The family of a Westfield security guard who was killed in the horrific Sydney stabbing massacre have seen his body for the first time, on what would have been his 31st birthday.
Faraz Tahir, 30, was killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, on April 13 trying to protect others.
He died alongside five women: Ashlee Good, 38; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; Yixuan Cheng, 27; and Pikria Darchia, 55.
The ordeal only came to an end when Cauchi was eventually gunned down by a police officer.
Mr Tahir’s family arrived in from Pakistan on Wednesday, ahead of his funeral to be held on Friday.
The family of Faraz Tahir (pictured) arrived in on Wednesday to see his body for the first time
Mr Tahir was killed while trying to stop Westfield Bondi Junction knifeman Joel Cauchi from stabbing innocent shoppers
‘Faraz will be dearly missed by whole family and community,’ older brother Muzafar Tahir said.
‘Today is his 31st birthday and the family have seen his body for first time.
‘We would like to thank the n public for showing love and compassion to a stranger, who became a hero.’
Mr Tahir was working his first daytime shift as a Westfield security guard when he bravely attempted to stop Cauchi’s stabbing frenzy against innocent shoppers.
He had moved to as a refugee just one year earlier after fleeing persecution in his home country, Pakistan.
Adnan Qadir, a friend of Mr Tahir, described him as a man who ‘keeps other people’s interests ahead of his own’.
‘Had a lot of ambition for his future … just settling into his new country,’ he told Sunrise.
‘He was looking forward to a stable career, to make a family up here.
‘It is just sad how it all ended up.’
The security guard was also a ‘cherished’ member of ‘s Muslim community.
‘He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness,’ the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of said.
Wednesday should have been Mr Tahir’s 31st birthday but instead of celebrating, his family saw his body for the first time since he was killed by Joel Cauchi (pictured)
Mr Tahir will be laid to rest on Friday, following the funeral of fellow victim Jade Young on Tuesday (pictured, flowers left outside the shopping centre)
‘Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of but also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.’
His funeral will follow that of Jade Young who was laid to rest at a memorial service on Tuesday.
‘The loss of Jade Young at the catastrophic attack at Bondi Junction on the 13th of April has shattered our world,’ her family said in a statement.
‘While we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and the community, Jade’s death has left a gaping hole in our lives.
‘Her children were her life, and we do not want their future to be shaped by her death.’
READ MORE: Kind-hearted Aussies give touching gift to Ash Good’s miracle baby who survived Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing attack
