The news has come through this evening that Bashir Ahmad MSP has died of a heart attack.
He was at home with his family. The suddenness has left us all stunned. People with him at work only an hour or two earlier say all seemed fine. From God we come and to Him is the return.
Uncle Bashir, as we called him, was a great man. The best. People admired him because he had those characteristics we all need - exemplary manners, a great nature, warmth and hospitality.
He was a history maker - Scotland's first ethnic minority MSP, its first Muslim MSP.
He epitomised the stereotype of the first generation Asian Scots. Graft, hard work, entrepreneurship. He was also different to most in our elder generation - through his civic engagement. I'm in the SNP largely because of him. In 2003, he made the effort to get to know a lot of us who'd been involved in antiwar activity. Not only had he blazed a trail that a number of us were to follow, but he encouraged and helped others to do so. Often, elders give lip service about getting young people involved - he meant it.
He set up the Scots Asians for Independence as a bridge between the party and the Asian community and there are a tranche of people that owe him a debt for that work. So many in BME communities lack contacts and role models, and that's what made this body so important.
For him, it wasn't about his own personal achievements or glory. His cause was independence. Whenever you were to meet him, most likely you'd be quizzed about what you were doing to achieve it. In more recent times, you could also sense his own personal frustration that with his years, he perhaps didn't have as much energy as he used to.
For me he'll always be an inspiration. Speaking to people this evening just reemphasises the esteem and fondness in which he was held. My thoughts and prayers with his family.
Allah swt bless his soul, i am gutted and so saddened to hear that happened to uncle bashir, Allah swt grant his family patience and peace and grant uncle bashir an honourable abode in heaven ameen, i just spoke to him a few weeks back and im saddened it happened so sudden.
rip and he will be sadly missed
Posted by: musa of glasgow | 07 February 2009 at 12:02 AM
Thank you, Bashir. Thank you, and may you rest peacefully. You remain an inspiration for all Scots interested in social justice. We extend our thoughts and condolences to your family. Anita & Ian
Posted by: Anita Shelton | 07 February 2009 at 09:41 AM
When will we see his likes again?
Posted by: Alan Clayton | 07 February 2009 at 10:16 AM
Sorta OT, but why it the SNP so hostile to nuclear energy?
Isn't the best way to help the Muslims of the Middle East to do something about our addiction to petroleum (which practically forces the West to engage in imperialistic behaviour in the Middle East)?
Posted by: George Carty | 07 February 2009 at 05:20 PM
May Allah SW grant him Janat Enaeem
Posted by: A.Naas | 07 February 2009 at 08:11 PM
well said
I firts me him when we were both labour supporter - Sawar for pollocksheilds 1988 - and was great guy then too. He never wavered always too the right course, end in the right place
Posted by: AyeWeCan | 07 February 2009 at 09:48 PM
Such terribly sad news my thoughts are with all of his family and friends. He was such a warm, friendly man.
I remember visiting him on the way back from campaigning at Glasgow East, he served us the most fantastic curry and would not let us leave until we could eat no more!
His generosity new no bounds and he was an inspiration to so many across Scotland and beyond.
May you rest in peace Bashir, your memory and work will live on in all of those you inspired.
Hannah Bardell
Posted by: Hannah Bardell | 08 February 2009 at 01:40 PM