Park name honours city imam
SHAYKH ADAM HAS SERVED FOR OVER 40 YEARS
AN imam has been honoured with a park in his name after over 40 years of service to Leicester’s Muslims.
Hadhrat Shaykh Maulana Adam Sahib is a patron of Jame Mosque, in Asfordby Street, Spinney Hills, where a public area has been named Shaykh Adam Square.
Jame Mosque and Community Centre was established in 1977.
Shaykh Adam Sahib, 85, has been one of the senior imams at the mosque for over 40 years.
The sign was officially unveiled at a community gathering where he gave a short speech.
Iqbal Mandala, chairman of the mosque, said he has been “under Shaykh Adam’s wing since the age of 12”.
He said: “Initially, Shaykh Adam didn’t want to do it, he didn’t ask for the sign – he’s very humble – but we as a community wanted to honour him.
“When he was younger people would knock on his door 24 hours a day to seek advice or just have someone to talk to and he’s always been there for people. We’re not an isolated community.
“We like to work with people and that’s a big part of what he has pushed over the years.
“It’s nice that it is being recognised by the authorities.”
The idea for the new sign was initiated by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.
He said: “I am delighted the city is honouring a man who has done so much for bringing communities together.”
Suleman Nagdi, from the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said: “This is a fitting recognition to a man who has served for all of his life in providing spiritual and educational support and guidance to Muslims – and also being a leader in directing and contributing to the social cohesion of our city.
“I know he will be humbled by this recognition, which I know he never sought for himself.”
Iqbal said: “It’s not just a sign, it has a lot of significance to people in this area.
“Although we usually honour someone after they have passed, this is a fantastic acknowledgement of someone who has done so much and is still with us.”