It is with a heavy heart, we publicise the passing away of our dear and beloved fellow cyclist and brother, Haji Shafiq Desai, who was a true gentleman with a noble character.

He sadly passed away on the 22nd and we prayed over him Thursday 23rd October 2025 at 3.00pm, burying him in Preston Cemetery, Location 3, PR2 6NJ with a heavy heart. Our eyes may shed tears, and our heart may feel hurt, but we are content with the decree of Allaah and sincerely pray he is accepted in the company of the prophet peace be upon him.

A lot can be said about him, he was a kind and selfless brother. Despite being a very competitive athlete, he would be there if anyone needed help, by your side to offer encouragement and motivation, all the way to the finishing line.

He was a regular at the Masjid for daily prayers, and a loving husband and a devoted father to his 4 children.

Shafiq did a lot of charity work, and actually penned the original cyclist route in 2021 where we would end up raising in excess of £100k! But was also a dedicated pharmacist, and committed to excellence. He sought this excellence through acquiring knowledge and then imparted it to those around him.

To sum him up, Shafiq was an athlete, energetic for the work of deen yet humble and above all he was our mentor and inspiration.

We are raising funds, in his name, as a gift to him, so that his soul finds joy in the barzakh, rewards multiply and rank elevated.

This is your opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime legacy.

Please donate whatever you can and help us spread the word. Every pound, every share, every prayer brings us closer to a watertight building, and one step closer to fulfilling this dream.

May Allah reward your support and make this sadaqah jāriyah a source of light for you and your loved ones in this life and the next.

Riding for the first masjid in the South Lakes.
Let’s make history, together

P.S. Please scroll down for more information.

4 years ago in 2021 we prayed at the site in an open field !!! 

4 Years Later in 2025

⚠️  WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?

The Muslim community in the South Lake District is growing, yet the closest masjid is 50 miles away in Lancaster. Our children have no place to build their Islamic identity through a masjid or madrasa. They don’t even have ghusl, shrouding, or janaza facilities. This masjid will be a lifeline for generations to come. ⏳

⚠️  100% DONATION POLICY – EVERY PENNY COUNTS

Every pound you give goes towards the necessary steps, processes, materials that will help build this masjid to a high-standard. We are a team of volunteers, doctors, engineers, and professionals, all working for the sake of Allah. Your donation today is not just a contribution; it's a sadaqah jaariyah, an eternal investment in your akhirah. ⏳

 WHAT YOUR DONATION WILL HELP BUILD:

• Five daily salah
• Madrasa for children
• Women's facilities
• Education for adults
• Friday sermons for South Lakes
• Funeral facilities
• Community facilities for outreach and development

⚠️  WHAT THE MASJID WILL INCLUDE:

1️⃣ The main prayer hall 2️⃣ Mezzanine prayer space for sisters  3️⃣ Multi-function community space 4️⃣ Small kitchenette 5️⃣ Disabled access and toilets ♿ 6️⃣ Wudhu area 7️⃣ Ghusl area for the deceased  8️⃣ Roof garden community hub  9️⃣ Car park 

⚠️ WE CANNOT AFFORD A CASH-FLOW DEFICIT. THE MASJID CONSTRUCTION MUST CONTINUE.

This is your chance to be a part of history. Imagine the first adhaan ? echoing in South Lakes, the first salah, the first child memorising Qur’an, the first janaza prayer... All of this can be YOUR sadaqah jaariyah.

This image represents the vision:

The closest mosques are more than an hour away!

The work is happening now! And it's moving fast: https://youtu.be/25_bqXRqrTg

Please donate generously and share this message widely, put it on your WhatsApp status ?, send it to all your contacts, and encourage others to do the same. Every share could lead to another donor, another prayer, another soul benefiting from this masjid, all adding to your rewards! 

May Allah bless you with unimaginable rewards in this life and the next.

To donate or get involved, email [email protected] .

⚠️ Let’s build this masjid together—before it’s too late! ⚠️ 

To pledge larger sums please contact [email protected] or place a transfer to our bank directly.

South Lakes Islamic Centre

Sort Code: 30-98-90

Account Number: 18231460