2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 219
Celebrating the life of M. Yaqub Mirza, Ph.D.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, M. Yaqub Mirza, Ph.D., a visionary leader, pioneering entrepreneur, and founding member of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, died on December 14, 2025, leaving behind a transformative legacy of faith, scholarship, and community service; and
WHEREAS, Yaqub Mirza earned his doctorate in physics and pursued advanced studies in education, bringing exceptional intellectual depth and spiritual conviction to his lifelong commitment to building institutions that would serve generations of Americans; and
WHEREAS, Yaqub Mirza was instrumental in founding the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), where his strategic guidance, financial stewardship, and institutional insight helped establish it as one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Yaqub Mirza co-founded Sterling Management Group and played a foundational role in establishing Amana Mutual Funds, pioneering faith-aligned financial stewardship that strengthened families and inspired a generation of professionals and community leaders; and
WHEREAS, Yaqub Mirza founded the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at Shenandoah University, building bridges of interfaith understanding and creating educational platforms that continue to benefit Virginia communities; and