By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE longest serving president of the Anjuman Sunnat-Ul Jamaat Association (ASJA) board Haji Yacoob Ali has died.
He passed away on Tuesday evening.
He will be remembered as a successful businessman who genuinely cared for humanity.
ASJA in a statement on Wednesday morning said, “The entire ASJA Family is indeed saddened by the demise of our President Haji Yacoob Ali.
“On behalf of the Central Executive, Imams, Regional Chairmen, Ulama Council and all others of the ASJA Family, we extend deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and relatives on his passing and pray that almighty Allah through His Grace and Mercy will grant them patience to bear this loss at this time. Let us all remember he is a forerunner and we will all eventually follow him.”
Minister of Local Government Kazim Hosein also issued a statement. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences on the passing of the President General of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association (ASJA), Haji Yacoob Ali.
“A spiritual leader and mentor in the Muslim faith who was known by many for his many decades of service to the community at all levels of social interaction. He will be always remembered for his wisdom and guidance in all matters of Islam.
“Haji Yacoob Ali was always willing to help those in need and did so wholeheartedly and generously. He lived his life in worship to Almighty Allah (swt) and was a role model to many Muslim brothers and sisters across Trinidad and Tobago.
On behalf of my family and I, we pray that the Almighty grants him forgiveness and a place in the Highest Heaven, Jannatul Firdaus.
“May Almighty Allah (swt) grant his family, friends and loved ones strength and comfort just as he has granted him final rest.”
And the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) also offered condolences.
NCIC’s public relations officer, Surujdeo Mangaroo in a statement on Facebook said, “Brother Yacoob will be remembered as a very successful business man. His humanitarian work knew no boundaries. As a friend of our organisation he attended most of our event in particular our annual Divali Nagar celebrations.
“I remember my wife and I sharing a dinner table with him in Jaipur when we attended the NRI Awards ceremony and we were both bestowed the Hind Rattan award many years ago. On behalf of the President Dr Deokinanan Sharma and members of the board of directors I offer deepest condolences to members of the bereaved family and to the members of ASJA.”
