Years ago, on the quiet southwest side of Masjid Al-Rahmah, there lay a peaceful stretch of land embraced by tall, wooded trees and a gentle creek where rainwater flowed year-round. Few dared to cross those woods—fearing wild animals, uneven ground, and the mystery that lingered among the trees.
On the west side of this small forest lived Mohammed Nawaz Khattak—a devoted Muslim, humble in manner but steadfast in heart. The Masjid stood on the west side, part of a seven-acre lot where dreams of a sanctuary, a school, and a vibrant community center were beginning to take shape. But between his home and the Masjid lay that dense, untamed woodland.
Khattak did not complain, nor did he wait for someone else to act. Step by step, day after day, he began to clear a narrow path through the trees. It was hard work—branches to cut, thorns to remove, ground to even—but with quiet patience and unwavering purpose, he made a safe passage for himself and for anyone wishing to walk to the Masjid. In time, that trail became a lifeline—welcoming footsteps in all seasons, at all hours, for daily prayers, Eid celebrations, and community gatherings.
Beyond his work on the trail, Nawaz Khattak served his community in other meaningful ways. He opened an Islamic bookstore to provide families with the knowledge and resources they needed, and he founded the first-ever Muslim community newsletter—keeping neighbors informed, inspired, and united. His bookstore was so loved and valued that his son, Adnan Khattak, carried forward the mission, expanding it into a larger, modern space with countless books on diverse topics for all ages.
Today, the trail he started is wider, brighter, and open for all. In honor of his vision and dedication, it will forever be known as KHATTAK TRAIL—a living reminder of one man’s determination to connect hearts to the Masjid and strengthen bonds within the neighborhood.
"And whoever opens a way to good, Allah will grant him the reward of those who follow it, without reducing their reward in the slightest." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:85)
To the younger generation:
Let this story be more than a memory—let it be a lesson. Our ancestors carved paths not just through forests, but through hardship, uncertainty, and silence. They built with their hands, prayed with their hearts, and served with their lives. Learn from them. Honor them. And when you see a trail, ask yourself: What path will I clear for others?
May Allah reward Mohammed Nawaz Khattak abundantly, accept his efforts as sadaqah jariyah, and make this trail a path of blessings for generations to come.