Tribute to woman described as 'pillar in the community'

Naseem Khanam - the wife of the late renowned caterer Muhammed Iqbal - passed away on Saturday.

A large number of people attended the funeral of Naseem, aged 70, at the Victor Street Mosque on Saturday.

Daughter in law Sadia Sajjad, the wife of the couple's son Sajid Iqbal, said she was an "amazing person, gentle in nature and so very kind".

The funeral took place at the Victor Street Mosque (Image: Janaza Announcements) Paying tribute on behalf of the family, Sadia told the Telegraph & Argus: "My mother in law was so loving.

"Her character was beautiful. She was so softly spoken. She was amazing.

"She has touched not just our lives but all the community."

Muhammed, who passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, was the face behind Iqbal Catering.

He created the business in the nineties - starting from his backyard to the kitchen at Victor Street Mosque and then a unit on Mansfield Road.

Sadia was keen to pay tribute to both of them and feels they will have a ever-lasting impact on the BD9 community.

She said they were more like parents to her over the past 14 years.

Naseem Khanam and Muhammed Iqbal (Image: UGC) Muhammad taught Sadia how to cook while Naseem played a crucial part in helping her through childbirth.

"I spent 14 years of my life in their company. It has been remarkable. They have given me so much love," she added.

"We used to have so many beautiful moments. They were so exceptional. They have been role models for the rest of the community.

A large number of people attended the funeral (Image: Janaza Announcements) "The love they displayed amongst each other and with their in-laws and children was so beautiful that it is something to look up to

"There is now a void left in all her grandchildren lives.

"They had that love and warmth. Now they are just going to find it so hard.

People arriving at the funeral (Image: Janaza Announcements) "The emptiness and loss of two great pillars in the community. So many people are feeling the loss.

"They have been very active in the community. They're kindness was beyond measure. They touched so many hearts."

A extract from a poem, written by grandson Habeeb Mustafa Iqbal, 12, said: "My grandparents are the best. Better than all the rest. They teach me things I need to know. And help me learn and grow."

A post on the Janaza Facebook page added: "It is said that behind every successful man stands a strong woman who has supported her family, children, and grandchildren."