Tributes have been paid to a mosque volunteer and muezzin who has died.

The news came on a day when five burials took place on the same day (Wednesday January 20) in the Muslim section at Pleasington Cemetery, Blackburn.

Haji Yunus Bhai, of Shear Brow conducted all his five daily prayers at Masjid-e-Raza which is based on the corner of Altom Street and Balaclava Street. He was also the muezzin – the person who traditionally calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque.

A tribute read, “Whether it be in helping in the day to day running of the madrasa at Noorani Education Centre or be it in the masjid. A man who served food to the people during Niyaz. He cleaned the masjid and was often the last person to leave the masjid. He served the masjid wholeheartedly.

“Always on the frontline putting his actions first. He read Surah Kahf (Islamic prayer) on the microphone every Friday before Jummah prayers, even at an old age he sat to correct his recitation.

“May Allah reward his attachment to the masjid by allowing him to be under the shade of his Throne on the day of judgement. For our Prophet (peace be upon him) said from amongst those under his shade will be the one who’s hearts were attached to the masjid.

“For the last 10 years or more he gave the call to prayer at Masjid e Raza.

“Haji Yunus Bhai always stood to say prayers of our Prophet (peace be upon him) at every gathering in the masjid he was always ready read naat, he was a Sana- khwan-e-mustapha from his heart. Likewise after every Jummah prayer he offered to read salato-salam. He will truly be missed by all.”

The mosque also announced the death of Haji Gulam Adam Master from Oswald street who volunteered his time for the community.

Meanwhile, Maszid-e-Raza announced it would be closing its doors to worshippers during the Covid-19 enforced lockdown.

In a statement Mosque President Abdul Rehman Adam said the decision was made ‘after careful deliberation and consultation with Ulama and healthcare professionals.’

He said: “The health and safety of our members is of paramount importance and hence we have taken this into consideration when making this decision. We felt this is the best interests of our members, the wider community, our elderly and those that are vulnerable.”