In the days since, he has had trouble sleeping as he tries to come to terms with what happened.
“I can't forget it. It was unimaginable,” said Taha. “To think about it, it's very painful. It's been two weeks, I can't sleep well… Many nightmares.”
Family members prayed around Tahir's open casket in the mosque's Khilafat Centenary Hall before funeral prayers were held outside.
An Ahmadi Muslim, Tahir was persecuted growing up in Punjab province and had sought asylum, first in Sri Lanka and then in Australia. He had lived in Brisbane before moving to Parramatta.
His brother, Mudascar Bashir, said he had not seen him for six years, but the family spoke often on the phone.
“He said, 'I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm happy. This is a good country, I'm going to settle here and have a good life here because this country is free and I have freedom here,'” Bashir said.
Speaking before the funeral prayer, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed the nation's gratitude to Faraz Tahir for his brave actions.
Bondi Westfield stabbing victim Faraz Tahir who worked as a security guard at the mall.
“We regret the long and happy life he should have had the opportunity to have here in Australia … we regret all the chances that have been stolen from him and that have been stolen from this wonderful community,” Mr Albanese said.
He said his life in Australia was defined by giving back to the nation and the sense of obligation he felt to the nation that had given him refuge.
“And on that devastating Saturday afternoon in Bondi Junction, he gave his life, running into danger to protect people he had never met.
“It certainly helped save lives that day. And certainly Faraz Tahir died a national hero.”
Federal MP Ed Husic, Premier Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns attend the funeral of Faraz Tahir.Credit: Nick Moir
NSW Premier Chris Minns said Tahir helped his elderly neighbors and volunteered time on Clean Up Australia Day.
“When you hear the words they use to describe Faraz, it tells the story of his character,” Minns said. “They say he was kind, he came back, he was happy, he was hopeful, he was looking forward to a better future here in Australia.
“[He] he was a hero of our state. He will be remembered.”
