One of the founding members of Bristol's largest mosque has died.
Haji Lal Khan passed away yesterday (Saturday, January 29) and has been described as a pillar of the community.
The 82-year-old played a key role in the opening of Easton Jamia Mosque on St Marks Road in 1986.
READ MORE: Woman dies after Co-op car park van collision
Mr Khan lived in the city for nearly six decades, moving to Bristol in 1963 from Jhelum, in Pakistan.
The father-of-eight and grandfather-of-16 lived on St Marks Road all his life and was well-known in Easton, being one the last remaining founding fathers of the mosque to be alive.
Announcing his death, Easton Jamia Masjid wrote on social media: "He was a lion of our community fighting against inequality and for the voiceless in our community - Haji Sahib established our Masjid and was a true leader."
Abdul Raoof Malik, chair of trustees of Easton Jamia Masjid, said the community was devastated by his death, but that they were really proud of Mr Khan's achievements.
Get the biggest stories from across Bristol straight to your inbox
He said: "The trustees and congregation of Easton Jamia Masjid on St Marks Road in Easton are today truly saddened by the news of the death of Haji Lal Khan.
"Haji Lal Khan was a pillar of our community and a founder of Easton Jamia Mosque.
"In 1986, it was him along with a few others who bought the building and made the mosque, converting it from a church annexe to a place of worship for Muslims in the city.
"The struggle of that time has meant a huge burden was lifted from the generations to come, who benefit today from this amazing building and facility, making it easy for Muslims to establish their worship and education.
"He was one the last remaining founder fathers of the Mosque.
"It is the belief of Muslims that such endeavours will lead to a special place in heaven and as a community we pray for his deceased soul and his family."
Faizan e Madinah Bristol also paid tribute to Mr Khan on social media.
It wrote: "Haji Lal Khan was a popular community figure, who throughout his life worked endlessly for the work of Sunni Islam in Bristol and was a upholder of truth.
"As well as serving the community, back in 2005, Haji Lal was one of the leading figures in establishing the work of Dawateislami in Bristol. He tirelessly helped and supported Dawateislami physically and financially.
"Over the years, he advised and helped us thrive in our work and organisational goals.
"In his healthiest days, he was a regular attendee of our gatherings and adorned himself with the beautiful Sunnah clothing and turban.
"Further, when Dawateislami Bristol established our own Faizan e Madinah, the first person to ever donate was Haji Lal Khan. Subhan Allah.
"Dawateislami Bristol, would like to offer it's deepest condolences to the whole family."
His funeral will be tomorrow (January 31) at 1pm at Easton Jamia Mosque and those in the community wanting to pay their respects are invited to attend.
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
