By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Braving the rains, hundreds of mourners joined the funeral procession of Imam, Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Abu Taiyyab Ahmed Miyan Farangi Mahli on Sunday. Ahmed Miyan as he was popularly known was laid to rest besides his father’s grave at their ancestral graveyard in Maulvi Anwar Bagh in Raqabganj on Sunday.
After getting the news that Ahmed Miyan has passed away on Saturday large number of his supporters, followers and other rushed to his house-Farangi Mahal near Pata Nala. The deceased’s son Naib Imam, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli led the Namaz-e-Janaza (final prayer) at Farangi Mahal. Later, the body was taken in a procession to their ancestral graveyard in Raqabganj. People lined up on both sides of the road to have a glimpse of the procession.
The funeral was attended by several prominent personalities including President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadvi, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Parishad, Ahmed Hasan, Executive Committee member of AIMPLB, Zafaryab Jilani, Chairman Madarsa Board, Anwar Jalalpuri and leaders from almost all political parties. A magistrate and police officials were also present during the burial.
Condolences also poured in as visitors kept coming at Farangi Mahal. Chief Minister (CM) Mayawati in her condolence message stated that Ahmed Miyan always strived for communal harmony. Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav in his message stated that he personally had a lot of respect of Ahmed Miyan who had a respect for all religions.
Ahmed Miyan is survived by four sons and two daughters. One of them is Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Naib Imam, Aishbagh Eidgah, while the other Tariq Rasheed manages an Islamic Centre in USA.