San Diego, California – When Azim Khamisa received the devastating news that his son, Tariq Khamisa, had been murdered during a botched robbery, his world crumbled around him. Tariq, just a college sophomore at San Diego State University, was working as a pizza deliveryman when he became a victim of gang violence in 1995. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Khamisa found forgiveness in his heart for his son’s killer, a decision that would lead to an unexpected and transformative journey.
In the midst of unimaginable grief, Khamisa was struck by a profound realization: “There were victims at both ends of the gun,” he said. This revelation led him to extend forgiveness to the teenage gang member, Tony Hicks, who took his son’s life. Through his practice of meditation and sufi mysticism within Islam, Khamisa found the strength to see beyond the tragedy and address the societal issues that contribute to youth involvement in crime.
Driven by a desire to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies, Khamisa established the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to promote safer communities and support at-risk youth. His mission was rooted in honoring his son’s memory and bringing purpose to his untimely death. This foundation became a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of forgiveness in the face of unspeakable loss.
Over the course of nearly three decades, Khamisa embarked on a remarkable journey of reconciliation with Hicks, the man responsible for taking his son’s life. Through countless school assemblies, prison visits, and shared speaking engagements, the unlikely pair shared their story of forgiveness and redemption, inspiring countless individuals along the way.
For Hicks, the road to forgiveness was fraught with emotional turmoil and self-reflection. Raised in a cycle of gang violence and abandonment, he found solace and guidance in the Khamisa family. Their unwavering support and belief in his capacity for change ultimately led to Hicks’ release from prison after 24 years, setting him on a path of personal growth and transformation.
Today, Hicks serves as a board member of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, sharing his story of redemption with students and communities alike. His journey, alongside the Khamisa family, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and the possibility of healing in the wake of tragedy. Through their shared experiences, both Khamisa and Hicks have forged a bond that transcends past grievances, embracing a new chapter built on understanding, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the capacity for change.