Prominent leader in the Muslim Community, Haji Yacoob Ali, was laid to rest today.
Haji Ali, the longest serving president general of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association (ASJA) was buried in Cunupia, just after midday.
Condolences continue to pour in as the country mourns his passing and celebrate his legacy.
Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC MP, described Haji Yacoob Ali as a man of impeccable character and a true patriot. In a release, the Opposition Leader said he dedicated many years of his life towards building the ASJA and ensuring its capacity to fulfil its role in the national community.
She noted that he also had a mission focus on tremendous outreach to lift many members of the society out of poverty and social distress.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar said Haji Yacoob Ali will no doubt be remembered for his many good deeds, kindness, and generosity.
Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Kazim Hosein also sent his condolences to the Muslim leader’s family.
In a statement on his official social media page, Minister Hosein noted that Haji Yacoob Ali would be remembered for his great wisdom and guidance in all matters of Islam, and someone who was always willing to help others.
“Haji Yacoob Ali was always willing to help those in need and did so wholeheartedly and generously. He lived his life in worship to Almighty Allah (swt) and was a role model to many Muslim Brothers and Sisters across Trinidad and Tobago,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament of Barataria / San Juan, Saddam Hosein MP, recalled the role Haji Yacoob Ali played in the country’s education sector, stating, “I am a proud alumnus of the ASJA Boys’ College, Charlieville.”
“Perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of Haji Ali’s life was the motto which he espoused: ‘Success in life is not what we have but how much we are prepared to give’. It is a life motto which is certainly appropriate now more than ever, as our nation and world continue to grapple with the economic and social hardships brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” the Barataria/San Juan MP said in his release honouring the late ASJA President.