Thousands of Muslims gathered in Hong Kong to pay their respects during the funerals of Ihtsham Ali, 30, and Mohammad Faisal, 34, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on New Year’s Day. The solemn ceremonies took place at Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai, as community members offered prayers and condolences to the bereaved families.

Alongside these two men, Mohammad Nadeem Adalat, 33, was also a victim of the same tragic incident, which occurred when the car he was in struck a taxi after colliding with a road divider. Adalat's body was ceremoniously transported back to the mosque shortly after his wedding just days prior, illustrating the deep sorrow within the community. A family member expressed the overwhelming sense of loss, noting, “You can imagine how big the crowd will be in the UK, where he spent more than half of his life,” highlighting the emotional gravity of his untimely death.

Attendees gathered for various prayers, including the special Janazah prayer, reflecting on the lives lost and the impact on their families. Alex Mohammad Ilyas, a former leader in the local Pakistani community, emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms regarding taxi driver regulations, advocating for better safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future. “We need to make the roads safer,” he stated, reflecting the community's demand for change in light of this tragedy.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues into the accident, with the 65-year-old taxi driver arrested for failing to drive safely, leaving the community anxious for accountability. Fellow mourners shared their grief over losing friends and family members, reinforcing their calls for enhanced road safety measures.

The recent gatherings not only served as moments of mourning but also as crucial opportunities for the community to call for important reforms, emphasizing that every life lost in such devastating circumstances necessitates urgent action. Local leaders are mobilizing efforts to provide financial assistance to families impacted by these tragic events.

For more information on this developing story, refer to the full articles by the South China Morning Post and follow the ongoing updates.