Elham Asaad Buaras

Two imams from the same mosque in Blackburn died after contracting Covid-19. The deaths of Hazrat Abdul Razzak Jalgaonkar and Abdul Majid Hodekar of Masjid-al-Momineen on Ash Street were announced on April 23.

Jalgaonkar and Hodekar were known throughout the region and the community had supported their mosque in a range of charitable causes over many years.

A statement from the mosque said, “Due to the current Government guidelines we are unable to share funeral details with you, we kindly request that you abide by these rules and support us in these difficult times.”

Leader of Blackburn Darwen Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said, “Both men were well known and very well respected. I think this Covid-19 situation is going to impact many people, and the families of the imams are devastated.”

Charity worker, Zahid Chopdat, who attends the mosque, said both men “were well known for their impeccable character, humility, dedication and piety. May the Almighty give strength and patience to their loved ones dealing with their loss.”