The passing of the Imam Hafiz Musa Patel on Saturday is a great loss to the Muslim communities in Fiji.

Those were the sentiments of the Ulama-E-Ahle Sunnat of Fiji secretary, Mohammad Nazim, who had known Imam Patel for many years while in Fiji.

The late Mr Patel joins the 49 people who were reported to have died from gunshots  by terrorist Brenton Tarrant at the Al Noor mosque in Dean’s Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday.

“We attended prayer functions together and all other invitations that Mr Patel went to around the country,” Mr Nazim said.

According to him, the late Mr Patel worked hard for the welfare of staff, brotherhood, peace and unity.

“I can remember going with him around the country as he delivered sermons, which centred around peace and harmony and how we can live together with other races and religion.

“For a person of his personality to be taken away is indeed a great loss. His aim was to get the message of peace and unity to many minority groups and communities.

“He had such a major impact on the Muslim people who followed him; they would listen to his teaching and even change their attitudes and way of living through his guidance

“The late Imam provided Islamic education to children, particularly in Lautoka at primary and secondary schools.”

Mohammad Irshad, a close friend and a board member of Ulama-e-ahle Sunnat of Fiji, said Mr Patel had a heart of service, he conducted marriage ceremonies for all Mr Irshad’s children free of charge and would go and conduct prayers at his house for free.

“The late Mr Patel was behind the construction of the mosque in Nadi beside Prince Charles Park,” Mr Irshad said.

“He actually helped in the architectural work of the building and asked for God’s blessings when the foundation of the construction started.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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