The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today remembered the life and contributions of towering American Muslim community pioneer Dr. Yaqub Mirza and extended condolences to his family.
Dr. Mirza’s janazah, or funeral prayer, is scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m. at ADAMS Sterling. His burial will be held at 3 p.m. at Sterling Cemetery. Condolences will be held at ADAMS Sterling on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dr. Mirza founded and served as President of the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at Shenandoah University and was also the founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Management Group, Inc. Dr. Mirza also previously served as General Manager of NAIT.
As an author and thought leader, Dr. Mirza contributed extensively through service on numerous boards. His roles included Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amana Mutual Funds, member of the International Advisory Council of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), and member of the Council of Advisors for the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, along with many other community initiatives.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“A towering figure has returned to his Lord. With deep sadness and shock, we mourn the passing today of Dr. M. Yaqub Mirza — a dear friend, a brother, a supporter, and an advisor to so many of us for decades. A true pioneer of the American Muslim community in every sense.
“Dr. Yaqub Mirza helped build foundational institutions that shaped Muslim life in America. As a co-founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Amana Mutual Funds, he advanced ethical finance grounded in Islamic principles and championed scholarship, leadership, and community vision.
“Beyond his public work, he was a man of extraordinary humility, wisdom, and generosity. He mentored countless people, encouraged new leaders, and stood with our community through every challenge. For many of us, his support felt like family.
“Our heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones, and all who were touched by his life. His passing is a profound loss to our community and to everyone who knew him.”
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com