Pioneer and Pillar of Ontario’s First Mosque, Abdo Hassan, Passes Away at 94

The Muslim community in London, Ontario, and across the province is mourning the loss of a foundational figure whose life was inextricably linked to the history of Islam in Canada.

Abdo Hassan, the last surviving male builder of the London Muslim Mosque—the first mosque in Ontario—passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 94.

For decades, Mr. Hassan was more than just a member of the congregation; he was a living link to the "greatest generation" of Canadian Muslims who laid the brick-and-mortar foundations for the community we see today.

Born in the small village of Baaloul, Lebanon, Mr. Hassan arrived in London in 1947.

At the time, the local Muslim community was small and tight-knit, often meeting in private homes.

As the community grew, so did the need for a dedicated space for worship and gathering.

In 1957, the community purchased a house on Oxford Street to serve as a prayer hall, but after it was destroyed by fire, the determination of the pioneers only strengthened.

Mr. Hassan was at the forefront of the effort to build the current London Muslim Mosque, which opened its doors in 1964. It stands today as the second-oldest mosque in Canada.

Known for his "permanent smile" and a "go-getter" attitude, Mr. Hassan was remembered by family and friends not just for his physical labour in building the mosque, but for his enduring leadership.

Over the years, he served on boards and committees, but perhaps his most significant role was that of a mentor and "uncle" to generations of young Muslims growing up in the city.

"His smile was his trademark," his nephew, Ali Jomaa, told media. "If you spoke to him, you’d melt... he had an effect on everybody around."

The Quran reminds us of the value of those who strive to build for the sake of God.

"The mosques of God should only be maintained by those who believe in God and the Last Day, establish prayer, pay the prescribed alms, and fear none but God" (9:18).

Mr. Hassan’s life was a testament to this devotion, as he remained a constant presence at the mosque until his final days.

Ali Chahbar, a long-time member of the mosque, noted that the passing of such pioneers brings a sense of profound loss.

"You feel a little colder, a little abandoned and bewildered because those anchors and those pillars are almost done," Chahbar said, adding that it is now the responsibility of the next generation to carry the torch.

Funeral services were held at the London Muslim Mosque on Monday, followed by a burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Under a blanket of fresh snow, hundreds gathered to pay their respects to a man whose legacy is etched into the very walls of the institution he helped create.

As the London community reflects on his 94 years, they remember a man who saw the potential for a thriving Muslim life in Canada long before it was a reality, and who worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations would have a place to call home.

Sources:

• London Muslim community remembers last male builder of Ontario's first mosque, CBC News (Kendra Seguin), December 30, 2025.
• London Muslim Mosque founding member dies, London Free Press.