Real Lives

A collection of 103 posts

Real Lives

The Architects of a Community: Remembering Dr. Ismail Peer and Sister Khalida

It is with heavy hearts that we reflect on the passing of Dr. Ismail Peer, a giant of the Windsor community and a pioneer of the Canadian Muslim experience. His departure comes just one month after the passing of his beloved wife, Sister Khalida.

Real Lives

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.

Real Lives

The Quiet Giants: Reflecting on the Legacies of Our 2025 Community Heroes

In our fast-paced, often ego-driven world, we frequently mistake "celebrity" for "heroism." But the lives we profiled this year suggest a different definition.  A community hero is not necessarily the person with the largest platform, but the one with the deepest roots.

Real Lives

Her Final Gift to the Community: Professor Hind Al-Abadleh's Legacy Bequest

Though she was taken from us far too early in January of this year, she made the ultimate choice: a generous bequest to the Olive Tree Foundation in her will, ensuring her commitment to community continued. Her act of legacy giving defines her enduring commitment to the Canadian Muslim community.

Real Lives

In Memoriam: Professor Abdulaziz Sachedina, A Beacon of Scholarship and Bridge-Building

Prof. Sachedina was a beacon of intellectual rigour and moral clarity whose work had a profound and lasting impact on academia, theology, and ethical discourse across the world.

Real Lives

Dr. Yaqub Mirza, Pioneer of Faith-Based Finance and Philanthropy

The global Muslim community and the world of ethical finance mourn the passing of Dr. Yaqub Mirza, a figure whose remarkable journey spanned physics, entrepreneurship, and visionary philanthropy.

Real Lives

In Memoriam: Forough Jahanbakhsh (1957–2025)

With great sadness we remember Dr. Forough Jahanbakhsh — scholar, educator, mentor, and friend — who passed away on 14 November 2025 after a long illness.

Real Lives

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.

Real Lives

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.

Real Lives

Quiet leader, bold builder: Remembering Nadir Mohamed

He is remembered as a connector between corporate Canada and the country’s rising generation of innovators — a leader whose legacy lives on not only in the companies he helped build, but in the people he encouraged along the way.

Real Lives

Rafia Haniff-Cleofas: An Exceptional Muslim Leader

She was a mercy among us, a living reflection of the Qur’anic call to enjoin what is right and to stand for those in need.

Real Lives

A Beautiful Way to Honour and Remember Loved Ones

Through the Olive Tree Foundation, a loved one’s memory becomes more than a story; it becomes a source of ongoing goodness. Their name is carried forward, tied to causes that uplift the community and inspire future generations.

Real Lives

Lives Lived: Dr. Thomas Ballantyne Irving (1914–2002)

A Canadian scholar who gave North American Muslims their first Qur’an translation in contemporary English

Real Lives

Lives Lived: Pyarali Nanji, C.M., 95

His faith anchored his life, reflected in the Muslim teaching: “Life and all that exists belong to God, and all will ultimately return to Him”

Real Lives

I called him Chacha

Your loss has created a deep hole in our hearts. When we share stories about you with your grandchildren, we will describe you as one of the finest men. Khaja Mohammad Ghousuddin, 1958-2025.

Real Lives

Condolences upon passing of Dr. Jaafar Idris

Sudanese professor, scholar, researcher, and author dedicated his life to furthering the Islamic sciences

Real Lives

Alia Hogben, ​champion of Muslim ​women's ​rights, passes away ​peacefully

Alia Hogben, a pioneering advocate for Muslim women's rights and a decorated Canadian leader, has passed away peacefully in her sleep, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) announced today. She received the Order of Canada and an honorary doctorate from Queen's University, celebrating her unwavering

Real Lives

The Legacy of Pope Francis

By Brian Carwana The Catholic Church, which oversees a billion devotees, is the largest single religious organization on earth and one of the longest lasting organizations in human history. The death of its leader, Pope Francis, on Monday marks the end of a very intriguing papacy as Francis’ style was

Real Lives

Mourning the loss of Prof. Khurshid Ahmed (1932 - 2025)

Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return! With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Professor Khurshid Ahmad — esteemed founding chairman of The Islamic Foundation, a distinguished Pakistani statesman, and a lifelong trustee and guiding force behind numerous pioneering intellectual and philanthropic

Real Lives

​Canada's Muslim​s mourn​ the loss of ​community pioneer Dr. Rahmeth Shah Khan​

The Muslim community in Toronto and beyond mourns the passing of a remarkable pioneer , Dr. Rahmeth Shah Khan. Dr. Khan's journey began in Canada in 1967, and his dedication to the community blossomed from there. After earning his PhD from the University of Toronto, he became a driving

Real Lives

Mourning the passing of Emeritus Professor Yahya Michot, highly regarded scholar

The Hartford International University (HIU) community mourns the passing of Dr. Yahya Michot, 73, who had served as Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations from 2008 until retiring in 2018. Upon his retirement, he was given the title of Emeritus Professor of Islamic Thought and Christian-Muslim Relations. Only a

Real Lives

Dr. Afua Cooper honoured with the Order of Nova Scotia

Dr. Afua Cooper is a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia, the province’s highest honour, recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions and achievements. This prestigious award reflects Dr. Cooper’s profound impact on Nova Scotia’s literary, cultural, and academic landscape. Dr. Cooper is a distinguished author, historian,

Real Lives

Lives Lived: Professor Hind Al-Abadleh - an inspiring Canadian Muslim scientist

Professor Hind Al-Abadleh, 47, of El Paso, Texas, died Jan. 9, 2025.

Real Lives

Muslim community mourns loss of inspirational leader: a tribute to Omar Zia

By Taha Ghayyur Not very often do we come across people who live a life of significance that its ripples of impact inspire others to rise to their greatest potential. Such was the life of Br. Omar Zia, a trailblazing educator, mentor, and leader who devoted his life to making

Real Lives

Celebrating Scarborough Hospital's Dr. Aleem Hussain: Regional Family Physician of the Year

SHN physician Dr. Aleem Hussain has been recognized as one of six Regional Family Physicians of the Year for 2024-25 by the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP). This prestigious award is presented by OCFP annually to family physicians across the province who exemplify exceptional care for their patients and