Tributes have been paid to a leading maulana who has died after contracting coronavirus.

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.

“People enjoyed his company and listening to him."

Kas Akhtar posted, "Everyday we hear the passing away of someone we know from COVID-19. Today the news has come that a person who was dearly respected and was the backbone of the masjid community who taught most of you."

Six-year old Mustafa Raza Yusuf said, "Hafiz Nisar used to give me money every time he used to meet me and very kind to me and my sisters."

Yahya Garda, aged 12 said, "It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our teacher, mentor, leader and friend, Hafiz Nisar Molisab.

"He was my Hafiz teacher, he always showed me the utmost respect and guided me towards my hifz of the Quran, where I’ve memorised 19 siparah (chapters) at the age of 12.

"He used to listen to my recital to check that I haven’t forgotten anything everyday  and used to reward me with £5 each month, this shows the generosity of this amazing man.

"Hafiz Nisar Molisab has for many years not only taught countless people, but guided them through difficult times. 

"He will be a great loss not only to me, but the wider community and our Mosque.

"May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and give sabr to his family and friends. I will miss you dearly."