It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of Henna Aslam, a beloved 21-year-old daughter, sister, friend, and student from Dayton, New Jersey. Henna, a shining light within the Rutgers University community and a cherished member of the Muslim community, tragically lost her life in a car accident on Tuesday.
Henna was a proud student at Rutgers University’s prestigious Honors College, where her brilliance, compassion, and leadership set her apart. She was not only an academic achiever but also a vital part of Rutgers’ Muslim arts group, where she used her talents to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. Through her art, her words, and her actions, Henna created spaces for reflection, healing, and community — always grounded in her deep faith and her vibrant love for others.
To know Henna was to experience kindness in its purest form. She was a loving daughter to her parents, Aslam and Sajida, a devoted sister, a loyal friend, and a beacon of strength and gentleness to all who were blessed to cross her path. Her heart was vast and giving; she made time for others, listened intently, and was never afraid to stand up for what was right. She carried herself with a grace and quiet wisdom well beyond her years.
Henna’s art was a reflection of her soul — beautiful, thoughtful, layered with meaning. Through her creativity, she left an indelible mark on the Rutgers campus and within the Muslim community. Her voice resonated far beyond classrooms and galleries; it was a call to compassion, justice, and unity.
As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we take solace in our faith. We pray that Allah (SWT) showers His mercy upon Henna, grants her Jannat al-Firdaus, and envelops her family with patience, peace, and strength during this painful time. In this moment of heartbreak, we remember Henna not by the tragedy of her passing, but by the beauty, light, and love she brought into this world.
Funeral Arrangements:
Janaza Prayer: Today at 5 PM (following Asr prayer) at ISCJ (Islamic Society of Central Jersey)
Burial: To follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park and Cemetery, between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
We encourage all who knew Henna, and even those who didn’t but feel moved by her story, to keep her and her family in your duas. May we honor her memory by embodying the kindness, strength, and love that she so effortlessly shared with the world.
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Quran 2:156)
Henna’s light will never dim. It will live on in the countless hearts she touched, the lives she changed, and the love she gave so freely. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her legacy inspire us to live more gently, love more openly, and give more selflessly.