Aaron, 5, killed last month in road collision was an 'angel loved by everyone', vigil hears

More than 100 people turned out to pay their respects at the Islamic vigil, overseen by Shiekh Mohammad Kadour and Shiekh Hassan Sher, held for Aaron Hussain at the the ICCI Portlaoise Mosque. Picture: Portlaoise Mosque

A five-year-old child killed in a road traffic collision last month was an “angel loved by everyone”, a vigil held in his honour in his hometown heard.

More than 100 people turned out to pay their respects at a ceremony held for Aaron Hussain at the the ICCI Portlaoise Mosque.

The schoolboy from Kilminchy in Co Laois died on February 22 after he was hit by a car while playing close to his home. The Islamic vigil, overseen by Shiekh Mohammad Kadour and Shiekh Hassan Sher, was attended by Aaron’s heartbroken father Tauqir Hussain.

Speaking to the congregation, Sheikh Hassan Sher said Aaron’s family were going through hardship and pain as he asked the community to pray for the family after the little boy.

“Aaron is an angel now” he said. Turning to his father, he said: "You are hurt, not only you, but we are also all hurt. He (Aaron) is already in paradise."

The concept of Islam with regards to a child who dies in his childhood, straight away the doors of paradise are open for him, he said.

This is what Muslims believe. The doors for Aaron have opened. 

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after the vigil, Sheikh Hassan said he was “deeply moved” by the child’s death and that the Muslim community had come out to support his heartbroken family.

“A community has come together in the loss and grief." he said. "Aaron is a martyr now; he is automatically in paradise. His parents are going to Pakistan and before they go, we wanted to have to bring them together.” 

Former Laois County council election candidate and family friend, Naeem Iqbal, said concerns have been raised with local TD Sean Fleming about road safety issues in Portlaoise, following Aaron's tragic death.

"Two children have died on the roads here in two years. There are children playing in their local areas, which are congested, and it is really dangerous for them.

They are coming out from behind the cars who are in the estates, there is not enough space for children to play in, such as green sites.

“There are over 800 houses in Kilminchy, where Aaron died, the only play area there is a small basketball court. Portlaoise is lacking in facilities, there is no infrastructure for the children to play safely."

He said Aaron’s death has caused “deep hurt” in the community.

“I went to see him when he died, I saw his face, I will never forget it. I could not sleep. It caused me so much anxiety I can’t imagine the parent's pain, but they are very very brave. They are a very close family, it's very hard."

Aaron’s mother Irina Novikova paid a fresh tribute to her son online.

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She shared a video of the boy with his family and wrote: “I keep replaying your voice and watching our memories, hoping somehow it brings you closer... Life will never be the same without you. 

“Home isn't home without you. The laughter has faded, and the joy is gone... I miss you more than words can say."

Portlaoise came to a standstill last month as hundreds lined the streets to pay their respects to the youngster for his funeral. His parents described the five-year-old as a child who was full of joy and kindness, with no words big enough to describe the size of his heart.

Management at Portlaoise Educate Together NS, where Aaron attended, said the school was devastated. "He was so adored by his classmates and he will be sorely missed by all within our school community, in particular his teachers and the staff who worked with him so memorably and enjoyably."