Hawzah News Agency  (Blackburn - UK) - Hafiz Nisar Gorji who was a maulana (religious leader) at the Ghousia Mosque based on Leamington Road, Blackburn passed away yesterday asged 61. Hafiz Nisar was admitted to hospital last week.

Hafiz Nisar was well respected and known throughout the town and will be remembered by many people who grew up with him as their Islamic teacher. He also led many Taraweeh prayers both in Blackburn and surrounding areas.

This may well have been one of the largest funerals the town has seen. However, it has been announced that ten people will be permitted at the funeral due to the present circumstances.

Tributes were paid by former students and members of the local community.

A message from former student Maksud Yusuf read, "Hafiz Nisar's passing has left the whole community, elders and children in shock. I have known Hafiz Sahib since I was a child. He was a very simple and humble person.

"He used to maintain the Masjid-e-Ghousia at Preston New Road and without his invaluable support, the mosque on Leamington Road wouldn't have been possible.

"He was a very honest, trustworthy, reliable individual who helped to manage the masjid.

"Not only his local masjid but he was also doing Khidmat (service) at other local Masajids when needed as matter of emergency and he will be sorely missed by all.

"May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in heaven and give patience to his children, family, friends and all the members of the Masjid-e-Ghousia."

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Mohammed Khan told us today, ”I,  like many people  was very saddened to hear of the death and we are going to miss him dearly.

“He had many students throughout the town and was an outstanding individual.

“My grandchildren still go to the same mosque and when they heard the news they were very upset.

“For the past few years he would also lead prayers at the Blackburn Islamic Centre on Davenport Road and many were looking forward to hearing him again before the lockdown was announced.