An interview with azhar Syed

(miracle’s editorial Board member)

On Miracle’s 19th anniversary, I took the opportunity to speak with a senior board member of Miracle Media Group Inc., Br. Azhar Syed. Throughout the years, Br. Syed has been a voice of reason behind many business decisions. Whenever I have needed advice, I reach out to Br. Syed and he provides sincere guidance every time. For this special edition, I decided to re-introduce him to all our readers.

Miracle: Assalamu alaikum, Azhar Sahab. For past few months, you were not feeling well. How are you doing now? U KDU 6 HG Alhamdulillah, I am feeling much better and my health is improving too.

Miracle: Let’s start with your background, where were you born and where did you get your education?

U 6 HG I was born in Hyderabad India in and completed my education there. Miracle :hen did you migrate to Pakistan Br. 6yed )irst I migrated from Hyderabad India to haka (ast Pakistan in and then moved to Karachi :est Pakistan in . Miracle: What work did you do in Karachi? U 6 HG I worked as a Production Manager for a leading publishing house and advertising agency in Karachi, Pakistan till . Miracle: When did you immigrate to Canada and where did you first land?

U 6 HG My family landed in 9ancouver, British Columbia in .

Miracle: After arriving in BC, did you get a job in your profession?

U 6 HG I got a job in my field, but not exactly in my profession. I served as Purchasing Manager for Behnsen Graphic 6upplies /td. in 9ancouver for years before taking early retirement.

Miracle: After retirement what did you do to keep yourself engaged?

U 6 HG In I joined hands with my wife to run a family day-care in 5ichmond. Then we closed the day-care in to retire.

Miracle: I know you have interest in reading religious books. What do you mostly read - Tafaseer ul Quran, Fiqh etc. .

U 6 HG es I have spent much of my time in reading Islamic 6tudies books and I educated myself in Islam by studying the 4ur’an, Hadith, and 6eerah of the Prophet by renowned authors, both old and contemporary. Miracle: Now tell us about your social and other activities in the community. U 6 HG After settling down in 9ancouver, I immediately became a member of BCMA, Pakistan Canada Association, M6A which later became I61A and IC1A and got involved in the activities of all these organi ations. I spent many years in forging ties between the Muslim community and other communities in Canada. I was a very active member in the BC Muslim Association BCMA , and its Islamic 6chool. I have worked in almost every committee in the

BCMA, especially BC Muslim 6chool and (lection committee. In the last four years of my activities in BCMA before I finally retired from community work, I was 9ice President of 5eligious 6ervices of BCMA. I also served as a volunteer community organi er, conference and seminar organi er, educator, and Imam and worked at different levels in various committees of many local and national Muslim organi ations such as IC1A, I61A, HCI irector for ears , PCA chair of election committee , and the Islamic co-operative housing corporation. I also focussed a lot of time on awah work to non-Muslims and in interfaith work. I am also a registered marriage officer and have performed many nikaahs.

Miracle: What do you say about Miracle and what was your interest in joining the Miracle Board?

U 6 HG The Miracle is the first Muslim regular bilingual and biweekly newspaper since and its Tuality is improving day by day due to the dedication and hardship of the entire team.

My interest to serve the community brought me close to the Miracle and I joined its (ditorial Board. My contribution is more on the getup and presentation of the Paper. I also advise on community issues from time to time. The Miracle is serving the community very well and I envision a bright future for the Miracle in the years ahead.

Miracle: What do you say about the BC Muslim Community, and we are nowhere in National politics?

U 6 HG As per my observations of many years, the lack of 8nity in the Muslim Community is the major issue, that’s why we can’t stand at one platform in politics. I see that we are not trying hard enough to participate at any platform in the Civic Provincial or 1ational political arena. I would like to see more participation of the community in all levels of politics, including in rallies and demonstrations for the important issues that affect our community and all of Canada.

Miracle: Tell us about your family: U 6 HG Allhumdulillah, I am married and have three children and five grandchildren.

Miracle: Thanks for your time Syed sahib, Allah (swt) give you speedy recovery. Ameen