Remembering Irfan Alli: An Outstanding Toronto Muslim Leader
Irfan Alli’s life was a gift to the Toronto Muslim community — his faith, humility, and service helped build this community. We stand on his shoulders, thankful for the legacy he left us.
By Muneeb Nasir
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Br.Irfan Alli, an outstanding Toronto Muslim leader.
"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji`un - Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.
He leaves behind a legacy of leadership and compassion — and a beautiful family who embody his values. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and bless his wife, Rukhsana and their children and grandchildren with patience.
I considered Irfan a kindred soul — someone whose interests, values, and outlook on life were deeply similar to mine.
He was kind, ethical, and family-oriented — a man devoted to his faith and community.
Together with his wife, Rukhsana Khan, he raised four wonderful children who continue to live by the principles of Islam that shaped their parents’ lives.
I first met Irfan in 1979. We were both young men then, teaching at the Jami Mosque’s Islamic summer school.
That meeting marked the beginning of a friendship that would grow over decades — one rooted in faith, learning, and service to our community.
We joined study circles to deepen our understanding of Islam and quickly became involved in organizing citywide youth programs and camps.
Those activities, organized in the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Jami Mosque, Croatian Islamic Centre, and at the University of Toronto, touched hundreds of young people, helping nurture a new generation of Muslim activists and leaders in Toronto.
Those experiences not only strengthened our faith but also taught us valuable lessons in leadership and service.
In the 1980s, we worked together with Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick to produce An-Nur, Jami Mosque’s monthly magazine.
Later, in the 1990s, Irfan and I co-produced Al-Bashir, the publication of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. Irfan’s exceptional organizational abilities, discipline, and sense of purpose made working with him both easy and inspiring.
At the Islamic Foundation, Irfan served with distinction — on the Majlis and as chair of several committees.
He was a pillar of the Foundation throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
When internal challenges arose in 1995 at the Islamic Foundation, Irfan stood his ground with courage and integrity. His moral clarity during that difficult time reminded me why I admired him so deeply.
Beyond community work, Irfan built an impressive professional career.
He worked as a field service engineer, instructor, and production manager for the Canadian branch of an international engineering company.
His work took him across Canada and around the world — to Pakistan, India, Jordan, Guyana, Indonesia, South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil.
Those experiences made him worldly yet humble — someone who could relate to people from all cultures and walks of life.
Later on, he would switch careers and he worked as a Registered Condominium Manager (R.C.M.).
He brought the same integrity and diligence to his professional life that he brought to his community service.
He even authored a helpful eBook titled Condominiums and Townhouses – What You Need to Know Before and After Buying, sharing his knowledge with others.
Irfan was also a prolific author and motivational speaker.
He travelled widely and reflected deeply — and those reflections found their way into his books and talks. His mind was always active, curious, and forward-looking.
To me, Irfan was more than a friend; he was a brother in faith and purpose.
His life was guided by principle, animated by service, and anchored in family.
I will always remember his quiet strength, his steadfastness, and his unwavering commitment to do what was right.
Irfan Alli’s life was a gift to the Toronto Muslim community — his faith, humility, and service helped build this community. We stand on his shoulders, thankful for the legacy he left us.
May Allah, Most Merciful, envelop Br. Irfan in His infinite Mercy, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him the highest stations in Jannah.