalist Rifat Jawaid loses both parents within six days; mother Abeda Khatoon passes away unaware of husband Shabbir Ahmad’s death

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JKR Staff
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Journalist and founder of Janta Ka Reporter, Rifat Jawaid, has had to face a double tragedy in recent days after his mother Abeda Khatoon passed away at the of 66 due to COVID-19 complications. The tragic passing of Rifat’s Mother came just six days after the veteran journalist lost his father, Alhaj Shabbir Ahmad, due to a heart attack. Mrs. Ahmad breathed her last on 17 May at a private hospital in Patna, not knowing that her husband had passed away six days ago.
Abeda Khatoon

Sharing the news of his mother’s tragic death, Rifat wrote on Twitter and Facebook, “My Ammi Abeda Khatoon is no more. She left us exactly six days after Abbu’s passing. Ammi went not knowing that she had lost her husband. I’ve now lost two of my HUGE sources of entering jannah (heaven) within seven days. I also lost my shield. Please make dua for my parents.”

Tributes poured in with politicians, entertainment stars and noted journalists paying their tribute to the monumental tragedy faced by the famous journalist.

Industrialist Naveen Jindal tweeted, “My deepest condolences to you and your family Rifat. May almighty bless the departed souls and give you the strength to bear the loss. Prayers.”

Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, tweeted, “My heartfelt condolences Rifat. This is truly tragic. May lord give you the strength to cope with your loss.”

Zafar Sareshwala, former Chancellor of Maulana Azad University, wrote, “Please accept my Heartfelt Condolences! Agar Maa-Baap apni Aulad se Khush Hokar Inteqal farma gaye To unki woh Duaein puri Zindagi aap ki Hifazat Karengi! AllahSWT unhe Jannat mei aala se aala maqam ataa farmaye.” Former MP from Bihar, Shakeel Ahmed, tweeted, “Very sorry Rifat Saheb. Losing both the parents within a week is really heartbreaking. May Allaah give you courage to bear this humongous loss. Praying for their Maghferat.”

Actor Danish Husain wrote, “@RifatJawaid Bhai it is heart rendering. Bas yahi ki Allah unke darajaat ko buland kare. Aur aap dher saara sukoon aur pyaar. Ghareeb ko qareeb paaiyega gar koi zaroorat ho!”

England-based DJ Bobby Friction wrote, “My condolences once again Rifat. ???? You must be devastated. May their souls travel in peace.x”

Renowned music composer and Indian Idol judge Vishal Dadlani wrote, “My gosh, how does one even condole this? I’m deeply, deeply sorry, Rifat Jawaid . Be strong.”

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha wrote, “Take care and show courage Rifat. sending you love and courage my friend.”

Sweden-based scholar Ashok Swain wrote, “So sorry for your loss, Rifat! What a terrible time. Stay strong. Hugs.”

Filmmaker Reema Kagti tweeted, “Deepest condolences. So sorry for your loss.”

Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai tweeted, “My deepest condolences & sympathies. This pandemic has devastated families. May the Almighty give you and the family all the strength to bear these irreparable losses and come out of these trying times.”

Manisha Gulati, Chairperson of Punjab’s Women Commission, wrote, “Rifat Ji, I am very sorry for your loss, no one can take place of parents and their love. My sincere condolences and prayers for the departed souls, may god grant them peace and strength to you.”

Mrs. Khatoon was born in Unsar village in Muzaffarpur. She later moved to Kolkata, where all her children including Rifat were born. However, she returned to Muzaffarpur after performing Hajj in 2008.

Mrs. Khatoon tested positive for the deadly virus on 6 May, but her oxygen saturation dipped below 90 on 10 May. Thanks to the immediate help from the Indian Youth Congress volunteers namely Gunjal Patel and Anand Kaushal, she was placed on oxygen support without much delay. This saw a remarkable improvement. She even managed to celebrate Eid with her children and grandchildren without knowing that her husband had passed away on 11 May due to a heart attack.

Her condition deteriorated on the morning of 15 May. After being refused admission by several hospitals in Muzaffarpur, Mrs. Khatoon was shifted to Patna’s Mediversal Hospital in a life support ambulance. However, she succumbed to COVID-19 complications two days later.

She was buried next to her husband at a graveyard in Muzaffarpur. Mrs. Ahmad is survived by four sons, one daughter and 13 grandchildren.