Coronavirus pandemic is still creating a lot havoc across the globe, with many losing their beloved ones to the deadly virus.

At this time of crisis, sad news about victims has rattled different communities where people have tearfully bid farewell to members of their family, friends, and neighbors.

In Blackburn, the Muslim community was shocked by the news of the passing away of Ghousia Mosque imam Hafiz Nisar Gorji due to COVID-19.

The 61-year-old imam was admitted to hospital last week and passed away on Sunday, Lancashire Telegraph reported.

Hafiz Nisar was well respected and known throughout the town. He will be missed this Ramadan, as the imam had led many Taraweeh prayers both in Blackburn and surrounding areas.

Tributes

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 a 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 also paid respect to the late imam.

”I, like many people, was very saddened to hear of the death and we are going to miss him dearly,” he said.

“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.”

Pandemic

Imam Hafiz Nisar is not the first Muslim leader to fall to the deadly COVID-19.

The President of the Islamic Commission of Spain (CIE), Riay Tatary Bakry, passed away Monday, April 6, in Madrid, at the age of 72, adding to the list of Muslim victims of coronavirus.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in January, declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, as a public health emergency of international concern.

As of Monday, April 13, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected 1,862,584 and killed other 114,982, according to the latest estimates by WorldOMeter.

In the UK, there are 84,279 COVID-19 cases. The virus has killed 10,612 so far in the country.