Dr. El-Tantawy Attia — A Legacy That Shaped a Community
Dr. Attia’s passing leaves a deep void, yet his influence lives on in the institutions he built and the countless lives he touched. He strengthened organizations, guided emerging leaders, and offered wisdom with humility and sincerity.
The Canadian Muslim community mourns the passing of Dr. El-Tantawy Attia, a distinguished engineer and dedicated community leader whose lifelong service strengthened institutions, inspired generations, and left an enduring legacy of faith and commitment.
Dr. Attia was widely recognized for embodying the Qur’anic ideal of serving humanity with knowledge, integrity, and compassion.
His professional and community work were marked by humility, wisdom, and a soft-spoken strength that uplifted everyone around him.
A retired nuclear engineer educated at Alexandria University in Egypt and McMaster University in Canada, Dr. Attia spent more than 27 years at Ontario Power Generation in the Reactor Physics and Nuclear Analysis Departments.
There, he contributed to some of Canada’s most significant scientific and technical work.
Colleagues remember him as meticulous, principled, and deeply committed to public safety and scientific excellence.
He retired in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and mentorship.
Dr. Attia’s decades of volunteerism and leadership profoundly shaped Muslim life in the Greater Toronto Area.
In the 1970s and 1980s, he was actively engaged in Toronto’s Jami Mosque and the MSA Islamic Services of Canada, where he held leadership positions and served as President of the Canadian Islamic Trust Foundation.
He later contributed to the founding years of the ISNA Islamic Elementary School and founded the Muslim Investment Group with Hussein El-Hennawy.
His service extended to the Islamic Community Centre of Ontario (ICCO), Islamic Relief Canada, and the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), where he was a leader, mentor, and source of inspiration.
One of his most distinguished contributions was his role as a founder of Masjid Toronto, where he served as Executive Director for two decades.
Under his leadership, the mosque expanded to two locations, becoming a vibrant centre for Muslim community life in downtown Toronto.
Masjid Toronto grew into a respected institution, regularly visited by the city’s Mayor, councillors, Ontario Premiers, MPPs, and civic leaders.
Dr. Attia also ensured that the mosque was a welcoming venue for interfaith gatherings and meetings with clergy from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout his service, he advanced the interests of the Muslim community with steady, principled leadership—always putting community needs first and working quietly, sincerely, and effectively.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Canadian society, Dr. Attia received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, presented on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.
The medal was formally awarded by Reza Moridi, then Liberal MPP for Richmond Hill, during a ceremony held at Masjid Toronto following the Jumu‘ah prayer—an honour reflecting both his professional distinction and his profound service to the community.
A particularly meaningful part of Dr. Attia’s legacy is the recently launched joint autobiography of Dr. El-Tantawy and Howaida Attia—a tribute to resilience, faith, sacrifice, and service.
The book chronicles the journey of two devoted parents who built a life anchored in principle and community.
Dr. Attia’s passing leaves a deep void, yet his influence lives on in the institutions he built and the countless lives he touched.
He strengthened organizations, guided emerging leaders, and offered wisdom with humility and sincerity.
He leaves behind a loving family - his wife, Howaida Attia, children, Eaman, Heba, Sarah, Ahmad, Maryam, Afnan, Omar, Zainab and Abrar Attia. He was the father-in-law of Dr.Ahmed Abdelrahman, Ali Mikkawi, Khaled Alqazzaz, Layla Ibrahim, Masuud Issa and Dr.Assem Ellythy.
We pray that Allah grants patience and solace to his family and loved ones, and rewards Dr. El-Tantawy Attia for a lifetime of service to faith and humanity.
May Allah forgive him, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest gardens of Jannah. Ameen.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
Janazah Details
The Janazah prayer for Dr. Attia will be held tomorrow, Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 1:30 PM, at the ISNA Masjid (2200 South Sheridan Way, Mississauga).
Burial
Burial will take place at Glen Oaks Cemetery (3164 Ninth Line, Oakville).
Condolence Gathering (Majlis Azaa)
A Majlis Azaa for offering condolences will be held on Friday, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at ICCO Masjid (2550 Dunwin Dr., Mississauga). The gathering is open to both men and women.
