Dhafir Faheem Jihad Sr.

Bismillah-ir-Rahmaan-ir Rahim
In Loving Memory of Dhafir Faheem Jihad, Sr
February 2, 1952 (Newark, New Jersey) - February 16, 2025 (Springfield, MA)
We sadly announce the loss of Dhafir Faheem Jihad, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a cornerstone of his community. He departed this life at the age of 73. Though our hearts ache with his absence, we celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his immediate and extended family.
Dhafir was a man of great wisdom, infectious humor, and a heart big enough to embrace everyone he met. He had a gift for making people laugh, whether with a well-timed joke, a clever piece of advice wrapped in humor, or a story that left you shaking your head and smiling. But beyond the jokes was a teacher-constantly dropping gems of wisdom, pushing those around him to improve. He knew the importance of making sure the next generation understood where they came from and where they could go. Because he could always use his understanding of the Quran and spiritual quotations to make tough situations seem fairer, his wife, Renay, called him her personal Imam. As a devoted husband to for 48 years, their love was full of laughter, resilience, and unwavering support.
As a father, he was steadfast in modeling what it means to be a protector and guide, raising his children with a sturdy but loving hand using tough love when needed, along with endless encouragement. He was the ultimate storyteller, advice-giver, and the one who could turn even the toughest lessons into something worth smiling about.
His grandchildren loved him. Dhafir always showered them with gifts and gadgets to make life fun. As a grandfather, he was playful, motivational, and loving. In fact, a book about his relationship with his grandchildren captured the way he shared timeless gems of knowledge with them.
His impact extended far beyond his family. He embraced Islam while attending The College of the Holy Cross in 1970, where he graduated with a degree in Sociology.
After that, he taught at the Sister Clara Muhammad School in Springfield, MA and managed and cooked at the Shabazz restaurant for many years. While there, he was nicknamed "My Chicken Man." He also sold the Muslim Journal paper with the Fruit of Islam crew too.
After Sister Clara Muhammad school closed, he worked at Uniroyal before becoming a tax examiner for the State of Massachusetts. He retired from that job at age sixty. Dhafir was an avid gardener. He took pride in gardening flowers, fruits, and vegetables. He seemed to have a kindred connection to every seed and leaf in his garden.
Dhafir is survived by his loving wife, Renay Jihad; his four children, Hakim, Sabir, Dhafir, and Mansour; and eleven cherished grandchildren: Jose, Nassem, Shylouh, Taj, Idris, Yarah, Olivia, Ian, Mansir, Aayan, and Nyssa. He also leaves behind his beloved mother, Sylvia Johnson; his brothers, Charles, David, and Daryl; and his sisters, Noreen, Denise, and Laurie. He was predeceased by his father, M.C., and his brother, Michael.
Though we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable legacy-a life well-lived, love well-given, and lessons well-taught.
A prayer service where family and friends will gather to share memories, laughter, and gratitude will be held on February 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the North End Chapel, 130 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. The burial prayer service is at Islamic Center Cemetery, 96 N Maple Street, Enfield, CT 06082. Reception will be held from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, at the 1636 North Restaurant, at 220 Worthington Street, Springfield, MA. Parking is available at the Worthington Street Lot.