Hanif Rashad Abdullah, affectionately known as “Big Nif,” was born on May 6, 2001 in Chicago, Illinois to Nia Abdullah and Byron Gibbs. A gentle soul with an extremely kind spirit, Hanif was a true wanderlust. He possessed a thirst for adventure and exploration with a strong desire to travel the world.

Hanif was born amazingly talented and gifted. He was a sweet baby, who rarely cried and always had a beautiful smile on his face. He came out of the womb a fast learner who quickly acquired multisyllabic words and exceeded all of his developmental milestones. Whenever his mom taught him a new mathematical concept, he’d master it immediately. He loved to play with cranes, trains and dinosaurs. He participated in High Five and Small Frye basketball clubs, played tee-ball and loved visits to the zoo. Hanif took swimming lessons (he mastered all four swim strokes in a matter of days) and partook in numerous play dates at the park, spending countless hours in the sandbox, and jumping from the highest spot he could find.

In November 2004, Hanif became a big brother to Najaa Hanan. As the quintessential cool big brother, he loved and adored his baby sister. Hanif taught Najaa to play all of the latest video games. After she reached his level, the two paired up as a dynamic duo and fiercely competed against others while playing Modern Warfare. Hanif protected his younger sister and ensured she was taken care of and happy. The two share a special bond.

Hanif loved reptiles and other animals. Every year he attended the annual Reptile Show at the University of Illinois Chicago campus. He had a monthly subscription to Reptile Magazine and owned a Bearded Dragon “Drago” and two snakes, “Ghost” and “Inferno.”

Not only was Hanif known as “Big Nif,” but close family members called him “The Boy,” “Hanif the Chief” and his self-proclaimed favorite “Mighty Hanif.” His infectious smile allowed him to have amazing and exceptionally diverse sets of friends who not only loved and supported him, but looked up to him as well. He was a natural leader and a loyal friend with a generous heart!

Another passion of Hanif’s was all things outdoors. He loved skateboarding, biking, snowboarding and fishing. The only time one could catch Hanif sitting still was during his fishing expeditions with Great Uncles Dewayne and John in Jacksonville, Florida. The outdoors brought out the joyous and free spirit within him.

Hanif spent fun summers in Houston with his Uncle Duane, Aunt Repey, Cousin Asha and Sister Najaa. He cherished family and creating memories. In 2019, Hanif attended his family reunion in Plainfield, New Jersey. This trip brought much joy to Hanif, as he loved being surrounded by and learning more about his extended family.

Hanif attended Beasley Academic Center, then Kenwood Academic Center (his favorite), and graduated from Proviso West High School, in Hillside, IL. Hanif aspired to be an entrepreneur. Fashion and design spoke to his creative soul. Street violence Hanif witnessed caused distress but he turned those feelings into brilliant lyricism with his music. He felt privileged to have been able to join freestyle rap sessions with well known artists and garner their respect for his talent, dedication to the arts, and love for hip-hop culture.

From 2020 until just last month, Hanif frequently visited Mount Shasta, California to work on a farm with close family friend Marnee Qamara. He harvested and processed plants; built a chicken coop, and even witnessed the exciting arrival of three new baby goats. Hanif quickly made friends with people of all ages and from all cultures. He had a kind way of making everyone feel listened to and understood; and thus, his community lovingly embraced him.

During his time in California, Hanif contemplated his spirituality and deepened his connection to nature and the outdoors. He hiked in the woods, soaked in the hot springs, discovered crystals in town and marveled at the beauty of the mountains. Spending time in a Sweat Lodge, an indigenous prayer ceremony, brought Hanif a feeling of connection to his Ancestors. He also loved Islam and could talk about the beauty of it for hours. Hanif held strong convictions and felt unafraid to stand up for what he believed in – no matter the opinions of others. His life was cut short before he could evolve into the man he desired to be.

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