An Edinburgh woman has lead the tributes for her younger brother who tragically passed away in a vehicle collision in West Lothian.

Shahbaz (Shabba) Sharif was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the A70 near Kirknewton on Friday, May 3.

The 46-year-old was from Edinburgh and was a husband, father of three, and friend to many. He was beloved by his family and those in his community.

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His older sister, Brerah Sharif Govender, spoke to Edinburgh Live about her brother’s memory. She has also extended an invitation to members of the community for her brother’s funeral service on Wednesday, May 14.

Brerah and the Sharif family told Edinburgh Live: “Thank you everyone for your patience as we waited for investigations to be complete. We would like to invite everyone that is able, to join us. This is about Shabba and he would absolutely want you there, and so do we.

“Shabba had love for all and never cared for material or social standing. It did not matter, and does not matter. We want this to be personal for Shabba which is why we need you to cast any concerns or worries aside and please attend.

“All are requested to attend regardless of faith as we are all of the human race.

“Our beloved Shahbaz, father to Saira, Aaron and Laila, husband to Lauren, son of (late) Haji Mohammed Sharif and Rukshana Sharif, brother of Tabassum, Sajdah, Shahzad, Brerah, brother to Missba, Missba, Kevin, Amar and many many more, uncle to his beloved nieces and nephews, brother to Andrew, the Stuart’s, Nadeem, Asif and the many friends and relatives he cherished who are too many to name but you know he touched your lives.

“Please keep Shahbaz in your douahs (prayers) during this difficult time.”

The funeral will take place after the Zohr prayer on Wednesday, May 14 from 12.30pm at the Livingston Mosque (1 Craigshill E Rd, Livingston EH54 5DT).

There is no formal dress code. Simple modest clothing is permitted. Ladies are kindly asked to wear a simple scarf on the head.

A second, celebration of life service will be held at Balerno High School in the concourse on Sunday, May 18 at 2pm.

The family shared: “This will be a casual event, with a relaxed summer dress code. You all know how much Shaba loved his shorts and flip flops and he wouldn’t want it any other way. This will be an opportunity for everyone to share all their happy memories of our amazing big guy. Thank you all.”

For those who many be unfamiliar with funeral practices, Shabba’s family also provided guidance on the ceremony. They encourage all members of the community to join the funeral service, where loved ones will stand shoulder to shoulder during a funeral prayer.

All will then make their way to the cemetary on Adambrae Road in Livingston where the coffin will be carried. All are encouraged to reach over and place their hand under the coffin to lift it slightly even for a few steps so “everyone helps a little, as this is what Shabba would have wanted”. All are invited to place handfuls of soil into the grave.

The Sharif family added: “We want this to be personal. You will hear [prayers] in English and Arabic too. As the prayer is being said we acknowledge things by saying “Ameen” (Amen). You are welcome to return to the mosque where there will be food for those who have travelled, return home or stay at the graveside for a few hours to reflect, which is what a number of us will be doing. After this everyone can come to the graveyard anytime.”

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