Mohammed Naziruddin Ali

1937-2006

 

 

Br. Mohammed Naziruddin Ali breathed his last during the time of Jumuah salat on Friday, December 1, 2006 in the Northwestern Hospital, Chicago. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Elaihi Rajeioon.

 

 InshaAllah, Allah Subhanahu waTta’ala is pleased with our brother and will bless his soul and give him high place in Jannah Al-Firdous.

Born on July 18, 1937 in Hyderabad State, India, Brother Naziruddin was one of the pioneers of Islamic work in North America. At the time of his death, he had been serving as the General Manager of the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT) since March 1983. He was also the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of NAIT. During his 6-month illness, he kept NAIT part of his mental and physical engagements. Against the advice of his doctors, he would often take ride to assist on NAIT matters.

 

Prior to joining NAIT, Brother Naziruddin had been a volunteer, an exemplary servant-leader, of the American Muslim community since his student days at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Over time, he accepted ever-increasing responsibilities, culminating in to a continent-wide role with the Muslim Students Association of US and Canada (MSA). He has the distinction of being President of the MSA for two terms. During those years, the leadership of the MSA facilitated the establishment of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

 

Br. Naziruddin was loved by all who came in contact with him. His humble demeanor and forbearance permitted no rancor. In matters of serving Muslims, he chose not to defend even when abundantly manifest and due.  To some it appeared that he gave disproportionate time to serving Muslim. A devout Muslim, he was known to refresh his wudu often, and among the last ones to leave masalla after salat. He had that rare quality of being at ease as a leader or a follower.

 

Brother Naziruddin is survived by his wife, Aijaz Nazir Ali, a son Azhar Ali, two daughters Roofi and Asra, and five grandchildren.

American Muslims now have one less selfless servant; NAIT has lost one human symbol of what NAIT has tried to be for American Muslims and Islam in North America.

May Allah forgive all his sins and grant him the companionship of Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Elayhi wa Sallam, a person he loved dearly.

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