THE funeral for the former Lord Mayor of Bradford Abid Hussain is being held today in Keighley.

Cllr Hussain, who has represented the Keighley Central ward for a number of years, had been ill for several weeks, but sadly succumbed to Covid-19.

His death has impacted many in the district as prayers and tributes continue to be shared on social media and the Telegraph & Argus’ Book of Condolence.

The service will be held at Markazi Jamia Masjid before he is laid to rest at Utley Cemetery.

West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council will be onsite to ensure the funeral is limited to just 30 family members.

The funeral will be streamed via the Janaza Announcement Facebook page from 1pm (December 25).

Writing in the online Book of Condolence, Pervez Naik said: “It’s a sad loss to all the Bradford district not just keighley. He was great councillor and amazing human being who worked tirelessly for the good of every community. He will be greatly and sadly missed.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association said: “On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Community in Keighley our deepest condolences go out to Cllr Abid Hussain's family. He was selfless in his service to our town and treated everyone with love and respect. May our next generation follow his excellent example and legacy. Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”

Asian Image:

Abdullah Khan wrote: “RIP! Councillor Abid Hussain was a great man. Very humble, kind and down to earth. His passing away is truly a great loss to the local community. We will always remember him in our great memories. May ALLAH (SWT) grant him the highest rank in Jannah. Ameen.”

Zulquernain Khan Rajput described him as a “pure gem of Keighley”.

He added: “Abid was such a kind and generous friend who was so passionate about the community he served. He knew his community inside out and was loyal to his friends, as well as our community and the council. He will be sorely missed.”

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Labour, Bradford Moor) said: “With tear eyes and humbled heart. Content with Allah destiny, I received sad news of death of Cllr Abid Hussain, former Lord Mayor and councillor for Keighley. He was very kind and public servant. My prayers and thoughts and condolences to all his family. Abid was a good friend of mine, he was people’s person and served his communities well. He is a big loss to the district, he will be remembered for good work he did for all communities in our district during his term as a Lord Mayor and as a councillor.”

Asian Image:

Chris Greaves wrote: “Abid and I worked together on planning panels. The greatest compliment I can pay him is that he was always objective, he made his decisions and voted based on facts and planning rules, even if that was unpopular. I will miss him.”

More tributes can be read in the Book of Condolence here.