Dr. Basheer Ahmed’s 90th Birthday Celebration: A Tribute to a Lifetime of Service, Knowledge, and Humanity
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Dallas, TX – On June 7, 2025, the Wyndham Hotel in Irving, Texas, hosted a dignified and heartfelt celebration in honor of the 90th birthday of Dr. Basheer Ahmed — a respected physician, scholar, and lifelong servant of humanity. Having arrived in the United States as an immigrant, Dr. Basheer built a remarkable legacy rooted in compassion, public service, and interfaith harmony.
The event was hosted by his son, Mr. Sameer Ahmed, and drew a distinguished gathering of community leaders, state officials, city council members, mayors, academics, and professionals. Attendees welcomed Dr. Basheer with a standing ovation, and the ceremonial cake-cutting was held in the presence of his family and admirers, turning the evening into a celebration of a lifetime of selfless service.
Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani addressed the audience, acknowledging Dr. Basheer’s contributions beyond the Muslim community, stating:
“Dr. Basheer served not just Muslims but people from all backgrounds and faiths. Inspired by his vision, I led the initiative to include religious texts — including the Quran and others — in the State Assembly to symbolize inclusion and respect for all.”
He presented a formal commendation to Dr. Basheer on behalf of the Texas Legislature.
Amir Omar, the first Muslim Mayor of Richardson, remarked, “This is the first official certificate I’ve signed and presented as mayor — and I’m honored to present it to Dr. Basheer, who has been serving humanity since 1968.”
John Hammond, owner of Wyndham Hotel and former Chairman of the Board for the Muslim Community Center for Human Services, stated:
“For the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Basheer on numerous humanitarian projects. He remains a true role model for all of us.”
Renowned scholar Imam Mujahid reflected:
“My association with Dr. Basheer spans over four decades. His mission has always been to serve humanity selflessly.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Basheer said:
“Though I am retired professionally, I remain mentally active. My goal is to write 20 books for high school and college students on the significant contributions of Muslim scientists and scholars to world civilization from the 7th to the 15th century. There are currently no books designed for students on this subject, and this project aims to correct the misconception that modern science began only with the European Renaissance.”
He added, “Retirement is merely a state of mind. True health comes from staying active and engaged.”
Dr. Basheer founded four major institutions in the Dallas–Fort Worth area:
• Muslim Community Center for Human Services (MCC), which offers medical, dental, mental health, and social services for families in need.
• IQRA, a platform for fostering interfaith and intrafaith dialogue.
• IMPMS, an initiative to preserve and promote the legacy of Muslim scientists and scholars.
• American Muslims for Human Rights (AMHR), an organization dedicated to protecting human rights regardless of faith, ethnicity, or country of origin.
His authored books include:
• Muslim Contribution to World Civilization
• Islamic Intellectual Heritage and Its Impact on the West
• Domestic Violence: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
• My Story as a Muslim Immigrant in America
• The Rise and Fall of Muslim Civilization: Hope for the Future
• Why Are Americans Obsessed with Guns and Willing to Pay a High Price?
In a special interview with Jago Times, Dr. Basheer shared:
“America gave me the opportunity to succeed, and I dedicated my life to giving back — by building bridges between people of all beliefs and backgrounds.”
Prominent figures including Hafeez Khan, Imam Zafar Anjum, Dr Dawood Nasir, Dr Khalid Mehmood, David Hyndman (Dean, School of Mathematics and Natural Science at UT Dallas), Mujeeb Kazi (Chairman, North TX Islamic Council), Dr. Joseph Hill (Chair, Department of Cardiology, UT Southwestern Medical School), Dr. Daud Nasir, Barkat Basriya, Mike Ghouse, Raja Zahid Khanzada editor in chief The Jago Times, Aftab Siddiqui, president Dallas peace centerand others referred to Dr. Basheer as a “once-in-a-century personality.”
This was far more than a birthday celebration — it was a profound tribute to a legacy of service, wisdom, and inspiration that continues to light the way for future generations.
