Allegedly slain mother Muzhda Habibi farewelled by strangers

The final farewell of a Brisbane mother allegedly killed by her husband and his brother will mark one last tragedy for her family, after they failed in a bid to have her body returned.

The funeral for Muzhda Habibi at Mt Gravatt Cemetery on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

The final farewell of slain mother Muzhda Habibi will mark one last tragedy for her family, after they failed in a bid to have her body returned to them.

Instead, the mother of two - allegedly killed by her husband and brother-in-law - was farewelled by strangers and acquaintances from the Afghan community in Brisbane, with her family scattered across the globe and unable to attend.

Muzhda Habibi pictured with children.

Muzhda Habibi, 23, was found unresponsive in her Springfield Lakes Home on May 16.

The Courier-Mail understands that in the month leading up to Muzhda death her life was filled with heartache.

Family spokeswoman and women’s advocate Rita Anwari told The Courier-Mail that before Muzhda moved into her Springfield Lakes home, she spent a night in her husband’s car with her two sons.

“She sent a message to her family pleading for help, asked for money,” she said.

Muzhda was raised in Afghanistan and arrived in Australia in 2021.

“After she was living in Afghan and returned to Australia she was living for one night in a motel with her husband, she and the children slept in the car. She didn’t have a house, it was before she rented the Springfield Lakes home,” Ms Anwari said.

Women’s advocate Rita Anwari at the funeral for Muzhda Habibi. Picture: Liam Kidston

Muzhda 26-year-old husband Masihullah Habibi and his 28-year-old brother Khalilullah Habibi, both from Springfield Lakes, have each been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence).

The two accused appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on May 20.The matter was listed for committal mention on June 25, with neither required to appear on that occasion. The men remain in custody and have not entered any pleas.

“Enough is enough. My heart is going to her children and her family, I did ask if we can have [the children here] I am not sure why they didn’t respond back,” she said.

Ms Anwari said Muzhda lived a secluded life during her time in Australia.

In a statement read by The Courier-Mail, Ms Habibi’s sister Muzhgan Faizi said the family was “devastated” and “concerned” for the welfare of her two children - who do not speak English and remain in Australia.

Ms Muzhda was buried at Mt Gravatt Cemetery. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I cannot express how we all feel. My mother is in critical condition in the hospital since she heard the news (of the death),” she said.

“We are concerned for her two young sons that she left behind, as we don’t have anyone in Australia.”

Inside the Kuraby Mosque on Tuesday the Afghan community members held a prayer for Ms Habibi that could be heard from the outside.

A second service was then held inside the Mosque’s female prayer area in front of the red coffin that held Muzhda.

Initially the family wanted Muzhda’s body repatriated but due to Islamic traditions a person who needs to be laid to rest needs to be buried soon after death.

Mourners then followed Muzhda’s body from the Mosque to the Mt Gravatt Cemetery, where her body was lifted from the coffin, wrapped in cloth and lowered into the ground.

Mujtaba Asghary of the Queensland Afghan Community Association. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland Afghan Community Association president Mujtaba Asghary said he wants “justice” for Muzhda.

“My heart is crying for the children they are motherless. Muzhda is not alone, we are with her,” he said.

“Everyone is very sad.”