On the 2nd January 2026 we lost our grandfather Haji Mohammed Yaqub. He passed away so peacefully with all of us at his bedside. My mum, aunts and uncles had become orphans in that moment. A whole community was orphaned, as was the whole city.

My grandfather was one of the first Pakistani’s to arrive in Sheffield. He came here as a teenager in the 1950s. He initially worked in the steelworks before setting up the first halal green grocers in Sheffield, alongside his brothers and father at 107 Staniforth road, Attercliffe. Haji Ali Akbar and sons, halal meat and green grocers.

The green grocers later moved to 34-36 Spital Hill. He then went on to establish the first travel agency and international money transfer service so that the community could remain connected to their loved ones on the Indian Subcontinent. Akbar Travels. Akbar travel and tours still continues to operate til this day and is now situated on Owler Lane.

Haji Mohammed Yaqub was a man of the people. He was a great fundraiser. He along with friends purchased the old Co-op store on Wolsely road in Sheffield to establish one of the first mosques in the city. He then went on to help fundraise over £4 million pounds for the construction of what is now the largest mosque in South Yorkshire. Madina Masjid Sheffield.

We his family and friends wish to continue his legacy and fundraise in his memory for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Haji Mohammed Yaqub’s late grandson Yousaf (Danny) Younis spent most of his life in and out of Sheffield Children’s hospital and this cause is very dear to the whole family.

Haji Mohammed Yaqub was a pioneer. He paved the way for so many of the Pakistani community in Sheffield and throughout the United Kingdom.

He always had a smile on his face and his presence was felt in any gathering. He will be sorely missed by so many.

When a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.

Haji Mohammed Yaqub leaves behind 2 sons, 8 daughters, 29 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Please kindly donate however small and share your memory or story of Haji Mohammed Yaqub.

We are truly very grateful and humbled.

May Allah grant Haji Mohammed Yaqub the highest rank in paradise.

Your money will support the thousands of patients and families at Sheffield Children’s, from across the UK and beyond, by funding the life-changing and the joy-sparking. We make clinical care kinder, and bad days brighter. We bring play, laughter and comfort to places where they’re needed the most.

We fund groundbreaking research, specialist medical equipment and new facilities, creating an engaging environment built with children in mind.