Thousands pay tribute at funeral of revered city iman

TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading imam, who has died aged 86.

Shaykh Adam had been imam at Jame Masjid in Leicester since 1977.

His funeral took place yesterday, beginning with thousands of people gathering for prayers in Spinney Hill Park.

Among them was Muhammed Patel, 36, who lives nearby. He said: “It’s a huge loss.

“He was really the first religious figure in Leicester for Muslims and, looking around today, it’s good to see so many people.

“People have come from all over the country.

“He did my graduation 10 years ago when I had to memorise the Quran from cover to cover and he also did my sister’s graduation when she became a female scholar.

“My sister was part of a cohort of girls empowered at a time when girls were questioning what direction to go in life.

“He encouraged them to follow what they believe in.”

Vaidhussen Acbaraly, 36, who lives in Spinney Hills, said: “It was amazing to have such a nice farewell to the imam.

“He was a very nice, gentle man and everyone appreciated his service over many years.

“He’s been working here in Leicester for so long and done so much.”

Mohammad Patel, 30, of Evington, said: “I met the imam when I was younger and he was very nice. He was a very kind man.

“He was inspiring and very active in the community.”

The Federation of Muslim Organisations said the death of Hazrat Shaykh Maulana Muhammad Adam Saheb was “a significant loss for the Muslim community in Leicester and beyond”.

It paid tribute to him as a “towering figure of wisdom, compassion and guidance”.

Born in Manekpore in Gujarat, India, Shaykh Adam lost his mother when he was 10.

He was educated at the Islamic seminary Jame’ah Islamiyya in Dabhel, India, and in Deoband Islamic University. He moved to the UK in 1975.

The federation said: “The establishment of the Muslim Girls’ High School in Leicester in 1981 stands in many forms as a testament to his vision for nurturing the minds and souls of future generations.

“His dedication to education knew no bounds, as evidenced by the constellation of Jameah institutions and other organisations, which stand today as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment for thousands.

“But perhaps, it is not merely his scholarly achievements that we remember today.

“It is his humility, his compassion and his unwavering devotion to serving humanity that truly set him apart.

“As a spiritual leader, he guided countless souls on the path of selfdiscovery and inner peace, reminding us all of the transformative power of faith and spiritual love.

“As we lay Hazrat Shaykh Maulana Muhammad Adam Saheb to rest, let us carry forward his legacy of compassion, wisdom and service to others.”

Leicester East MP Claudia Webbe described Shaykh Adam as a “revered figure in Leicester and beyond” and praised his “kindness and humility and his efforts to promote education and the wellbeing of others”.

She said: “He was likely the longest-serving imam in the UK, in excess of 40 years, and he contributed so much to the education of countless students in Leicester.

“The strength of his faith and the power of his knowledge was passed on through generations he taught.

“His vision, commitment and love for people was almost unparalleled.”

Suleman Nagdi, of the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said: “I would like to thank our local authority, police and all agencies that helped facilitate the large funeral.

“I would also take this opportunity to also thank our local diverse community for graciously accommodating us during the solemn occasion.

“Your kindness and generosity have helped us honour our loved one’s memory in a meaningful way.

“May the collective strength of our community continue to provide solace and healing to all those affected.”

Claudia Webbe MP is the member of Parliament for Leicester East. You can follow her at www.facebook.com/claudiaforLE and twitter.com/ClaudiaWebbe