Report: ANI :
PHILADELPHIA — The Muslim community of Greater Philadelphia is mourning the passing of Br. Manzoor Chaudhry (March 14, 1941 – October 30, 2026), a respected Islamic leader, institution-builder and philanthropist known for his humility, honesty, generosity and lifelong commitment to community service.
Br. Manzoor Chaudhry was among the founding members and longtime chairman of the Muslim Society of Delaware Valley (MSDV). He played a significant role in establishing and supporting several Islamic institutions, including Front Street Masjid, Muslim Youth Center of Philadelphia, Islamic Cultural Center of Willow Grove and Nibras Day School.
His Salatul Janazah was held at the Muslim Youth Center of Philadelphia (MYCP), where he was also a founding member. A memorial gathering on Saturday, October 31, brought together Muslim leaders, Imams, scholars and community representatives from Pennsylvania and New Jersey to honour his contributions.
Speakers described his life as an outstanding example of serving Allah Almighty through service to humanity. Beyond establishing institutions, he supported students, families, education and healthcare initiatives, often helping people quietly without seeking recognition.
His contributions also extended to Pakistan, where he established a full-time school on more than two acres of land in his native village. The school now educates nearly 800 students at subsidized rates. For approximately 20 years, he also supported overseas surgical eye camps alongside his children to provide medical assistance to underserved communities.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace & Justice, paid an emotional tribute, describing Manzoor Chaudhry as a man of exceptional character, integrity and compassion.
Recalling his student days at Temple University, Dr. Fai shared memories of Manzoor Chaudhry's generosity, including providing transportation to Muslim students, welcoming them into his home and helping them with everyday needs. He also appreciated the extraordinary hospitality of his wife, Mukhtar Bibi, and their family.
Dr. Altaf Hussain, former President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Muslim Students Association (MSA), highlighted the Islamic values Manzoor Chaudhry had instilled in his children.
His three sons, Dr. Iftikhar Chaudhry, Dr. Imtiaz Chaudhry and Attorney Ijaz Chaudhry, have excelled professionally while remaining actively involved in Islamic service and Dawah. The family also includes twelve grandchildren.
Dr. Imtiaz Chaudhry, who served as master of ceremonies, recalled his father's successful industrial career in research and development, which resulted in three United States patents. He also highlighted his father's love of Urdu and Persian poetry and his appreciation for literature.
The younger generation paid tribute through spiritual recitations. His grandson Ali recited Rumi's poem "When I Die", while another grandson, Dr. Ahmed Chaudhry, recited Surah Al-Mulk.
Several Islamic scholars and community leaders from Pennsylvania and New Jersey also paid tribute, acknowledging his lasting contributions to Islamic institutions and community welfare.
The gathering concluded with Du'a-e-Maghfirah. Speakers emphasized that his greatest legacy would live on through the institutions he helped establish, the people he inspired and the family values he passed on.
May Allah SWT forgive Br. Manzoor Chaudhry, grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus and give Mukhtar Bibi and the entire family Sabr-e-Jameel.
