Muslims in the Tampa Bay area are mourning the loss of their longtime spiritual leader.
- Imam Mohammad Sultan remembered Wednesday night
- Sultan, 62, died of cancer Tuesday night
- Sultan was director of Islamic Society of Tampa Bay for almost 30 years
Imam Mohammad Sultan, 62, died of cancer Tuesday night. A prayer service was held for him on Wednesday.
A prayer service was held for Imam Mohammad Sultan, 62, on Wednesday. (Laurie Davison, Staff)
"My dad was a selfless type of human being who spent his whole life serving others without wanting recognition or gratitude," said his son, Hassan Sultan.
The elder Sultan was the prayer leader and director of the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay for almost 30 years.
"Dr. Sultan was a founding pillar of the community, and you can really tell a lot about a man by the legacy he leaves behind," said Hassan Shibly of CAIR.
Before his retirement, Sultan helped build a community center and free medical clinic at the mosque in east Tampa. He also worked to establish a food pantry, thrift store and day care center and watched it grow into one of the largest mosques in the area.
"I don't think he thought that much about it becoming big. I think he thought about pleasing God more than anything and serving those in the community," Hassan Sultan said.
Sultan was also known for working to improve relationships with the non-Muslim community.
"Anytime I'd go to the meeting, interfaith meeting, government meeting, anything about promoting peace and unity and tolerance, you'd see Dr. Sultan there, and he'll be missed tremendously," Shibly said.
Family members remember Sultan as a quiet man who spoke through his actions and lived by his faith. They said the lessons he taught them are universal.
"We should know that life is short and we should love each other and forgive each other and replace hatred and animosity with love and compassion and mercy," Hassan Sultan said.
Sultan leaves behind a wife and four children.