On September 28, 2016, the region was rocked by news of a double murder-suicide. Police believe that retired Lt Colonel Nazir Siddique Chaudhry Killed his wife Zarqa Siddique in their family home in Bel Air, Maryland. The couple had celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in March. He then drove up to the University of Maryland where his son, Farhad Siddique, was a student.
In the parking lot of his son’s apartment complex in College Park, the father of two shot his son and then turned the gun on himself. Their bodies were found by police in the family’s Jeep. "We have no clear determination on what caused Mr. Siddique to commit these atrocities," said Maj. William Davis of the Harford County Sheriff's Office. According to the police, notes were left at the family home in Bel Air, Md., but will not be released during an active investigation.
Farhad was studying physiology and neurobiology at the University of Maryland and was a member of the Muslim Student Association. He died hours before his birthday; he would have been 20 years old on Thursday. His friends were messaging and calling him to wish him.PG County police said Farhad was first reported missing by friends when he didn’t show up for class.
The Salat al Janazah for the family was planned at Masjid Al Falah but was shifted to the Islamic Society of Baltimore due to the large amount of people wanting to participate. “It is a sad day for our community. Brother Nasir, his wife and his son are reported dead,” read an email sent out by the Masjid after coverage of the deaths were seen on TV and local newspapers.“Please remember them in your [d]uas. We Ask Allah to shower them with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant them the highest rank in Jannah, and give their family support and patience during these difficult times, Aameen.”
Funeral arrangements and Ghusl were organized by Masjid Al Falaah. The youth of Al Falaah, sisters and brothers from the Masjid participated in washing the bodies, said Rehan Khan MD, the President of Masjid Al Falaah. A youth counseling session was held at the masjid.
Zarqa Siddique worked with students with students with severe disabilities. The couple’s daughter survives them.
The University of Maryland Muslim Student Association released a statement: “Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Farhad Siddique, a dear friend and brother to many in the University of Maryland community. He is remembered as a hardworking, compassionate individual who helped others in any way he could. May Allah grant him and his family Jannatul Firdous, the highest level of paradise.” A halaqa with the university chaplain, Tarif Shraim was used to share memories and reflections.
Ali Abidi, the new president of the Howard County Muslim Council (HCMC), gave his condolences to the family. “HCMC was saddened to hear the news of this unspeakable tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers go out go the Siddique family. This is a tragedy that will be felt by the entire community and we pray Allah grants their family strength during this trying time.”
Nasir's brother, Aasi Tahir Siddique, told The Baltimore Sun that his brother sent him a text message Wednesday morning telling him he was under stress related to his job. Nasir also told his brother that he was depressed due to their mother's death in March.
Nasir Siddique’s Facebook page shows a blessed life, and many photographs of his mother. “Parents' presence is the highest blessing!” Police say, “we had no previous indications of any problems at the house, no calls for service, no domestic violence or anything like that.”
“[A] picture perfect family, everyone who knows the Siddique's has nothing but beautiful words for them and for uncle. We as a community and individually are grief stricken and are in pain at the thought of your absence from our lives and pray for you to attain the highest ranks in Jannah,” notes Sarah Khan, a close family friend.
Friends of the young man describe him as a kind, funny, loving guy. "His face hasn't left my mind ever since. Like, I just, I'm just cracking up to myself all the time, he never tried to be funny, he was just funny,” said Arman Khan, Siddique’s roommate and childhood friend to ABC news.
“[I] didn't know this young man Farhad Siddique but I know he helped my daughter study for her biology exam and for that I wish I could say thank you to him for my daughter said he was a great person and a very intelligent student. I don't know what to say as I am shocked as my daughter just told me about this tragedy. I just hope his soul can find peace as his memory will be celebrated by many of his friends.....for that is what happens to great people......RIP young man!,” wrote a UMD father.
With many questions still unanswered, the community quietly mourns the death of this family.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon.
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