Jersey's first imam to leave as family couldn't join him

Jersey's first Muslim prayer leader is leaving the island because he has had problems bringing his wife and children over to live with him.

Imam Abdul Samad has been in Jersey for 18 months, living in a flat that the Muslim community had bought for anyone taking on the role.

However, he has not been able to bring his family to the island and has decided to return to London.

He said living in Jersey had been "one of the most heartwarming and spiritually fulfilling periods of my life" but being separated from his family had been hard.

"I have family commitments," he said. "I have a wife and children and I'm living in a studio flat."

There is no doubt he has enjoyed his time in Jersey and he spoke warmly about the island's beautiful coastline and its welcoming people.

He had hoped his wife would have been able to work in Jersey because she is a maths teacher but said that "unfortunately things did not work out as I expected".

Mr Samad said he had to be practical and return to London, where he will continue to work as an imam.

In Jersey, other members of the Muslim community will step in to lead the prayers.

Mr Samad said he has had opportunities to meet different communities on the island and some from other faiths had even joined for Friday prayers.

He said the Muslim community had also raised money for people who have been struggling across the island.

"I would say one of the most memorable parts of my chair was the month of Ramadan, which is a month of mercy, unity, and spiritual growth," he said.

It was announced at Friday congressional prayers that Mr Samad would be leaving Jersey.

Dr Sarfraz Jamali, a well-known member of Jersey's Muslim community, said: "When I announced that imam is leaving and thanked him on behalf of the whole community, a couple of members said he will be missed.

"Imam has an important role because he leads all five daily prayers. He also plays an important role in engaging with the people, giving sermons and teaching sessions to adults and children."

Dr Jamali said he was now looking for another imam.

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