Sheikh Mohamed-Umer Esmail, one of the most recognizable Muslim leaders in the Austin area, has died, according to the Islamic Center of Greater Austin.

Friends said Esmail had been ill recently. He was in his mid-40s, was married and had three young daughters.

Esmail, who grew up in Canada, served for decades as an imam in Austin, leading the North Austin Muslim Community Center, the Nueces Mosque and, most recently, the Islamic Center of Lake Travis. He also taught at the Austin Peace Academy, a Muslim school in Austin, and had attained the title of mufti, an expert on Islamic law.

He was a fixture at interfaith events and a frequent guest speaker on Islam. Known as Sheikh Umer, Esmail was particularly popular among the University of Texas students he led at the Nueces Mosque.

Though slight of build and soft spoken, Esmail made a large impact on Central Texas with his Islamic scholarship, humor and kindness, friends said.

“He was such a kind and humble person,” said Yasmin Turk, a friend of Esmail. “He was an example of what it looks like to live his faith instead of just preach it. He truly cared about everyone, and it showed.”

Islam Mossaad, imam of the North Austin Muslim Community Center, said Esmail was immensely influential in Austin, but also remarkably humble.

Mossaad, who grew up in Austin, said Esmail inspired him to pursue becoming an imam. He grew close to Esmail and worked with him on community projects. Mossaad said Esmail was a strong advocate for young Muslims as well as a dedicated and knowledgeable scholar of the Quran.

“He is loved by hundreds and thousands of Muslims in the area,” Mossaad said. “He was also very active with Jews and Christians and other faiths, so it's a loss to all of Austin, not just Muslims in Austin.”

Esmail was described as a “strong advocate for interfaith work” in a statement from Interfaith Action of Central Texas and as "a cornerstone of the Austin Muslim community" by the Islamic Center of Greater Austin.

Rabbi Steven Folberg, of Congregation Beth Israel, said one could not help but to be impressed by his kindness and inclusive and pluralistic vision.

“He was a dear, dear man, a truly sweet soul and a person of genuine courage and compassion,” Folberg said. “I learned a lot from him, and it was always a joy to cross paths with him at various events.”

Even outside of the religious community, Esmail made inroads and impressions. He worked closely with Austin police after the death of Officer Amir Abdul-Kaliq, who died in 2016 from injuries he received during a motorcycle crash. Esmail offered words of support and shared in the grief of Abdul-Kaliq's family and fellow officers.

"The Austin Police Department was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Mohamed-Umer Esmail," Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said. "He was a true friend and partner in helping to keep the entire Austin community safe and we will miss him."

Esmail also made his voice heard on political issues, promoting inclusivity and rights for marginalized communities.

At a 2017 rally to support Muslims in the wake of President Donald Trump’s travel ban that many saw as anti-Muslim, Esmail addressed hundreds of people gathered at the Texas Capitol, specifically thanking each group that turned out for the event, including Mormons, atheists and members of the LGBTQ community.

Later that year, Esmail protested at the Capitol against the transgender bathroom bills, noting that one of the Prophet Muhammad’s followers was transgender.

"I call upon the governor and the Legislature: Enough is enough. Enough of the transphobia," he said.