In 2005, Bradford mourned the loss of a beloved figure, Mohammed Maroof Shaffi, better known as Maz or “The Legend and Kingpin of Bradford.”
Maz, a respected son, brother, and nephew, belonged to a well-known family in Bradford, being the son of Chaudhry Muhammad Shaffi and the brother of Ashiq (VRVW) and Tariq. His uncle, Haji Chaudhry Ahmed Khan, served as the General Secretary of JTI Victor Street Mosque. Maz tragically passed away from a heart attack in Pakistan in November 2005, just a month after the devastating earthquake in Azad Kashmir.
Known for his strength, courage, and loyalty, Maz held a unique place in Bradford’s community. In his day, he had a powerful presence, with people respecting and remembering the way he and his firm ran things in the area. He even put formidable characters, like Meggy, in their place—a testament to his strength and influence. With a heart of a lion, Maz never backed down from a challenge, no matter the size of his opponent.
Maz’s legacy endures. He put Bradford on the map and earned lasting respect from those who knew him. While his firm still exists, it’s not the same without Maz, whose heart was as golden as his spirit was strong.
Maz was widely recognized in Bradford, with some viewing him as a boxer, others as a figure of strength, but all as someone who held respect and upheld it. May Allah (SWT) forgive him for his mistakes and grant him paradise. Ameen.
Bradford has long been a city of opportunity for Pakistanis, supported by strong networks of family, friendship, and community. The city provides a comforting “zone,” fostering a positive environment for social and economic development, especially in areas such as employment and entrepreneurship. Despite some local criticism of governance and leadership, most men in the community held a positive view of their city and neighborhood, embracing the social networks and support systems Bradford offered.
