UK mosque holds terrorist's funeral after praise from Andy Burnham

UK mosque holds terrorist's funeral after praise from Andy Burnham The now-Prime Minister visited the mosque earlier this year alongside Labour MPs and the new Greater Manchester mayor. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Emily Wright , World News Reporter 09:09, Mon, Oct 5, 2026 Updated: 12:59, Mon, Oct 5, 2026 The now-Prime Minister visited the mosque earlier this year alongside Labour MPs and the new Greater Manchester mayor (Image: Getty) A Manchester mosque previously praised by Andy Burnham for its "togetherness" has held a funeral service for a convicted Taliban terrorist who ran a British recruitment ring. The Manchester Central Mosque hosted the janazah (Muslim funeral service) for Munir Farooqi, 69, on September 30. Farooqi died in prison late last month while serving four life sentences for preparing terrorist acts, soliciting murder and disseminating terror literature. Farooqi, who travelled to Afghanistan to fight alongside the Taliban following the 9/11 terror attacks , later returned to the UK. He established a recruitment hub in Manchester designed to persuade homegrown British extremists to "fight, kill and die" abroad. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows more than 100 people attending the ceremony. According to hardline Islamist news outlet 5Pillars, Farooqi’s family continues to view him as a "martyr who died doing what he loved." The revelations have sparked intense political backlash. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called on the Labour Prime Minister to apologise if he had visited the venue, warning against pandering to extremist elements. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . "Islamist extremism is the biggest threat facing our society, and we must do everything in our power to combat it rather than pander to those proliferating it," the Croydon MP said. "It is deeply concerning the Labour Government does not have the backbone to confront this reality." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Petrol and diesel drivers set to face new 57p per litre charges Russia issues horror WW3 threat to nuke UK as 34 towns and cities on Putin's hitlist Munir Farooqi fought for the Taliban following 9/11 and died in prison at the end of September (Image: PA) Mr Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, visited the mosque in February alongside Labour MPs Debbie Abrahams and Afzal Khan, as well as current Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig . During the visit, Mr Burnham shared an Iftar meal with community members to break the Ramadan fast. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT His visit followed an incident where two men allegedly entered the building armed with weapons, including an axe and a knife. Speaking during the February event, the now Prime Minister praised the congregation, stating: "We’re not about allowing any room for the politics of division in Greater Manchester and creating a climate where that can advance." He added outside the building: "Everybody in our city region, whoever they are, whatever faith they follow, should be free at all times to practice that faith [...] and we will never accept a city region where people have any fear of being at their place of worship." The Express contacted No 10, who declined to comment. The Express also contacted the Manchester Central Mosque for comment, and a spokesperson said: "In light of recent events and public interest, Manchester Central Mosque wishes to clarify our long-standing position and religious obligations regarding funeral services. "As an Islamic institution, we undertake the responsibility of performing funerals for all Muslims. Our core belief is that every person who has died deserves a respectful and dignified funeral. It is not our position, nor our role, to give judgments on a person’s actions, especially those who are deceased. "As Muslims, we leave all judgments to God. Ultimately, heaven or hell is based on a person's actions, and this is a matter for God alone to judge. Our duty is to serve the community and provide the necessary religious rites with dignity. "Manchester Central Mosque welcomes all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Our doors are always open. "At this time, the family has requested for peace and privacy. We will fully abide by this request and ask that the public and media respect their wishes." Andy Burnham Manchester Terror Religion Ramadan Chris Philp Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments