South Australia’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community mourns death of ‘father figure’ Munir Abid

A prominent member of an SA religious community, renowned botanist and respected researcher has died at the age of 89.

South Australia’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community is in mourning following the death of its pioneering member and “father figure” Munir Abid.

The revered elder and renowned botanist, died on April 29 at the age of 89.

For nearly a decade, Dr Abid served as the first president of the state’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, with members saying he played a key role in its growth and was known for helping people.

“He helped people that had migrated outside of the country or from interstate get settled in Adelaide, “ said Imam Kamran Tahir.

“We’ve been speaking to lot of the members who had migrated to Adelaide in the early years of the community, they (said) he was like a father figure and went out of his way to help wherever possible.”

Mr Tahir said Dr Abid suffered from dementia for the past couple years.

Dr Munir Abid in 2003. Dr Munir passed away on 29 April, aged 89. Supplied

He said his death was a loss to the community.

“He was a very, very loved and cherished member of the community,” he said.

In addition his work in the community, Dr Abid was a renowned botanist and a senior researcher at the State Herbarium of South Australia.

“Dr Abid was internationally respected for his contributions to plant taxonomy,” the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said.

“He published extensively and helped shape the scientific understanding of Australia’s native flora.

“His decades-long dedication to taxonomy and systematics is commemorated in numerous scientific publications, including contributions to the Flora of South Australia and Flora of Australia.”

Dr Abid leaves behind his wife and two sons.

A funeral service for Dr Abid will be held this Saturday.