“Junaid Jamshed quit singing, not knowing he wasn’t going to live long:” Mufti Menk

Renowned Muslim scholar Mufti Menk recently paid tribute to the late televangelist Junaid Jamshed, describing him as a profound example of how Allah's love can transform a person’s life.

A video circulating on social media showed Mufti Menk sharing his reflections on his encounter with Junaid Jamshed, emphasising his inspiring journey of faith and transformation.

Mufti Menk used Junaid’s life story to encourage people to remain steadfast in the pursuit of good deeds and to seek closeness to Allah, reminding them of life’s unpredictability.

“A Pakistani singer turned to faith, and Allah took him away. To me, that was the love of Allah for that man,” said the popular Zimbabwean scholar.

He recalled meeting Junaid Jamshed shortly before his tragic death in a plane crash.

“I spoke to him for a while and thought, this is the guy who used to sing and was literally famous for his singing. He quit it and he turned [to faith], not knowing I am not going to live long,” Mufti Menk said, highlighting the inspiration he drew from Junaid's journey.

He further described Junaid Jamshed's transformation as a manifestation of the well-known dua: “Oh Allah, let the best of our deeds be the last of our deeds.”

“It’s not an easy dua; it’s a sunnah dua, it’s a reality. I need it, you need it,” he added, encouraging others to reflect on their own lives and deeds.

Junaid Jamshed’s musical journey began when he formed the pop band 'Vital Signs,' where he gained prominence as the lead vocalist.

Vital Signs became a household name in the 1990s, with hit songs like Aitebaar, Goray Rang Ka Zamana, Dil Dil Pakistan, and Sanwali Saloni. Dil Dil Pakistan became particularly iconic, and in a BBC poll, it was ranked among the top 10 songs, receiving votes from 155 countries.

In 2004, at the height of his career, Jamshed made a life-changing decision to leave the music industry and devote himself to his Islamic faith.

After quitting music, Junaid Jamshed became a prominent religious figure and Naat khawan, gaining respect for his spiritual contributions.

Junaid Jamshed, who lost his life in a plane crash near Havelian in 2016, was accompanied by his wife and 45 other passengers.