The Miracle’s first Urdu chief editor Mohammad Rafiq was one of the pioneers of BC’s Pakistani community as well as a pioneer of Urdu literature too. Many in the community knew him as a true lover of Urdu language who dedicated his time to promoting Urdu language in B.C. He was also an accomplished scientist with a long career in public service. He will be missed by his Miracle family.
We pray to Almighty Allah(SWT) for His mercy, to forgive all his sins and reward him with the best place in paradise, and to give patience to the family. (Ameen)
Note: For more reviews about the late Mr. Mohammad Rafiq please visit Miracle Urdu section. Thanks
Rafique Saheb- “Baba-E-Urdu of Canada”
From the Pen of the Founding Editor of ‘The Miracle.’
By: Nusrat Hussain
Departure of every soul is a sad affair for all the loved ones left behind. In the case of Rafique Saab, I would like to remember him by celebrating his life. Two days before his death I talked to his wife, bhabi Anjum on the phone. She told me that Rafique had instructed the doctors not to put him on life support if it ever reached to that stage. To call him a brave man is a small token of acknowledgment to his achievements in life.
My association of over two decades with Rafique Saab started as respect- he was few years senior in age. He was the first Urdu editor of ‘The Miracle’ newspaper. During this period, our working relations advanced to close friendship where we frankly discussed on every aspect of life. He was a man of commitment who always honored his words.
His scholarly contribution to the Urdu language in British Columbia is a great feather in his cap. He put his heart and soul behind over twenty books published in Urdu language here from British Columbia. He singlehandedly carried out editing, composing, printing and publishing of these books and various booklets, poetry deewans, newsletters and magazines originated from BC. He was the founding General Secretary and later the President of Canada Urdu Association. He founded the Iqbal Academy, which too is homage to his love for Urdu. He believed in instilling the love of Urdu in the younger generations in Canada. For some of these great achievements, it would be fair to call him Baba-E-Urdu (Father of the Urdu language) in Canada.
He was a team player, always ready to offer for help. It is sad to lose the personality of his stature, but I can assure that Rafique Saab will always be remembered as a brave and an honorable man alike by his friends and foes. He is an irreplaceable loss. He will be sorely missed. May Allah Paak grant him the highest level in Jannah and grant his family sabr e jameel.. Ameen
Online prayers, and tribute to Mohammad Rafiq
In the memory of Mohammad Rafiq – A Zoom Call to pray, and give honors to the passing.
January 10, 2021, Vancouver, BC
By: Mahwish Yousaf
A-Zoom Call to pray, and give honors to the passing of Rafiq Mohammad. The session was hosted by Mahwish Yousaf, the director of Iqbal Academy BC to remember a British Columbia’s community legend Mohammad Rafiq Sahib.
Mohammad Rafiq was the founder of Iqbal Academy BC and many other projects related to youth empowerment, Urdu language, peace, and unity. He was known in the community for his love, laughter, generosity, and warm presence.
The session started with recitation, and then everyone shared personal stories about their time with Mohammad Rafiq.
The British Columbia based Iqbal Academy members, leaders of other Pakistani organizations, and community members gathered to pay honors to Mohammad Rafiq. Mohammad Rafiq son Mohkam Rafiq attended the session and shared details about his father.
Tahir Aslam started the session by reciting Fateha, and other verses. Naseer Pirzada ended the session by offering prayers for him, his family and the rest of the community.
My father had a big impact on the community. He shared his love for music, culture and poetry, and Iqbal teachings. Rafiq Sahib video chatted and stayed connected with his family during covid. Mohkam Rafiq ( his son) stated.
He was a mentor and a teacher to me and everyone. He was one person I knew closely who never segregated religion or ethnicity. He never prejudiced anyone based on sect, religion, culture or ethnicity. Shamim Akbar stated.
He offered love to everyone without prejudice. He brought me to the Canada Urdu Association. He left the city sad after his departure. Shahzad Nazir Khan stated.
He always gave me respect. He used to find potential in people. He brought me to Canada Urdu Association and encouraged me to learn poetry. Huma Shoaib stated.
Everyone was equal for him. Malik Arfan stated.
I learned Iqbaliat from him and he was a kind soul. Mohammad Rafi stated
I feel that one of his family members passed away. He added me to Iqbal academy and assigned social media tasks. He brought handmade kites to the PCA picnic so that the kids can experience Pakistani kite flying. Nayyar Sohail stated
He supported me tremendously when I joined the community. His mission was to engage youth so they can learn from iqbal teachings. He was the founding member of Global Peace Society and helped define its mission. We should strive to continue his mission. Mahwish Yousaf stated.
He made a huge difference in community growth and unity. He was in love with Urdu language and he put in a lot of effort to promote Urdu in British Columbia. Naveed Warraich stated
He was his best friend. He encouraged me to write in Miracle News. He was always very friendly and generous. His departure made me very sad. We should strive to take his mission forward. Aslam Hayat stated
He offered support to me and my daughter at every step as a new immigrant. I feel honored to present photographs and artifacts at Punjabi Museum through his support. The community has become orphan due to his passing. Sadaf Zulfiqar stated
It was always an immense pleasure to meet him. He was a brother, father, friend, and confidant. He had the magical touch to make everyone happy. Shaukat Khan stated
He always stated good things about others instead of his own. He will be writing an article in Miracle News for him. He was not just a person, he was a party ( anjuman ) on his own. Gilani sahib stated
Passing of Mohammad Rafiq made me very sad. He used to provide Urdu translation for people who could not afford it. He brought me to Iqbal Academy. Asad Syed stated
He always brought all communities together and welcomed me to all Pakistani programs and groups.
I invited him to a fundraiser and he was the first one to join. Sukhi Dhillon stated
He was followed by a lot of people due to his warm personality; All his programs were very beautiful and professional. Haroon Khan stated.
I have never seen a wonderful and beautiful human-like him anywhere. He used to come first for my mushaira and waited for the rest of the people. I was a new immigrant and he introduced himself to us by seeing a Pakistani board in front of our shop.
Afshin Ijaz stated, He was his neighbor and helped me a lot. He translated my stories for Miracle News and taught me how to speak on TV. Intikhab Alam stated
He always encouraged people and he lived a full life. He did a lot of work for the promotion of Urdu and he didn’t make any mistakes in his work. He found the gaps in our community work and pinpointed where we are lacking. Tarik Kiani stated
He was Iqbal fan and very passionate about sharing his poetry. Maqbool sahib stated
She grew up with him and he never said anything bad about anyone. He used to stop others to backbite, especially when the person was not present. He was a guiding light for everyone. Mino auntie stated
He knew me for 19 years and helped grow a Miracle through from the start. He encouraged senior writers to write for Miracle. He used to tell others to help vulnerable people in the community. Naseer Pirzada stated.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all close and extended family members.
Iqbal Academy BC is a British Columbia based education organization dedicated to improve self & empower the community through Iqbal’s Ideology. And to initiate & formalize an understanding of Iqbaliat for Personal & Community development.
