Tributes Paid to 'Pure Hearted' Teen Zeeshan Afzal After Fatal Stabbing Outside Mosque
The devastated friends and family of an 18-year-old described as having a "pure heart" have paid heartfelt tribute following his tragic death from a stabbing outside a mosque. Zeeshan Afzal died after suffering fatal stab injuries during an altercation in Smethwick last Friday night, just as worshippers were leaving Taraweeh prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Chaotic Scene Outside Oldbury Jamia Masjid
The incident occurred outside Oldbury Jamia Masjid just before 9pm on February 20. Relatives of Zeeshan were inside the mosque when the violence erupted outside, with worshippers placed in lockdown as emergency services rushed to the scene. Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening during the same incident.
West Midlands Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made as their murder investigation continues. Detectives are actively reviewing CCTV footage and gathering information to establish why this happened and who was involved. Officers have stated there is currently nothing to suggest the incident was racially or religiously motivated at this stage.
Family's Heartbreaking Ramadan Loss
In a moving online tribute, family members expressed their profound grief. "To lose him during Ramadan has been an indescribable pain," one relative shared. They described Zeeshan as someone whose "kindness, generosity, and laughter touched everyone who knew him."
The family has created a GoFundMe appeal that has raised nearly £6,800 at the time of writing. On the page, they wrote: "Our beloved brother was tragically taken from us during this sacred month — a time when the gates of Jannah are open and deeds are multiplied." They added that they were raising funds as sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) to provide continuous reward for Zeeshan in the afterlife.
Friend Remembers Ambitious Young Man
Zeeshan's friend Rajab, a student who had spent the evening with him at prayer, described the chaotic scene he encountered after receiving a call about the incident. He rushed back to find paramedics working desperately to save his friend.
"He was a really good man, with a pure heart, he was a very loved person," Rajab said. "He had a lot of ambitions - he wanted to start businesses and make a good life for himself but also for his family and friends. He was devoted to Allah, and was inspiring. He was saving up to go on his Hajj pilgrimage in two months time."
Rajab also revealed that Zeeshan had posted a message in memory of his mother, who had passed away when he was young, shortly before his own death. "He was a good lad, pure in heart," Rajab added. "We are all grieving and praying for him."
Police Appeal for Information
West Midlands Police have issued a statement confirming: "The 18-year-old was discovered with serious stab injuries following disorder in Oldbury Road at just before 9pm on Friday. He was sadly confirmed dead a short time later." The scene has now closed but investigations continue.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage to come forward. They can be contacted via 101 quoting log number 4896 of February 20, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 55511.
In the wake of the attack, several bouquets have been attached to the railings outside the mosque as the community mourns the loss of a young man described by all who knew him as exceptionally kind and generous.
