TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a man whose "influence and guidance touched countless lives in Bradford".

Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain Shah Arif Qadri Naushahi recently died following a prolonged illness.

Affectionately known as Pir Sahib, he was a pioneer of the Masajid movement, which began in Bradford, and went on to inspire the development of mosques throughout the UK and Europe.

Around 10,000 people are expected at his funeral which will take place at the Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam Bradford Central Mosque, on Westgate in the city centre, this Friday at 7.15pm.

In Bradford, he was instrumental in establishing Jamyiat-Tabligh-ul-Islam, an organisation that oversees the development and management of 18 mosques and supplementary schools.

Pir Sahib was also a founding member of the Bradford Council for Mosques.

Naz Shah MP (Bradford West) said he was an "instrumental leader" whose efforts for the local community are "unmatched".

She said: "Extremely sad news to hear about the passing of Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain sb. 

"He was an instrumental leader that brought together not only the local Muslim community in Bradford but many across this country.

"His efforts to the local community are unmatched and will be remembered for generations to come.

"A towering figure who always gave me time. I pray that he is granted a high rank in Jannah tul Firdous and my thoughts and prayers are with all his family and loved ones."

A spokesperson for the Council for Mosques said: "It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that the Bradford & District Council for Mosques announces the passing of Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain Shah Arif Qadri Naushahi.

"Pir Sahib, as he was affectionately known, was a revered spiritual leader whose influence and guidance touched countless lives in Bradford, the UK, and around the world.

"He passed away following a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by many.

"Pir Sahib was a pioneer of the Masajid movement, which began in Bradford and went on to inspire the development of mosques throughout the UK and Europe.

"His vision and dedication laid the foundations for a stronger, more connected Muslim community, fostering spiritual growth and unity.

"In Bradford, Pir Sahib was instrumental in establishing Jamiyat-Tabligh-ul-Islam, an organisation that oversees the development and management of 18 mosques and supplementary schools.

"His commitment to education and spiritual leadership helped shape the lives of many young Muslims, providing them with the guidance and support needed to thrive.

"As a founding member of the Bradford Council for Mosques, Pir Sahib's wisdom and spiritual insight were invaluable.

"His presence was a constant source of inspiration, and his contributions to our community will be deeply missed.

"Thousands of his followers found solace and direction in his teachings, and his absence leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew him.

"The Bradford & District Council for Mosques extends its heartfelt condolences to Pir Sahib's family, his congregation, and the entire community.

"We share in your grief and stand together in this time of mourning.

"Pir Sahib's legacy of faith, compassion, and community service will continue to guide us as we move forward."

A joint statement was issued by Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj, OBE, DL, of Bradford Gurdwaras; Ravinder Dharni, of Bradford Hindu Council; the Right Reverend Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford; and Richard Stroud, OBE, of Bradford Synagogue.

It said: "As colleagues from different religious faiths in Bradford, we send condolences to our Muslim friends and colleagues following the sad death of Pir Syed Mahroof yesterday.

"We recognise the extraordinary pioneering contribution that he made to our city and district, and the deep loss that will be felt by so many people in Bradford and much more widely.

"You are in our prayers."
 

 

Community answers

Pay tribute Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain Shah Arif Qadri Naushahi

"Affectionately known as Pir Sahib, a pioneer of the Masajid movement has sadly passed away"

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Nesar Rafiq

Share your tributes and memories hereVery sad news -a great Human Being was Pir Sahib -played a big part in Islamic life in the UK and was motivated by true love of all human beings and not interested in the financial world -will miss him and Pray that Allah grants him peace in the afterlife -Nesar Rafiq -Wakefield

From Community contributor

Share your tributes and memories hereGrew up hearing great things about this great man, never met him! but was always busy serving our Lord.

