The Al Warqa Grand Mosque became a place of collective grief and compassion on Thursday as hundreds gathered to console Abdul Latheef, an Indian expatriate who lost all four of his young sons in a devastating car crash on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai Road.
The traditional Islamic condolence gathering, known as Azza, saw an outpouring of solidarity from the community and senior officials. Still recovering from injuries sustained in the accident, Abdul Latheef sat in a wheelchair, receiving visitors with quiet dignity as prayers and words of comfort flowed throughout the day.
Officials stand with grieving family
Senior representatives from Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police personally visited the bereaved father, a gesture that deeply moved those present. A social worker attending the gathering said it was rare to witness such personal involvement from officials, who went beyond formalities to share the family’s grief.
Officials also played a key role in expediting funeral arrangements, offering round-the-clock assistance and securing special approvals despite the family’s residence visas being issued in Ras Al Khaimah.
Young lives lost
The tragedy claimed the lives of Ashaz (14), Ammaar (12), Azzaam (7) and Ayyash (5), along with the family’s domestic worker, Bushra Fayaz Yahu (49). Three of the boys and Bushra died on the spot, while Azzaam succumbed to his injuries later. Bushra’s body was repatriated to Kerala, where her funeral was held earlier this week.
The four brothers were laid to rest side by side at Al Qusais Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.
Family’s condition
The boys’ mother, Rukhsana, remains hospitalised in Abu Dhabi, while their only surviving child, 10-year-old daughter Izzaa, has been discharged. Similar scenes of compassion were witnessed at the hospital earlier this week, when staff and senior Emirati officials gathered to support the parents during a final viewing of their sons.
Community in solidarity
From morning to evening, relatives, neighbours and even strangers continued to arrive at the mosque to offer condolences. “All we can give now is moral support,” the social worker said, adding that the unity shown by the community and officials has been profoundly moving.
The accident occurred as the family was returning to Dubai from the Liwa Festival, hoping to ensure their children were ready for school after the winter break — a journey driven by parental care that ended in unimaginable loss.