Ashfaq Ahmed, the 80 year old father of British detainee Babar Ahmed, is recovering well in hospital after brain surgery.
Ahmed has become a well-known and much-loved figure on the British Muslim scene after leading a 11-year campaign for his son to be freed.
A few days ago his condition was said to be rapidly deteriorating after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
But after his surgery his son, Babar, thanked the many well-wishers from his prison cell in the United States.
He said: “Assalamualaikum. May Allah bless you for taking the time out to visit my dad in hospital. Some of you were unable to go to the hospital but you sent duas and messages of support to my family.
“This all means so much to me, that you all took time out of your busy schedule to provide some comfort to my family. May Allah bless you all with happiness and success in everything you do. May Allah bring comfort to you in your time of distress like you brought comfort to my family in our time of distress.”
In July 2014 Babar Ahmad was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison by a US court.
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The British computer expert had admitted supporting terrorism through the internet in an apparent plea bargain. He also admitted conspiracy and providing material to support the Taliban.
Ahmad had already spent almost 10 years in prison in the UK and US (most of it without charge or trial) so is due for release in the next few months.
Sentencing Ahmad, the judge said she had to weigh the seriousness of the crime with his good character, after reading thousands of letters of support and hearing from British prison officials who described him as an exemplary prisoner.
She said Ahmad was not an operational terrorist, posed no threat to the public and exhibited remorse for setting up websites that promoted jihad.
