Hundreds of mourners paid their respects to a "steadfast and strong" man who was one of the founding members of Bristol's largest mosque.
A packed congregation gathered at Easton Jamia Mosque on St Marks Road this afternoon (January 31) to remember the life of Haji Lal Khan, who passed away on Saturday (January 29).
The 82-year-old played a key role in the opening of the mosque in 1986 and he has been described as a pillar of the community.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to 'community lion' who fought inequality and founded Bristol's largest mosque
Abdul Raoof Malik, chair of trustees of Easton Jamia Masjid, was one of the people to speak at the funeral.
He described Mr Khan as "an inspiration" and as a steadfast and strong character with a vision.
He said: "These pillars of our community have, one by one, gone - it is time for reflection brothers.
"They left us with everything we have today, and what have we done?
"We must reform ourselves and start thinking of the causes we can get involved in that will make our children good children and good role models.
"That generation, they all did an amazing service."
Mr Khan was also described as someone who worked hard to build the mosque, as well as striving hard within the mosque.
Hundreds of people from all ages gathered at the mosque in a deeply respectful and quiet atmosphere, with several mourners bursting into tears and struggling to contain their emotions when the coffin entered the mosque.
Half-way through the service attendants were asked to make room for those wanting to join, as well as being asked to be covid-aware and wear face masks.
Mr Khan lived in the city for nearly six decades, moving to Bristol in 1963 from Jhelum, in Pakistan.
The father-of-eight and grandfather-of-16 lived on St Marks Road all his life and was well-known in Easton, being one the last remaining founding fathers of the mosque to be alive.
Announcing his death over the weekend, Easton Jamia Masjid wrote on social media: "He was a lion of our community fighting against inequality and for the voiceless in our community - Haji Sahib established our Masjid and was a true leader."
Mr Malik said the community was devastated by his death, but that they were really proud of Mr Khan's achievements.
Speaking over the weekend, he added: "Haji Lal Khan was a pillar of our community and a founder of Easton Jamia Mosque.
"In 1986, it was him along with a few others who bought the building and made the mosque, converting it from a church annexe to a place of worship for Muslims in the city.
"The struggle of that time has meant a huge burden was lifted from the generations to come, who benefit today from this amazing building and facility, making it easy for Muslims to establish their worship and education.
"He was one the last remaining founder fathers of the Mosque.
"It is the belief of Muslims that such endeavours will lead to a special place in heaven and as a community we pray for his deceased soul and his family."
Faizan e Madina mosque also paid tribute to Mr Khan on social media.
It wrote: "Haji Lal Khan was a popular community figure, who throughout his life worked endlessly for the work of Sunni Islam in Bristol and was a upholder of truth.
"As well as serving the community, back in 2005, Haji Lal was one of the leading figures in establishing the work of Dawat-e-Islami in Bristol. He tirelessly helped and supported Dawat-e-Islami physically and financially.
"Over the years, he advised and helped us thrive in our work and organisational goals.
"In his healthiest days, he was a regular attendee of our gatherings and adorned himself with the beautiful Sunnah clothing and turban.
"Further, when Dawat-e-Islami Bristol established our own Faizan e Madinah, the first person to ever donate was Haji Lal Khan. Subhan Allah."
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