By Abdussalam Amoo
*Photo: The late Kevin “Latif” Ayodele (also known as “Latz”)*
One of the two close associates of British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua who died recently was Kevin “Latif” Ayodele (also known as “Latz”).
He was his personal trainer. The other was Sina Ghami, who was his strength and conditioning coach. Both were integral members of Joshua’s team and close friends, with years of working together. Their tragic deaths occurred late December 2025, while in a vehicle with Joshua. They along with a driver were involved in a fatal car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The vehicle they were travelling in reportedly collided with a stationary truck. Preliminary investigations indicate the SUV was moving at high speed and may have suffered a tyre burst before losing control.
That (Abdul)Latif lived and died a Muslim is the reason behind this explainer post. It’s no longer news that in the aftermath, over $180,000 was raised by supporters and well-wishers with the intention of building a mosque in Latif’s honour, recognising both his faith and his charitable impact. This has raised some conversations among those unfamiliar with Islamic practices.
In Islam, death does not necessarily mean the end of a person’s record of good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught a principle that guides what is happening here. He said: “When a human being dies, all of his deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (ṣadaqah jāriyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him.” — Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
This hadith establishes the foundation of ṣadaqah jāriyah (continuous charity). These are acts of goodness that keep generating reward for a person long after they have passed on.
Brother Latif was known to be involved in charitable activities while he was alive. Building a mosque in his name is therefore not random, emotional, or wasteful. It is a deliberate Islamic act meant to extend his record of good deeds beyond the grave. Every prayer observed in that mosque, every Qur’an recited, every sermon delivered, and every soul guided within it becomes a flowing reward for him — as well as for everyone who contributed.
Allah ﷻ says: “And that man shall have nothing but what he strives for.” — Surah Najm, Qur’an 53:39
Ṣadaqah jāriyah is a way for loved ones to continue that striving on a person’s behalf after death. Some have asked why the funds were not used to build a hospital, borehole, or other social projects. In Islam, all of these are virtuous, and anyone is free to do any of them in Latif’s name. None is forbidden. However, a mosque has a unique spiritual dimension: it directly preserves worship, knowledge, guidance, and community faith — all of which multiply reward continuously until the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet ﷺ himself said: “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” — Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Muslim
So, this initiative is not merely about constructing a building. Within the building, a water supply facility and school could likely be included. It is about constructing an eternal investment. Over $180,000 was raised not because of sentiment alone, but because many people understand that in Islam, there is charity that feeds the body and charity that feeds the soul. Both are important, but the latter carries eternal consequences.
This is not a rejection of hospitals, wells, or humanitarian projects. It is simply the practice of a faith that believes that death is not the end. This is a practice grounded on the fact that goodness does not have to stop at the grave. Strangely enough, the people raising objections wouldn’t mind spending as much as the same amount on parties after people’s deaths. Such spending has no benefit to the dead but this act of charity does.
May Allah accept it as ṣadaqah jāriyah for Latif and for everyone who contributed. May Allah grant the families of the accident victims fortitude to bear the loss. May He forgive the deceased brother, save him from the punishment of the grave and grant him Aljannah.