NEW DELHI: Syed Abdullah Bukhari, shahi imam of historic Jama Masjid, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here on Wednesday. He was in the hospital since June 9 following breathing problems. Bukhari was 87. He is survived by four sons and two daughters.
“Abdullah Bukhari passed away early in the morning,” mosque spokesperson Amanullah Khan said.
Born in Sambhar, Rajasthan, Bukhari received his religious education in Delhi. He was the 12th shahi imam of the mosque and held the office from July 8, 1973 to Oct. 14, 2000. In 2000, he anointed his son Syed Ahmed Bukhari as the shahi imam but continued to retain the title.
As news of the Bukhari’s death spread, thousands of Muslims, gathered at the sprawling Jama Masjid.
In its condolence message, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), an umbrella body of Indian Muslim organizations said, that Bukhari played a “leading role” for Indian Muslims for over three decades.
National leaders, including Vice President Hamid Ansari and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, joined the Muslim community to mourn the death of Bukhari.
In his condolence message, Ansari said: “I am deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of Maulana Syed Abdullah Bukhari.”
“A respected personality,” he “had an impressive record of religious service to the people,” Ansari said.
All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), an umbrella body of Indian Muslim organizations said, that Bukhari played a “leading role” for Indian Muslims for over three decades.
