Tributes have been paid to a pillar of the Muslim community who helped those who were targeted for their religion after terrorist attacks in London and America.

Haji Mohammad Aslam set up the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association and the Kent Muslim Welfare Association and was one of the pioneers of the Mosques Association of Kent.

His motto in life was not just to be there for the Muslim community, but to help other communities and work together as one.

Mohammad came to the UK in 1968 and in 1970 he, along with others, set up the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association (GDMA).

The purpose of creating the GDMA was to create mosques, facilities and Islamic classes in Gravesham because at the time there was very little for the community.

Ramadan prayers were held at the Citizen Advice Bureau and Mohammad was responsible for informing people of these prayers.

He was also involved in the race equality council.

In 1984 the association had its first conference to launch a bid for a mosque.

Mohammad went on to create the Kent Muslim Welfare Association at Gillingham Mosque in Canterbury Street.

He served there for 20 years and was a treasurer for most of that time.

He was passionate about teaching the Quran to children and worked to keep the association going and serving the community as a whole.

He was instrumental in changing police policy by working with Kent Police to create a better understanding of Islam and putting protocols in place.

Mohammad also did a lot of welfare work up and down the country and was involved in a lot of things beyond its remit to get the association recognised.

After the 9/11 attacks in America and the 7/7 bombings in London, Mohammad worked to make sure people understood Islam and protected the members of the community who were targeted at the time for their religion.

In 2007 the association held its first major conference at the Woodville Halls where 500 people came including Lords and members of the Pakistan High Commission.

Mohammad and his team worked with charities and were invited to Downing Street in 2018.

Gravesham borough council awarded Mohammad with the Gravesham Community Award and Kent Police gave him the Outstanding Merit Award for his work.

He was well known not only in the Muslim community but other faith groups like the Sikh community.

Cohesion Plus – which runs multi-cultural events across the county – has also worked with GDMA to help them grow.

While working for the association, Mohammad also opened up the first Asian fabric shop in Gravesham in 1970 which became flooded with customers.

In 1993 Mohammad and his son Cllr Ejaz Aslam (Con), purchased the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association mosque in Albion Terrace in Gravesend.

Among his many achievements he was also one of the pioneers of the Mosques Association of Kent bringing over 20 mosques together on one platform.

Aside from his community work, Mohammad was a selfless father who showed great strength and devoted everything to his family.

His youngest son Ejaz said: "He kept his family all together and whenever there was an argument amongst the family he'd always be that person to calm people down and do the right thing."

Ejaz added: "Even though he was suffering with the pain so much from the cancer, he did not fuss."

Mohammad was cared for by ellenor hospice in Northfleet and his family has thanked them.

Ejaz said: "More people should know the work that ellenor do. They were superb."

Mohammad had three daughters, two sons, many grandchildren and great grandchildren who will continue his work.

Around 1000 people from across the country attended his funeral at Gravesham Central Mosque.