Md. Rezaul Haque Shakil, Brahmanpara (Comilla) Representative
A farewell reception was given to Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman, the senior imam of Dirghbhumi Central Jama Masjid in Brahmanpara Upazila of Comilla, on his retirement.
Local devotees gave him a farewell reception through various arrangements before Friday (February 7) prayers.
The recipient of the reception is Imam Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman, son of the late Maulana Syed Mohabbat Ali Amiri of Tatera area of Sahebabad union of the upazila. He is a former assistant (religious) teacher at Brahmanpara Adarsh Government Primary School.
It is learned that Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman retired after serving as the Khatib of Dirghbhumi Central Jame Mosque in the Upazila Sadar for 43 years. Local devotees took various initiatives to bid farewell to their beloved Imam. Before Friday's Friday prayers, prayers and love were exchanged between the departing Imam and the devotees.
At this time, the devotees presented the outgoing Imam with a crest of honor, cash and daily necessities. At this time, local devotees and devotees from far and wide separately received prayers from the departing Imam and exchanged greetings. Both the Imam and the devotees became emotional. This revealed a unique picture of love between the departing Imam and the devotees. Later, the beloved Imam was bid farewell in an atmosphere filled with Islamic slogans and flowers.
Local devotee Md. Omar Sani said, the outgoing Imam Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman has been teaching Islamic teachings to the people of this area for many years. Due to his long years of leading the Imamate, our soul has developed a relationship with him. We and our fathers and uncles have prayed behind him. He never spoke angrily to any devotee of this area. Today, on the day of his retirement, we have tried to give the Huzoor the best possible respect.
Local devotee Amir Hossain Master said, Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman has been leading the prayer at our Jama Masjid for many years. The devotees of this area love Imam Sahib and Imam Sahib also loves the devotees. Due to the love of both, we became emotional during his farewell.
Local worshipper Md. Nazrul Islam said, "We have been praying behind him for many years. He is a humble and honest man. May the Imam's future days be happy. Even though he has left our mosque, he will remain in our hearts with respect and love. We wish him good health."
The outgoing Imam Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman said, "I am a child of this area. Once upon a time, my father lived in this area. Later, my father settled in the Tatera area of Sahebabad Union of the upazila from this area."
He said, "I have been leading the prayer in this mosque for many years. I have been engaged in serving the people of this area. The devotees love me and I love the devotees. However, today's event made me eternally indebted to the devotees. I am truly impressed and moved by the love shown by the devotees."
Abu Taher Asri, General Secretary of Dirghbhoomi Central Jame Mosque, said, "Maulana Md. Habibur Rahman led the prayer at our Jame Mosque for many years. Today is his farewell ceremony. It is really difficult to say goodbye to a loved one. He taught us a lot. We wish the departing Imam good health and well-being."
Caption: Local devotees welcome the departing senior Imam in Brahmanpara.
