Tributes have been paid to an “exceptional” 16-year-old Muslim boy who died after being struck by a car while cycling home from Fajr prayers in Birmingham.
Muhammad Ismail Alum suffered serious injuries following a collision near the junction of Cattell Road and Templefield Street in Small Heath at around 5.25am on Friday, August 28.
He was taken to hospital but died the following day.
Muhammad had reportedly been cycling home after performing Fajr prayers at Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre when the collision occurred.
West Midlands Police said a 47-year-old Birmingham man was arrested over the incident and subsequently charged.
Clyde Carey has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene and causing death while uninsured.
He appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on August 31 and was remanded to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on September 28.
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Police said they continue to support Muhammad’s family and have appealed for anyone with information or footage relating to the collision to come forward.
“A remarkable young man”
Muhammad was a pupil at Darul Uloom Islamic High School in Birmingham, where he was remembered as an outstanding student whose achievements extended from his Islamic studies to his academic work and charitable activities.
Deputy head teacher Hammaad Azhar described Muhammad as “a remarkable young man” who was “respectful, resilient, responsible and deeply caring.”
The school said Muhammad was a much-loved son, relative, friend and student who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing sport and dedicating himself to his studies.
By just 16, Muhammad had memorised the entire Qur’an, earned two ijazahs recognising his Qur’anic recitation, led Taraweeh prayers, achieved outstanding GCSE results and taken part in numerous fundraising events for people in need.
Azhar said: “His kindness could be seen in the way he treated everyone around him.
“He was always willing to help and encouraged others to follow Islamic principles through his words and example.
“Although his life was tragically short, what he achieved and the example he set will leave a lasting legacy.”
Darul Uloom had previously celebrated Muhammad’s achievement in memorising the Qur’an when he completed his hifz during Ramadan in March 2024.
In a school bulletin at the time, Darul Uloom announced that he had “achieved the remarkable feat of completing the memorization of the Qur’an,” becoming Hafidh Muhammad Ismail Alum.
The school described the achievement as “truly extraordinary”, particularly given Muhammad’s young age and the fact that he completed his memorisation during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Muhammad was also recognised by the school for his work ethic and character. In an earlier Darul Uloom bulletin, he was named among the school’s leading house-point earners, an award the school said recognised pupils demonstrating perseverance, consistency, hard work and good actions.
Following his death, Azhar said the loss of Muhammad was “immeasurable.”
West Midlands Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information or footage relating to the collision.
Anyone who can assist the investigation can contact West Midlands Police via its website or by calling 101, quoting log 580 of August 28.
