In Memory of Dr. Mazhar Kazi

On November 23, 2025, our elder Dr. Mazhar Kazi passed away. We pray that Our Lord, the Most Merciful, envelops our beloved brother in His mercy and opens to him the doors of paradise. A pioneer in the American Muslim community, Dr. Kazi was among the first foreign-born Muslims to settle in Houston, and helped lay the earliest foundations of the community in the area. Among other contributions, he founded the first mosque in the Houston area and also helped organize the earliest Eid prayers.

Dr. Kazi was a devoted, sincere leader and friend. He was continually dedicated to serving people and helping those around him and thus he leaves behind many who forever remember his kindness and friendship. Those blessed by his presence would find their hearts lifted with light-hearted comments even as they gained access to his sincere, thoughtful advice. In Houston, his kindness and attentiveness to others’ needs meant that he became a refuge for those facing a variety of problems.

Those who had the opportunity to work closely with him in ICNA Houston recall his leadership and organizational excellence. Dr. Kazi’s focus meant that meetings began on time, discussions remained focused and productive, and—as he often hosted gatherings himself—that people would leave having eaten well. When differing opinions arose, he ensured that a sense of mutual respect prevailed.

Among his many efforts, Dr. Kazi was particularly dedicated to supporting new Muslims. From 1990 to 2010, his sincere efforts (direct and indirect) resulted in countless people accepting Islam in Houston. And he also applied his personal time, effort, and resources towards helping these new Muslims after they joined the community. The ICNA Houston New Muslim Center—and particularly its dedicated women’s section—was one of the results of his devoted efforts. He arranged shelter, training, marriages, and support for many new Muslim sisters.

For nearly three decades, Dr. Mazhar Kazi devoted his full attention to Islamic work, whether this came in the form of speeches, writings, teaching, or community service. He dedicated his life to dawah, nurturing new Muslims, and serving the community with sincerity and loyalty. In addition to the many he helped as a leader and friend, he leaves behind the family he loved so dearly, including his wife, Alia Kazi, a respected presence in her own right in ICNA Houston and Dallas. May Allah grant them lasting comfort and protection. May Allah reward Dr. Mazhar Kazi for all his efforts, fill his grave with light, and enable us to follow his example in serving the community.