A SCOTS couple have died in Saudi Arabia while on a pilgrimage to Mecca, it has been confirmed.
Mohammad and Talat Aslam, who had five children, were killed when the minibus they were travelling in crashed on Wednesday. Four other passengers – members of a family from Manchester – also died and officials say several other British citizens were injured.
The Aslams, from Newlands in Glasgow, had completed their pilgrimage to Mecca and were returning to the holy city of Medina when the incident occurred.
In a statement, Glasgow Central Mosque said: “Mr Mohammad Aslam and Mrs Talat Aslam, of Newlands, Glasgow, the parents of Shehla, Saba, Omar, Osman and Haroon, have returned to the mercy of Allah.
“On Wednesday, January 18, they had just completed Umrah and were travelling in a minibus to visit our beloved Prophet’s Masjid in Madina. Tragically they were involved in a fatal accident.”
Umrah refers to a pilgrimage to Mecca and other holy sites made outwith the annual Hajj, which attracts millions of people.
The Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the families of six British people who have sadly died following a road accident in Saudi Arabia.
“We are also helping several more British nationals who were injured in the crash. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
The mosque said the couple were “popular members of the community”, adding: “We have every confidence in the Saudi authorities currently investigating the crash and in giving the dearly departed due dignity and decorum.
“We would kindly request the family be given space and time to grieve for their loved ones and to come to terms with their sudden loss.”
Reacting to the deaths online, Ali Gibran paid tribute to Mrs Aslam, saying: “Just a few hours ago it came to my knowledge, my Aunt Talat Aslam and Uncle Aslam who went from Glasgow, Scotland, to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah have passed away in a car accident after they were en route to Madina after performing Umrah.
“This has put a dagger through my heart and I am still shell-shocked from the second I came to know of this horrendous news. My aunt was the heart of our family.”
Local MP Stewart McDonald said he would contact the Aslam family to offer assistance. He tweeted: “I’m sure fellow Southsiders will join me in sending sympathy and best wishes to the family at this immensely sad and difficult time.”
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