Tribute – Imam Fazlur Waizi Nadwi: Symbol of Shia-Sunni Unity

Lucknow: Imam Fazlur Rehman Waizi Nadwi, the Imam of historical Teele Wali Masjid and a symbol of Shia-Sunni unity, passed away after a brief illness at Lucknow recently. He became Imam of Teele Wali Masjid in 1967 at an age of around 25 years. For nearly five decades, he led prayers all five times and also on Eid at Teele Wali Masjid. He was hailed as a symbol of Shia-Sunni unity. In 1986, when the relations between two sects were strained, he took the step and led the last prayer (namaz-e janaza) of eminent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Abid at Teele Wali Masjid. In 1980, after riots in Moradabad, Waizi undertook a foot march from Lucknow to Delhi. He was welcomed by the then Imam of Jama Masjid in Delhi, Abdullah Bukhari and Waizi was given the honour to say azaan at Jama Masjid. He also strived for unity between different religions. He organised a Dalit-Muslim conference in 1968. He was a lifetime member of Ganga Mahasabha and also attended the Kumbh at Ujjain and even addressed the devotees. Lately, during a mishap at Kumbh in Allahabad, he had visited the injured in hospital.