Imam who helped create city's first mosque dies

One of Derby's earliest Muslim spiritual leaders, who helped to establish the city's first mosque, has died.

Qari Ismaeel Khandia helped to create the mosque, in a terraced house on Dairyhouse Road, in the 1960s.

He was the first Imam there, and later became one of the main teachers and leaders at the larger Derby Jamia Mosque in Rose Hill Street, dedicating his life to the community and to Islam.

Nazir Hussain, chairman of Derby Jamia Mosque, said he was "a pivotal person and a pivotal leader in the community".

Mr Hussain added: "Being an Imam, the people must trust you. He gained so much trust because of his personal characteristics and his Islamic knowledge.

"The mosque on Dairyhouse Road was initially the only one in the city so he was very active in the community, leading and helping with all the prayers.

"He also supported us opening the second mosque at Rose Hill, helping with purchasing the land and providing his guidance and Islamic teaching."

His funeral, or Janazah, was held on Monday evening at the Derby Jamia Mosque.

Mr Hussain said: "He was our first Imam and he was a very nice humble person.

"People would go to him for both religious and personal guidance. He was a pivotal person and a pivotal leader in the community.

"He was a very sincere person and he was here during a time where there were elements of disunity and he brought the community together.

"Because of his humble nature and the respect in the community people would look up to him and listen to what he has to say."

In a post on Facebook, the Derby Jamia Mosque said his support and leadership were integral in the setting up their four masjids - Derby Jamia Mosque, Dairyhouse Road Mosque, Village Street Mosque and Porter Road Mosque.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.