COLUMBUS, Ohio — Family and friends of Mohamed Hassan Adam are celebrating his life and legacy during Ramadan.
Adam was killed in 2021 during a robbery. Two men connected to his death were sentenced for their crimes earlier this month.
This is the third Ramadan since the beloved Imam’s death but the first that his family has been able to mark the holy period with closure.
“For the last Ramadan, it was the saddest Ramadan we had. With all the closure we had, the people in the community that are supporting us and always with us we feel like we know we are so proud to be children of Mohamed,” said his daughter, Shukri Hassan.
Adam was a fixture in Columbus’ Somali community and his children said Ramadan was always a special time in their family, when Adam’s community service was especially on display.
“We are continuing to do my father’s great work he used to do, feed the less fortunate, be an active member of the community as he has been for over 20 years now. All these people coming here showing him love is a testament to that,” Abdulkhabir Hassan said.
Friends and family gathered Friday in the gymnasium at Focus Learning Academy in Columbus, a school he helped found, for a dinner to celebrate his life.
The gymnasium was renamed in his honor with the hopes it will be a place where people will be able to learn about Adam and his legacy for years to come.
“This will be a hub for generations to come. It will be a place where children can come together, hold ceremonies, birthday parties, they can have fun,” Abdulkhabir said. “Those smiles those children will have is a testament and something my father looked forward to every day.”