Abdur Rashid Siddiqui has passed away

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of our beloved trustee, Abdur Rashid Siddiqui, on Monday 23 December 2019.

He served as a trustee for over four decades, playing an active role as secretary and treasurer to the board, and in developing the academic work of the Foundation, authoring a number of key books and conducting various educational and training programmes. 

Abdur Rashid Siddiqui was born in Bombay, India in 1932. He studied Economics, Politics and Law at the University of Bombay before coming to the UK to complete his postgraduate studies in Librarianship in London. He briefly worked at Liverpool Public Library before joining the University of Leicester in 1966, working as a senior librarian until his retirement in 1997. He also served as a Muslim Chaplain at the University and delivered Friday Khutbahs on a range of topics, which were later compiled by himself in his Book Lift Up Your Hears (in two volumes). He was elected an Associate of the Library Association.

He also engaged himself in the community work soon after arriving in the UK, playing a leading role in a number of organisations including the UK Islamic Mission, Muslim Council of Britain and the Islamic Society of Britain. Developing governance documents and policies was his major contribution.

Abdur Rashid Siddiqui was known for his moral character, humbleness, sincerity, scholarship and insights into the Quran. He authored a number of books including Living in Allah’s Presence; Treasures of the Qur'an; Tazkiyah: The Islamic Path of Self-Development; Qur'anic Keywords: A Reference Guide, Lift Up Your Hearts and Animal Rights in Islam and many more.

May Allah swt shower His infinite Mercy upon Br. Abdur Rashid, grant him forgiveness and a high place in Jannat-al-Firdous, and give patience to his children.