Riyadh: Muhammad Al-Qassem, the 20-year-old Saudi student who was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Cambridge, UK, was remembered as a devoted volunteer at the Kaaba, known for his service to pilgrims in Makkah.

According to Khaleej Times, citing updates from Inside the Haramain, Al-Qassem had long served as a volunteer in Masjid Al Haram, assisting elderly pilgrims and guiding lost visitors during Hajj and Umrah. The platform described him as “more than a volunteer—he was a shining example of quiet dedication and heartfelt service.”

Al-Qassem had travelled to the UK for a 10-week placement studying English in the city when he was attacked. Cambridgeshire Police stated that the incident was an "unprovoked attack."

"Inside the Haramain joins the Ummah in offering its sincerest condolences to Muhammad’s family and friends. We ask Allah Almighty to envelop him in His infinite mercy, to accept his years of service, and to grant him the highest ranks of Paradise," the mourning statement read.

"For many, he represents the thousands of young men and women who devote themselves to serving the guests of Allah, often with little recognition but great reward," it added.

Al-Qassem’s funeral is expected to be held in Makkah upon the return of his body to Saudi Arabia.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.

Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.

However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.

"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.

The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.

"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.

With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.

"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."

Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.

"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.

"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."