From Mohammed iqbal Attari

Share your tributes and memories herePir sahb was a great leader, May Allah azawajal give him the highest Rank in Jannat ul Firdaus Ameem

From SaraA

Share your tributes and memories hereAnyone who met him knows how kind and thoughtful he was. Those who worked alongside him saw his dedication, patience and hardworking nature. He always had time for people, be that a listening ear, giving advice, teaching them or sharing his wisdom & knowledge. You never left his home without having a warm cup of tea and a rusk cake. His mission at home and abroad was to enhance the lives of others through religion and education. Leaders inspire the people around them and truly Pir Mahroof was a beautiful leader whose light has and will continue to inspire those around him. Long live his legacy. "To God we belong and to Him we return" May God grant him the highest station in heaven in the highest of companies. Ameen Heartfelt condolences to the whole family, Naushahi followers and community.

From Umar A.

Share your tributes and memories herePeer Saab was a well respected & a great person always there to help people a true towering voice that will be missed by thousands. May Allah grant them a high place in jannah…Ameen

From Fouzia Asim Rashid

Share your tributes and memories hereSo heart broken, Pir Saab helped me and my family for years, such a welcoming and beautiful kind person ❤️ such a loss may Allah swt grand them high place in Janat.

From Nabeel Asif

Share your tributes and memories hereToday, we mourn the loss of an inspirational Muslim leader who dedicated his life to guiding hundreds of thousands of people on the right path. His unwavering commitment to service, wisdom, and compassion has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched. Through his tireless efforts, he brought communities together, fostered understanding, and inspired many to live with integrity and faith. His legacy will continue to illuminate our paths, and he will be dearly missed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his lifelong dedication and profound impact. We thank him dearly for his lifetime service.

From Muslim brother

Share your tributes and memories hereQibla Pir Sahib efforts for the Muslims of UK are immeasurable, we owe alot to them for the groundwork they put in when there was no voice for Islam in the 60s and 70s. The many imminaties Muslims have in particular Bradford and far afield in UK are thanks to Pir Sahib efforts, including the untold amount of ulema sponsored by Pir saab to come to UK all of whom have created successful lives here in the UK with large institutions, all of whom owe alot of thanks to Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain Shah Arif Naushahi Qadri! May Allah grant them highest place in Jannah al Firdous among the anbia, martyrs and saliheen.

From Amjad malik

Share your tributes and memories hereA son of a Syed has gone to meet His Ancestors on the day of their martyrs what day can possibly have suited the departing of our king. A Legacy he leaves untouched, a legacy so great one cannot recreate. The foundations of modern Islam today May his status be elevated. May he reunite with his beloveds in the bargaah of sarware koun nain.

From Mohammed sufyaan

Share your tributes and memories hereMay Allah grant Pir Syed Mahroof Hussain Shah Arif Qadri Naushahi the highest ranking in jannat and perfume in paradise and brought Islam to Bradford for long time ago 🤲🏻💔🌹

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus: I took the picture myselfI took the picture myself

From Mohammed Shafiq

Share your tributes and memories hereDeeply saddened to hear of the death of Pir Syed Maroof Hussain Shah Noshahi of Bradford, the founder of Tabligh ul Islam, dozens of Mosques and Islamic institutions. ‎He arrived in the UK in 1960’s, working in the mills at night and teaching children at night. He was one of the pioneer generation who helped build the British Muslim community. ‎Through decades of service, he has served with distinction and strength. Loved by thousands and we give thanks for his lifetime of service. ‎To his beloved sons, family and followers my sincere condolences. May elevate their rank in Jannah You cannot underestimate the huge contribution Pir Syed Maroof Shah Noshahi made to the British Muslim community, his sweat, tears, determination led to so many Mosques being built and open. Hundreds of Sunni Scholars were brought to the UK through him and a global movement to educate the future generation. End of an era no doubt but his legacy will live on his sons and the mosques he left behind. Mohammed Shafiq BritishMuslimTV, Broadcaster

From I Hussain

Share your tributes and memories hereIslam would not be as strong as it is today in Bradford, if it wasn’t for Pir Sahib.

From Community contributor

Share your tributes and memories herePir Sahib was an instrumental figure for our community, they will be missed all around the world, for there love for Islam and the amazing work Pir Sahib had been doing. May Allah SWT give Pir Sahib the highest place in janatul firdos and give the family and there followers saber.

From Graham Timmers

Share your tributes and memories hereA great man fostering a sense of unity amongst the Muslim and non Muslim community.