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Cardiff Islamic leader, 81, dies
2011-03-24 18:52:50
24 March 2011 Last updated at 19:05 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Sheikh Said Hassan Ismail, Cardiff Muslim leader, dies Sheikh Said at the South Wales Islamic Centre Continue reading the main story Related Stories Faith in the city's communities Wales mourning death of the Pope War provokes 'anger and sorrow'
A Cardiff religious leader known for his community work has died aged 81.
Sheikh Said Hassan Ismail founded the South Wales Islamic Centre in Butetown and was an imam at the mosque.
Born to a Welsh mother, he moved to Cardiff as a boy after his father, who was born in Yemen, was killed in service during World War II.
Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "His wise counsel at times of crisis has made him a truly significant figure in the shaping of modern Wales."
Alun Michael, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, said: "Sheikh Said was a gentleman, a scholar, a man of the community and a towering influence in Cardiff who will be greatly missed by the community as a whole.
"He was enormously respected by my predecessor Jim Callaghan, who first introduced us, and throughout my time in Parliament I knew him as a good and honest friend who has always been willing to speak truth to power. He said difficult things at difficult times while never losing the affection and authority which everyone felt for him. He will be sadly missed."
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