From the pen of the Founding Chief- Editor of ‘The Miracle’.
Sqn. Ldr. Nusrat Hussain (R)
On 23rd February 2001, a modest newspaper named ‘The Miracle’ quietly appeared in British Columbia.
Few could have imagined that this first Muslim newspaper of the Province would still be standing a quarter century later—alive, relevant, and resilient. As its founding editor, writing on the 25th anniversary, I do so with gratitude, humility, and pride.
I came to British Columbia in 1996 carrying degrees in journalism and philosophy, along with a diploma in journalism from the ICS, USA.
I had studied journalism deeply—its ethics, its power, its responsibilities—but ironically, I had never been published in any newspaper. Like many immigrants, I did odd jobs to survive and settle.
During those early years, one absence became increasingly obvious: BC had no Muslim newspaper. Our community had voices, concerns, achievements, and grievances—but
no independent platform to reflect them. That realization gave birth to ‘The Miracle.’ The newspaper began with the most basic of resources: one student graphic designer and a
great deal of faith. I did everything myself—editorials, local coverage, national reporting, and international stories. In the earliest days, pages were designed, printed, physically
pasted together, and personally delivered to the press. The next day, bundles were collected from the printers and distributed—free of charge—at mosques and stores across the region. My wife, my children, and I became editors, distributors, and carriers all at once. It was not a business venture; it was a mission. Very quickly, The Miracle found its voice. The editorial page and letters to the editor pages became a forum where mosque administrations, Pakistani organizations, and Muslim groups expressed opinions they had previously been unable—or unwilling—to share. Independence, however, comes at a price. When the paper began raising its voice against injustice without favoring powerful families or entrenched groups, tolerance wore thin. Copies of The Miracle were stolen from mosques or dumped into garbage bins. For a community long controlled by a few influential circles, this was a rude awakening. For us, it was a lesson in the true cost of speaking truth. Ironically,
while the powerful were offended, ordinary people embraced the paper. The aggressive questioning of authority earned The Miracle credibility and sympathy among average community members.
When we published large group photographs of Pakistani and Muslim gatherings, political parties suddenly noticed something they had long ignored:
Muslims were a significant voting bloc. I still recall the late Aftab Alam, a prominent community leader, telling me that before The Miracle, community leaders had to request city councilors to attend events—and even then, attendance depended on convenience.
After The Miracle, Members of Parliament, Senators, and party leaders themselves were eager to attend Muslim celebrations. That recognition alone was one of our greatest achievements.
Another quiet revolution followed through advertising. Halal products, restaurants, and Muslim-owned businesses found visibility. Awareness translated into customers, and customers into growth. Local writers were given space. Community achievements were celebrated.
Our people began seeing themselves reflected positively in print.
Yet passion does not always pay bills. Despite our efforts, I could not turn a family-run mission into a financially sustainable enterprise.
At that critical juncture, Mr. Naseer Pirzada and his family joined The Miracle as partners. They were dedicated, hardworking, and sincere. With more hands, we strengthened the paper and introduced Urdu pages, expanding our reach. Still, supporting two families from the newspaper proved impossible. I made the painful but principled decision to step away, handing the responsibility entirely to Mr. Pirzada.
My philosophy was simple:
The Miracle must survive, even if I did not remain at its helm. History has proven that decision right.
Today, after 25 years, The Miracle exists solely because of the relentless dedication of Mr. Naseer Pirzada and his family. I convey my best wishes for them with pride and affection.
No journey is solitary.
I must acknowledge those who stood by us and helped in publishing The Miracle: late Rafique Sahib, our Urdu editor; late Shams Jilani, a valued advisory board member; my daughter Maheen Nusrat, sub editor; daughter of Mr. Pirzada Misbah Naseer, sub editor and once again, late Aftab Alam, whose wisdom guided us. I also gratefully acknowledge supporters and well-wishers such as late Jack Layton- leader of the NDP, Senator Mobina Jaffer, MP John Peschisolido, MP Gurmant Grewal and his wife Nina Grewal, late MLA John Nuraney, Mr. Lutf–ur Reman, Mr. Masood Jomratty, Mr. Zarar Butt, Mr. Munir Riasat, Mr. Syed Wajahat Shah, Mr. Shahid Yousaf, Mr. Nisar Butt, late Mr. Liaquat Bajwa, Mr. Maninder Gill of radio India and many more devoted community figures whose encouragement kept us moving.
As I conclude, I salute Mr. Naseer Pirzada for keeping The Miracle alive. I wish continued success to its advertisers and readers. May Allah Paak bless you all—and may The Miracle continue to serve, speak, and stand tall for generations to come.
