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Safiya Upshaw's Death (2030)

Safiya Upshaw’s death occurred at Amina Upshaw’s Baltimore home in late 2030 after a long illness that Safiya had largely concealed from the rest of her family. Her son Rafiq Upshaw was incarcerated at Patuxent Institution and did not attend her funeral or burial.

Illness and Death

Safiya lived with Amina during her final years. Amina cared for her and knew more than the rest of the family about the severity of the illness. Safiya minimized her symptoms and kept much of the decline private until late in its course.

Safiya died at Amina’s home. Rafiq was not present because he remained incarcerated at Patuxent.

Funeral and Burial

The family held Safiya’s funeral according to Sunni Muslim practice, including the janazah prayer and burial. Abdul Rahman, Nadira, Khadijah, Karim, Amina, and members of the family’s masjid community attended.

Patuxent offered Rafiq the possibility of attending under escort and in restraints. He refused to attend his mother’s janazah shackled and therefore missed both the service and burial.

Rafiq’s Grief at Patuxent

Safiya’s death became one of the defining griefs of Rafiq’s incarceration. Raymond Holloman, his cellmate and father figure, remained with him through the immediate aftermath. Their vigil coincided with the 2030 flu outbreak, during which Rafiq was also concerned about Raymond’s COPD.

Safiya’s death deepened the existing estrangement between Rafiq and Abdul Rahman. Safiya had remained loyal to Rafiq after his incarceration while Abdul Rahman had ended contact; after her death, that remaining family bridge was gone.

Events Deaths 2030 Safiya Upshaw Upshaw Family