Hundreds of Mourners Pay Tribute to late Founder of Bristol’s Largest Mosque
A packed congregation gathered at Easton Jamia Mosque on St Marks Road on January 31 to remember the life of Haji Lal Khan, who passed away on Saturday (January 29).
The 82-year-old played a key role in the opening of the mosque in 1986 and he has been described as a pillar of the community.
Abdul Raoof Malik, chair of trustees of Easton Jamia Masjid, was one of the people to speak at the funeral.
He described Khan as "an inspiration" and as a steadfast and strong character with a vision.
He said: "These pillars of our community have, one by one, gone - it is time for reflection brothers.
"They left us with everything we have today, and what have we done?
"We must reform ourselves and start thinking of the causes we can get involved in that will make our children good children and good role models.
"That generation, they all did an amazing service."
Khan was also described as someone who worked hard to build the mosque, as well as striving hard within the mosque.
Hundreds of people from all ages gathered at the mosque in a deeply respectful and quiet atmosphere, with several mourners bursting into tears and struggling to contain their emotions when the coffin entered the mosque.
Half-way through the service attendants were asked to make room for those wanting to join, as well as being asked to be COVID-aware and wear face masks.
Khan lived in the city for nearly six decades, moving to Bristol in 1963 from Jhelum, in Pakistan.
The father-of-eight and grandfather-of-16 lived on St Marks Road all his life and was well-known in Easton, being one the last remaining founding fathers of the mosque to be alive.
Announcing his death over the weekend, Easton Jamia Masjid wrote on social media: "He was a lion of our community fighting against inequality and for the voiceless in our community - Haji Sahib established our Masjid and was a true leader."
Source: bristolpost.co.uk
