He was the man behind “Sarang Café,” but really, he was the true frontman of Revamp Truthseekers.

In 2012, I returned from studying abroad in a “third world” country. While I was there, I realized that we might be a “first world” country when it comes to material things, but not when it comes to values. I also noticed a gap between the youth and the Asatizah (religious teachers), and I decided I wanted to bridge that gap — not as a teacher, but as their brother.

The idea of starting a café came because it gave me a way to say hi to anyone! It wasn’t about business, coffee, or food; it was about love for the youth.

For two months, I walked around Kampong Glam because I felt sure it was the right location, and I wanted to make sure the Muslim presence stayed strong in that area. I wasn’t just looking for a café spot — I was making friends with strangers to hire them! It was a bit random and crazy, but I met some amazing souls. How could I tell? I couldn’t, really, but I believed that when your intention is right, things will fall into place. One of the first people I met was brother Jaafar, or “Sarong” as many called him.

I shared my vision with him — a café where we turn customers into friends. Upstairs, we’d hold free “Sharing Sessions” about real-life values like loving our parents, truthfulness, sincerity, friendship, and good manners. We’d make money from the café downstairs and give back to the community upstairs. He agreed almost instantly. We named the café “Sarang,” which means “nest” — a place where those who’ve flown far away can return.

What I didn’t know about Jaafar was that he was like an icon in the area. Almost everyone knew and loved him! And it was through him that our customers grew. Before long, people were regularly hanging out to “chill” at the second floor. He worked whole-heartedly. All the staffs and customers adored him. Within a year the second floor was a full house. And then we were offered to use the space at Sultan Mosque for the growing crowd, for free!

Jaffar was a loving person and that is the reason he was loved by all who knew him. He loved everyone, regardless of their background. He treated everyone like family. He was the big brother figure, always making sure the staffs didn’t miss their obligatory prayers. When he noticed how rushing it was during “Maghrib” time, he wrote a sign on the chalkboard: “Be right back 7.30pm. Maghrib! Thank You!” (see photo), and led all the staff in congregation at the second floor. Not a wise move for business – some would say. What did he gain?

Before he passed, he said the shahadah, recited the sayyidul istighfar, gave sadaqah to the poor and sick, requested and paid for the food to be served for everyone who visited him at the hospital. He was forgiven by everyone who came to see him. That’s what he gained. He even left a will advising his friends to grow closer to religion. Read his will here.

I’m proud of him. I feel he deserves congratulations more than condolences. He died a winner, inshaAllah.

The café was just the front cover of Revamp, and Jaafar was its true frontman.

For every person who attends a Sharing Session, the reward will be his, inshaAllah — a continuous source of reward even after his death.

Al-Fatihah for Jaafar Bin Sariban.

May your soul rest in peace, dear brother.

Missing you,

Aydarus Alhabshi