The late Aly Shariff,Sunrise August 22, 1972, Sunset August 25, 2026.
BY THE ARUSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Some people live in a city. Others somehow become part of its identity. Aly Shariff was one of them.
For decades, Aly was known across Arusha as a gifted stylist, businessman, confidant, entertainer and friend. Through Aly’z Salon and Magic Cuts, generations passed through his hands but what they carried away was often far more than a haircut.
In Aly’s chair came conversation. Laughter. Advice. Secrets. Friendship. Stories. And above all that unmistakable sense that, for those few moments, you mattered.
Long before his passing, Arusha residents routinely described Aly as “the best in town,” “the real deal” and a man whose talent was matched only by his personality.” Aly was the most popular person in Arusha,” said 85-year old Faye Cran (Mama Kuku), an old friend of the deceased.
But Aly’s greatest legacy was never found in scissors or mirrors. It was found in people.
Aly was an Ismaili Muslim, yet he lived naturally and comfortably among Christians. Hindus, Buddhists, Bahis and people of different faiths, atheists, nationalities, races and cultures. His friendships crossed the boundaries society so often creates. His life was not defined by separation but by integration. And this was truly demonstrated by his cremation last week- all people were there-rich and poor, different religions, different colours. Incredible.
And even in death, that spirit remained. His cremation stood as a striking final reflection of a man who had spent his life looking beyond labels a reminder that religion, race, rac tribe and nationality need never prevent people from loving one another.
Aly lived as though humanity came first. Perhaps that is why his death has touched so many.
In an emotional tribute, Gina Sainvil wrote simply:”Arusha is mourning.” She later captured Aly’ place in the city in words that may become his lasting epitaph: “There was no Arusha quite like Arusha with Aly in it.” Another friend, Colleen Anders, offered a farewell that speaks for many: “You fought bravely. You were loved deeply. You will be missed beyond words.”
Those words echo across a city still struggling to imagine Arusha without him. There are people whose names are remembered because of their achievements.
Others are remembered because of how they made people feel. Aly belonged to the latter.
He could enter a room and change its mood. His laughter travelled before him. His friendships stretched across communities. He possessed that rare ability to make newcomers feel welcome and old friends feel remembered.
In a world increasingly divided by identity, Aly’s life quietly offered another possibility: That before we are Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, African or Asian, black or white, rich or poor we are all human beings-our blood is red, no matter what.
And perhaps that is the greatest tribute Arusha can pay him: To remember not only how he lived but what his life represented.
Today, the scissors are silent. The familiar chair is empty. The laughter no longer fills the room.
But across Arusha – in homes, photographs, salons, restaurants, WhatsApp groups, old stories and countless private memories – Aly Shariff lives on.
Not simply as a stylist. Not simply as a businessman. Not simply as an Ismaili Muslim. But as Aly, a friend, a brother, a neighbour. And an unforgettable son of Arusha and the world.
Rest peacefully, Aly.
Arusha will never quite be the same without you!.
