A formal farewell after more than four decades of service as an Imam—an emotional and memorable day!

Before this mosque was built, a Hafezzi Madrasa stood here; its founders included Akkas Ali Molla (father of former Councilor Sajjad Ali Molla), My father Md. Alamgir Khan, Professor Nazrul Islam, Kazi Faruqi, and several other prominent figures. Among them, only Mr. Faruqi is still alive, though he has sold his house on Line 16 of Block D and now resides in Pallabi. The madrasa was subsequently closed down following an unfortunate incident. Many years later, Liton’s father—Mr. Goni—along with my father, Mr. Md. Alamgir Khan, and some other prominent figures from the ‘Ta’ Block, conceived the idea of establishing a mosque here. The mosque was subsequently founded, and operations began with Hafez Maulana Habibur Rahman serving as the Imam and Hafez Belal as the Muezzin.A formal farewell was held today for the Imam, marking the conclusion of his service that spanned from the mosque’s inception to the present day.After serving as Imam for over four decades, the respected Maulana Habibur Rahman formally bade farewell today. The occasion created an emotional and touching atmosphere at the Masjidul Juma Complex.At this farewell event, worshippers from all walks of life, local public representatives, the Honorable MP, and respected Islamic scholars from the surrounding areas gathered to express their love and respect for the beloved Imam.During the farewell reception, he was presented with gifts, floral garlands, a certificate of appreciation, and a commemorative crest from the media. Additionally, as a mark of honor, he was given his salary in advance along with a cash cheque for five lakh Taka.The most touching aspect was the unique farewell organized out of the local youths’ affection for him; he was escorted to his home with honor in a procession featuring horse-drawn carriages and motorcycles.Throughout his long tenure as an Imam, he did not merely fulfill his duties at the mosque’s *mihrab*; he stood by the community through their joys and sorrows, and at every significant milestone from birth to death. Notably, during his time as Imam—including the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic—he personally participated in the ritual washing, shrouding, and burial of more than two hundred and fifty individuals.The moment of departure was deeply emotional. Many women gathered outside the mosque just to catch a glimpse of their beloved Huzur, breaking down in tears as they bade him farewell. It was not merely the departure of an Imam; it marked the conclusion of a long chapter and the end of an era cherished in the memories of a generation.The true honor of an Imam’s life is reflected in the love and respect he leaves behind in people’s hearts after his tenure ends. The farewell of Maulana Habibur Rahman Saheb stands as a shining example of this.It is our hope that a noble culture of according due respect and dignity to Imams, Muazzins, and Khatibs will be established in every corner of the country. May their long-standing services be valued, and may they be bid farewell with love, respect, and honor upon the conclusion of their duties.May Almighty Allah accept Maulana Habibur Rahman’s long tenure as Imam and his services to the faith; may He grant him good health, a blessed life, and the best of rewards. AMEEN.