Punjab Shahi Imam’s death mourned

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 10

The void created by the death of Shahi Imam, Punjab, Hazrat Maulana Habib Ur Rehman Sa-ani Ludhianvi, cannot be filled. He had made a place in the hearts of people belonging to every religion and was equally loved and respected by all.

Shahi Imam passed away at the age of 63 at a private hospital late on Thursday night after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.

Eid at Jama Masjid was incomplete for the Shahi Imam without hugging the heads of the local gurdwara, mandir and church. He is fondly remembered today by all for his love and generosity.

The bond between president of Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib Pritpal Singh and Shahi Imam was known to all. Pritpal Singh said he had lost a younger brother today.

“He was honest and fearless and had earned huge respect not only in his community but also among other communities. We used to invite him on special occasions and on every Eid, I used to be his guest. Eid will never be the same again for me. The sewaiyaan used to taste the sweetest in his company. The void created by him can never be filled. May God give his family the strength to bear the loss,” he said.

Pritpal Singh said: “Every person is going to the same village but takes different roads. Destiny of everyone is the same and I pray, may god grant him place near him,” he says.

Parveen Bajaj, president of Gyan Sathal Mandir, said he had heard a lot about him from his father, Jagdish Bajaj.

“I assumed the charge of the mandir last year after my father’s death and both Shahi Imam and my father had a long association. He always used to invite him for the Eid celebrations and the glee on his face after returning from the celebrations was something different,” Bajaj said.

Priest of Kalvary Church Father Ram Lal said he used to be a part of special occasions at Jama Masjid. “A void has been created with the death of Shahi Imam which cannot be filled,” he said.

Mustkeem, nephew of Shahi Imam, said he loved all religions and was always enthusiastic about celebrating Eid and would always extend invitations to people from other religions.

“We have lost our world today and nobody can take his place in our heart,” he said.