20 February 2016
We are saddened to learn about the passing away of Imam Jalal Uddin on 18 February, who was found near a children’s play area with severe injuries to his head.
Qari Jalal Uddin was an Imam at the Jalali Jame Mosque in Rochdale, and has been described as a ‘pillar of the community’ and a ‘well regarded, peaceful man’ by Simon Danczuk, MP for Rochdale.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed and we would urge communities to stay calm and united and assist police with their investigation.
Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the MCB said, “We pay our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the community in Rochdale, for the loss of a man who played a significant role within the community and will be sorely missed. It is not the first time that an Imam has been murdered whilst on the way home from mosque, and we would urge the community to be vigilant and offer support and assistance whilst travelling”.
The police are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area near to where he was found in Wardleworth on 18th February. We would urge anyone who was in the area at that time, or has any information relating to this incident to contact officers at Rochdale police station on 101 or crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
[ends]
Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body with over
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