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?
Br. Azhar Syed: 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?
Br. Syed: I was born in Hyderabad (India) in 1931 and completed my education there.
Miracle: When did you migrate to Pakistan?
Br. Syed: First I migrated from Hyderabad (India) to Dhaka (East Pakistan) in 1952 and then moved to Karachi (West Pakistan) in 1954.
Miracle: What work did you do in Karachi?
Br. Syed: I worked as a Production Manager for a leading publishing house and advertising agency in Karachi, Pakistan till 1973.
Miracle: When did you immigrate to Canada and where did you first land?
Br. Syed: Br. Syed: My family landed in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1973. Miracle: After arriving in BC, did you get a job in your profession?
Br. Syed: I got a job in my field, but not exactly in my profession. I served as Purchasing Manager for Behnsen Graphic Supplies Ltd. in Vancouver for 18 years before taking early retirement.
Miracle: After retirement what did you do to keep yourself engaged?
Br. Syed: In 1991 I joined hands with my wife to run a family day-care in Richmond.
Then we closed the day-care in 2002 to retire.
Miracle: I know you have an interest in reading religious books. What do you mostly read – Tafaseer ul Quran, Fiqh etc.
Br. Syed: Yes I have spent much of my time in reading Islamic Studies books and I educated myself in Islam by studying the Qur’an, Hadith, and Seerah of the Prophet by renowned authors, both old and contemporary.
Miracle: Now tell us about your social and other activities in the community.
Br. Syed: After settling down in Vancouver, I immediately became a member of BCMA, Pakistan Canada Association, MSA (which later became ISNA) and ICNA and got involved in the activities of all these organizations. 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 School. I have worked in almost every committee in the BCMA, especially BC Muslim School and Election committee. In the last four years of my activities in BCMA before I finally retired from community work, I was Vice President of Religious Services of BCMA.
I also served as a volunteer community organizer, conference and seminar organizer, educator, and Imam and worked at different levels in various committees of many local and national Muslim organizations such as ICNA, ISNA, HCI (Director for 18 Years), PCA (chair of election committee), and the Islamic co-operative housing corporation. I also focussed a lot of time on Dawah 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?
Br. Syed: The Miracle is the first Muslim regular bilingual and biweekly newspaper since 2001 and its quality 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 Editorial 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?
Br. Syed: As per my observations of many years, the lack of Unity 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 National 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:
Br. Syed: 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
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
