Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon. Verily we belong to God, and verily to God do we return.

Khadija Haffajee was truly a one of a kind person and a trailblazer for both the Canadian Muslim community and for Muslim women. She passed away in Ottawa on September 17, 2020 (28 Muharram 1442).

A long-time resident of Ottawa, Aunty Khadija (as she was affectionately known by us) came to Canada from South Africa where she had witnessed the horrors and injustices of apartheid.

A school teacher and educator for many years, Aunty Khadija had a deep commitment to justice, to developing a resilient Muslim community, and to fostering greater understanding and ties between Muslims and people of all faiths and backgrounds in Canada. She was a strong advocate for the empowerment of Muslim women and mentored many in Canada. Her work touched the lives of community members across North America with her generosity, expertise, and wise counsel.

Her devotion to community service ran deep and she served in various leadership capacities in Canadian Muslim, as well as larger North American Muslim, organizations. At NCCM Aunty Khadija provided a wealth of experience and knowledge on the Board, and she was known for her wisdom, steadfastness, and love for all of us. She was an example of sincerity, service, and moral fortitude based on the Prophetic tradition.

Aunty Khadija will be greatly missed by the entire team at NCCM, including former Board Members and former staff. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to her beloved husband Uncle Mazhar and their family.