What was your earliest ambition?
To excel in Physics and whatever I do.
What kind of education did you have when you were growing up?
I studied in an Urdu medium school in Punjab, Pakistan; then Karachi University. My parents imparted to me ethics and religious values.
Who was your mentor?
My older brother, Dr. Ishaq Mirza.
How physically fit are you?
Very fit.
Ambition or talent: which matters more to success?
It is a combination of both, but perhaps the most important component of success is one’s faith in God.
What is the future of the Islamic financial services industry in the USA?
Contrary to what outsiders may think, Islamic finance in the USA has a very bright future. Islamic finance in the country has grown underneath the radar and encompasses a wide range of financial services. The first significant milestone was Amana Mutual Fund in 1989 and this acted as a platform from which Islamic financial services grew. The USA created the first Islamic market index (1999), and now has a number of financial service providers such as the University Islamic Financial. I believe the next step will be to develop a healthy takaful sector.
Your most wanted possession?
That is to ensure that my earnings remain halal. In fact, I have passed opportunities in my life in order to avoid receiving income which would be blemished. For instance, I was admitted into NED Engineering College and Karachi University, but I decided not to go into engineering so as to not to be tempted in accepting bribes.
How committed are you to Islamic banking and finance?
I am very committed to this industry and pray and work for its universal success.
In what place are you happiest?
I enjoy my work and thrive in that environment. However, spiritually I always feel at peace in Makkah and Medina.
What ambitions do you still have?
While Islamic finance is progressing in the USA, there is still much more to do in terms of truly creating a mature and complete framework for the Islamic financial sector. We need to help establish endowments in USA and promote entrepreneurships, takaful, etc.
What drives you?
Undeniably, it is to serve humanity in order to please God.
What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
To be among a group that manages Muslim owned projects in USA.
If your 20-year-old self could see you now, what would he think?
I think he would be very pleased with the success he has attained with the assistance of God’s immense grace.
What has been your greatest disappointment?
I do not think I have any.
If you had to rate your satisfaction with your life so far, out of 10, what would you score?
10 out of 10.
