Faud Nahdi had a charismatic psyche. Had a knack for networking and mentoring. And played a prime role in shaping contemporary British Muslim identity.
He was a Tanzania migrant, a graduate of the Centre for Journalism at City University in London and also Islamic Studies. He was a key voice in Britain’s Muslims.
Contributions to Society
FAUD NAHDI was one of the key figures for more than thirty years in the framing, development and mainstream influence of British Islam.
He dedicated his entire life in guiding the Muslim community towards peaceful coexistence and practical Islam. He also guided many budding journalist is their careers.
He dedicated his entire life in guiding the Muslim community towards peaceful coexistence and practical Islam.
For his profound contribution in the British society he was named six times as 500 most influential Muslims, by Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan. He also contributed in various media such as BBC world, Arab news, Los Angeles times etc.
A Charming Personality
Those who had worked with him say about his personality as person who was full of humor and intellect. He was always ready to give his opinion in any matter and his words always had an optimistic effect. He was man of warmth towards all communities .
He was known by both Britain’s Christian and Muslims alike. Through his knowledge and approach pertaining to Islamic religion he became friends with Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012. Who later invited him as the first Muslim to address the General Synod of the Church of England.
The Radical Middle
His first magzine ‘Muslim wise’ was founded in 1988 amid heated reaction to Salman Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses. He was the brain behind a weekly publication ‘Q-News’ which connected the British muslims to their original identity and culture. His message was clear to all.
He believed that ‘good religion was a way to tackle extremism’.
He was of the thought that through peaceful coexistence there could be solution to many problems.
Dr. Nabila Munawar, a longtime friend of Nahdi’s and who wrote for and served as an editor at Q-News said; Nahdi played a prominent role in moulding her thought process in her academic work on Muslim identity;
“He brought out that idea that you don’t impose identity on people, but it should come from them.”
He was the founder of “the Radical Middle Way” which connected Islamic scholars to reader’s. He contributed immensely through his publications and mentored the young generations.
He was a patient of diabetes and cancer and died on March 21st after being infected by the Novel Coronavirus which his family came to know posthumously.
To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return” (2:156)
