Tablighi Jamaat leader passes away, huge turnout at Batla House to pay emotional tribute
Thousands turned out at Batla House graveyard to pay emotional tribute to Haji Shakeel, Tablighi Jamaat leader and modern architect of Charminar mosque who passed away in his Abul Fazal Enclave flat on Sunday late night of sudden heart attack.
He was 58 years old. Besides being a Tablighi leader, he earned his livelihood as a businessman.
His namaz-e-janaza was offered at Charminar Mosque after asar prayer and he was laid to rest at Batla House graveyard where people of all ages, including religious leaders, and others turned up remembering him as a great human to be missed by them all in coming days.
Abdullah, who knew him for years, told the OT that he was shocked when on Monday morning he was informed about his passing away by Charmina mosque Imam. “I was deeply shocked as it was on Sunday that I had offered namaz with him,” he said.
“He was originally from Jama Masjid and used to do business in clothes. He was a soft spoken and always ready to help people. Helped many poor families financially to get their girls married,” said Babban Khan, who knew him for the last 16 years. He said on Saturday he visited his house and had a long discussion with him for more than 90 minutes.
Residents, who had gathered at Batla House graveyard, said three days ago he had visited Escorts Fortis where a top cardiologist suggested him medication as during angiography there was very minor blockage which the doctor suggested would be fine with medicines.
However, they said they were shocked to know of his passing on Sunday night leaving behind four daughters, sons and a wife.
Over the years he developed a captive audience of young followers who always looked towards him for guidance, said Usmani, who knew him for years.
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