“Think Big, Don’t Die Poor!” 

Philadelphia’s Samir Bilal Muhammad Community Leader, Entrepreneur, and Faith Advocate Passes at Age 78

By Andrea Muhammad

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. – The Philadelphia community and Muslim community-at-large mourn the passing of Samir Bilal Muhammad, entrepreneur, community activist, mentor, philanthropist, and pioneer, who returned to Allah on June 10, 2026, at the age of 78.

Upon his passing, the following statement was issued by Philadelphia businessman and music legend Kenny Gamble, aka Luqman Abdul Haqq: 

“Samir was my friend. He always believed in building stronger communities by creating opportunities and showing our young people what was possible. That shared purpose was the foundation of our friendship. I enjoyed working with Samir on his Chumpy’s Chips and Home Girls and Home Boys Chips initiatives. 

“We traveled together to the Herr’s Potato Chips factory to meet with the owners and learn how to build and grow the potato chip business. We shared many laughs together. I’ll miss my friend, but his impact will never be forgotten.” 

For more than five decades, Samir dedicated his life to faith, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community service. A visionary leader, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the educational, spiritual, and social fabric of Philadelphia through his contributions to institutions including Claire Muhammad School, Masjidullah, Inc., and Masjid Muhammad.

Samir’s entrepreneurial journey began during his years in the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, where he became one of the Nation’s top salesmen. 

Continuing his business development under the leadership of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, he built a remarkable career that included restaurants, health food stores, distribution companies, and nationally recognized brands.

Among his most notable accomplishments was transforming Ali Bean Pies into a thriving wholesale enterprise serving the tri-state region. He later created several successful consumer brands, including Muhammad Ali Chips and Muhammad Ali Cookies. 

His greatest commercial and cultural impact came through the creation of Chumpies and Homegirls snack foods, which became a Philadelphia phenomenon. 

Through positive messages printed on product packaging, Samir pioneered a unique approach to combining entrepreneurship with character development, encouraging young people to embrace integrity, self-respect, and community pride. 

More than 25 million products were sold, making Chumpies one of the most successful community-based brands of its era.

Samir also founded and served as president of The Pure Halal Center, where he spent more than two decades advancing the Halal industry through certification, education, advocacy, and business development. 

Through national and international conferences, he connected entrepreneurs, business leaders, and consumers while promoting integrity and excellence within the Halal marketplace.

His influence extended beyond business. A lifelong advocate for Dawah, Samir dedicated himself to sharing knowledge of Islam through educational campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and the widely recognized “Think Big, Don’t Die Poor” movement. 

His efforts reached communities throughout Philadelphia and across the nation.

Samir’s leadership also earned him international recognition. He developed a close friendship with Muhammad Ali and served as Ali’s spokesperson during a historic visit to South Africa at the request of President Nelson Mandela. 

He later helped support projects honoring both leaders and worked with community stakeholders to establish Philadelphia’s Muhammad Ali Way on 52nd Street.

Throughout his life, Samir mentored countless young people, championed economic empowerment, and inspired generations through his commitment to faith, service, and entrepreneurship. 

He was among the first inductees into the Muslim Hall of Fame at Masjid Muhammad in Philadelphia and received numerous recognitions for his contributions to business, community development, and faith-based service.

Beyond his public accomplishments, Samir will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend whose life reflected a deep commitment to helping others. 

In his later years, he shared a loving and devoted partnership with his wife, Ivy, whose unwavering support, companionship, and care were a source of strength and comfort. 

Together, they exemplified a relationship rooted in faith, mutual respect, and genuine love. His legacy lives on through his family, the institutions he helped build, the businesses he developed, the communities he served, and the generations he inspired.

Funeral services were held on Sat., June 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. at The Philadelphia Masjid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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