Pir Sahib death: Tributes paid to leader as funeral held

Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain Shah Arif Qadri Naushahi - affectionately known as Pir Sahib - recently died aged 88 following a prolonged illness.

An estimated 10,000 mourners turned out for his funeral at Bradford Central Mosque and the nearby Infirmary Fields this evening.

Pir Sahib has passed away (Image: UGC)

Pir Sahib came to Bradford in 1961 as an economic migrant and sought work in a mill in Oxenhope near Keighley.

He went on to become a pioneer of the Masajid movement, which began in Bradford, and inspired the development of mosques throughout the UK and Europe.

In Bradford, Pir Sahib was instrumental in establishing Jamyiat-Tabligh-ul-Islam, an organisation that oversees the development and management of 18 mosques and supplementary schools.

Pir Sahib's funeral has been held today (Image: T&A)

He was also a founding member of the Bradford Council for Mosques.

Before Pir Sahib's funeral, heartfelt tributes were paid to him.

The scenes inside Bradford Central Mosque earlier (Image: T&A)

Mohammed Ajeeb, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, told the Telegraph & Argus outside Bradford Central Mosque: "He was a man who was always very kind, compassionate and wise.

"He always worked to promote peace and harmony.

"Over the years, I always got a lot of incredibly important counsel from him.

"His contribution was enormous.

"I would say we have lost one of the greatest Muslim leaders in the whole of Britain."

Sher Azam, founder of Bradford Council for Mosques, said: "He will be remembered for many, many years to come.

"I knew him for many decades and so many wonderful memories come to mind.

"He was a great man who always worked very hard and made a phenomenal difference."

Rashad Bokhari, chief executive of the Council for Mosques in Bradford, described Pir Sahib as a "stalwart of the community".

"He'll be so very sadly missed," he added.

Rashad Bokhari, chief executive of the Council for Mosques in Bradford, Sher Azam, founder of Bradford Council for Mosques, and Mohammed Ajeeb, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

Dr Musharraf Hussain, chief executive of the Karimia Institute, said he was "inspired" by Pir Sahib.

"I have incredibly fond memories of him and his amazing leadership," he added.

Dr Musharraf Hussain, chief executive of the Karimia Institute (Image: Newsquest)

Well-known Bradford figure, Dr Sofia Buncy, said: "His influence transcended generations.

"People always looked to him for his guidance and he'll be very much missed."

Mohammed Azeem, a youth worker in Bradford, described Pir Sahib as a "great man".

"He brought people from all different backgrounds and faiths together," he added.

Mohammed Wasim, a primary school teacher in Bradford, said Pir Sahib was a "great source of inspiration to me and so many others".

Mohammed Azeem and Mohammed Wasim (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for the Council for Mosques described Pir Sahib as a "revered spiritual leader whose influence and guidance touched countless lives in Bradford, the UK, and around the world".

The spokesperson added: "He passed away following a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by many.

"Pir Sahib was a pioneer of the Masajid movement, which began in Bradford and went on to inspire the development of mosques throughout the UK and Europe.

"His vision and dedication laid the foundations for a stronger, more connected Muslim community, fostering spiritual growth and unity.

"In Bradford, Pir Sahib was instrumental in establishing Jamiyat-Tabligh-ul-Islam, an organisation that oversees the development and management of 18 mosques and supplementary schools.

"His commitment to education and spiritual leadership helped shape the lives of many young Muslims, providing them with the guidance and support needed to thrive.

"As a founding member of the Bradford Council for Mosques, Pir Sahib's wisdom and spiritual insight were invaluable.

"His presence was a constant source of inspiration, and his contributions to our community will be deeply missed.

"Thousands of his followers found solace and direction in his teachings, and his absence leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew him.

"Pir Sahib's legacy of faith, compassion, and community service will continue to guide us as we move forward."
 
Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, also paid tribute to him.

She said: "He was an instrumental leader that brought together not only the local Muslim community in Bradford but many across this country.

"His efforts to the local community are unmatched and will be remembered for generations to come.

"A towering figure who always gave me time, I pray that he is granted a high rank in Jannah tul Firdous.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and loved ones."