Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Nov 23: Renowned Islamic scholar Moulana Syed Yusuf passed away at his residence in Bikarnakatte here on Thursday November 23. He was 87.

Born in 1930 in Moodbidri, Moulana Syed Yusuf had served as khateeb of Kachi Memon mosque at Bunder for a long time. He was known for his thought-provoking sermons during Friday prayers. People would gather in large numbers just to listen to his sermons, in which he would proclaim the message of selfless service and peaceful co-existence. He led a simple and pious life, away from all publicity. He was a proponent of peace and had a large number of admirers from different communities. However, illness had forced him to stop delivering sermons a few months ago.

He was one of the last great scholars of the Hanafi community in Mangaluru. Besides being an authority on Islam, he was a pillar of the community, one whom people approached for guidance on various religious matters. He was well-versed in Urdu, Arabic and Persian languages. He was instrumental in the establishment of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in Mangaluru, and during Emergency, had been jailed for three days. 

He established schools and Madrasas in his hometown Moodidri. He leaves behind his wife, four daughters, two sons and a large number of friends, relatives and well-wishers.

His mortal remains will be taken to Moodbidri after funeral prayers at Ahsanul Masjid, Bikarnakatte following Magrib Namaz. The burial will take place at Assahaba mosque premises, Moodbidri Kotebagilu after Isha Namaz, said Dr Ehtesham, son of the late Moulana Syed Yusuf.