7 February 2009
The Muslim Council of Britain today joins British Muslims as they mourn the passing of Bashir Ahmad, Inna lillahi wa innaa ilaihi rajiun, from God we have come and to Him we return.
Affectionately known as 'Uncle Bashir', Mr Ahmad laid the foundations for the next generation of Scottish Muslims to play their part in the democratic process. Having arrived in the United Kingdom at the age of 21, he quickly became a Scottish success story, as an entrepreneur, hotelier, and restaurateur. This was coupled by his commitment to his civic duty, serving five terms as president of the Pakistan Welfare Association. He was elected councillor of Pollokshields East, Glasgow in 2003, and became the first Muslim member of the Scottish Parliament in 2007. His civic spirit, his dignity and his determination to work with all people won him respect and admiration across the political spectrum.
Leading the tributes from the MCB, Secretary General Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said "Bashir Ahmad demonstrated the possibility and the need for British Muslims to be civic champions serving the people around him for the common good. Those who knew Mr. Ahmad speak fondly of his charismatic personality and how honoured he was to serve the people of Glasgow. The despondent reaction from across the political spectrum only serves as a reminder as to his standing in the community and politics as a whole. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered for his historic achievements.
[End]
For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk
The Muslim Council of Britain today joins British Muslims as they mourn the passing of Bashir Ahmad, Inna lillahi wa innaa ilaihi rajiun, from God we have come and to Him we return.
Affectionately known as 'Uncle Bashir', Mr Ahmad laid the foundations for the next generation of Scottish Muslims to play their part in the democratic process. Having arrived in the United Kingdom at the age of 21, he quickly became a Scottish success story, as an entrepreneur, hotelier, and restaurateur. This was coupled by his commitment to his civic duty, serving five terms as president of the Pakistan Welfare Association. He was elected councillor of Pollokshields East, Glasgow in 2003, and became the first Muslim member of the Scottish Parliament in 2007. His civic spirit, his dignity and his determination to work with all people won him respect and admiration across the political spectrum.
Leading the tributes from the MCB, Secretary General Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said "Bashir Ahmad demonstrated the possibility and the need for British Muslims to be civic champions serving the people around him for the common good. Those who knew Mr. Ahmad speak fondly of his charismatic personality and how honoured he was to serve the people of Glasgow. The despondent reaction from across the political spectrum only serves as a reminder as to his standing in the community and politics as a whole. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered for his historic achievements.
[End]
For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk
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