The mood was sombre here as thousands of Muslim worshippers gathered at the city’s mosques for Friday prayers. Groups of men and women, young and old, spoke of their shock and sadness at the Queen ’s passing with many calling her an “icon” and a “constant reassuring presence” in the lives of all.
Waheed Ali said: “It is a huge loss for us. The Queen was someone I always looked to for solace especially in difficult times like during the pandemic. When the nation scraped its knee, she was there with the TCP.
“I find it extraordinary that just two days ago she was welcoming the new Prime Minister. She was dutiful to the end. In a world of celebrity and scandal she exuded sense and stability.”
Imam Alyas Karmani, of the Muhammadi Masjid, also paid tribute to the late monarch.
He said: “We have known the Queen all our lives. She was the mother of our nation and for Muslims the mother’s status is so high.
“Losing her is so sad for all of us and we pray Almighty Allah sends peace and perseverance upon her family so that they are able to endure their loss.”
Imam Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, said Elizabeth II had a “dignified relationship” with Muslims across the world.
He added: “Many mosques are paying tribute to the Queen and expressing gratitude for her outstanding and distinguished life of public service. The Queen had a deep respect for all faiths and beliefs.”
During Friday prayers at Bradford Central Mosque, Molana Wajid Hussain broke from his traditional sermon to pay a tribute.
He said: “British Muslims stand in unity with the British people at this time of deep sorrow. Millions will greatly miss her. She left an unparalleled legacy of co-operation in the Commonwealth for democracy, common prosperity and peace. She deservedly will have a special place in the hearts of her subjects and the annals of history.”
Accountant Sadia Khan, 26, right top, said: “She was an icon for everyone. I was watching the news with my family and we were all so upset when the announcement was made that the Queen had passed away. She was an amazing woman, she was the glue that kept her family together, who knows what will happen now?”
Biological Sciences researcher Jabbar Ali, 44, said his grandparents were all royalists. “This feels like a personal loss. We have such a strong attachment to the Queen. My grandparents came to this country and I remember we always celebrated every royal occasion.”
Sajid Munir said if it was not for the Queen his family would not have come here. “We owe the Queen for the fact our parents were able to come here to build better lives. Ruling for 70 years is a monumental achievement, we won’t see another like her,” he said.
