A Pioneer, Leader, and Servant of the Ummah Whose Light Continues to Shine
By Shaikh Ahmad Kutty
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
{ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ }
[Prophet], give good news to those who are steadfast—those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’ (Qur’an: 2: 155-156)
With heavy hearts and deep faith in Allah’s decree, we mourn the passing of Dr. Tantawi Abd al-ʿAzīm Attia, a cherished husband, father, and one of the early architects of the Canadian Muslim community. His departure marks the end of an extraordinary era defined by leadership, service, and compassion; yet his legacy continues to illuminate the lives of all who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Hajja Howaida Abd al-Salām Gharīb, and their children Eiman, Heba, Sarah, Ahmad, Maryam, Afnan, Omar, Zainab, and Abrar, each carrying forward his love of faith, community, and service. He is also lovingly remembered by his sons- and daughters-in-law, Dr. Ahmed Abdel Rahman, Ali Mikkawi, Khaled Al-Qazzaz, Lyla Ibrahim, Masuud Issa, and Dr. Assem Ellythy, along with the extended families of Gharīb, ʿAbd al-Raḥmān, Makkāwī, al-Qazzāz, Ibrāhīm, ʿĪsā, and al-Laythī.
May Allah grant them all patience, compassion, and unity.
A Life Remembered in Love and Gratitude
Islamic wisdom teaches us that there are two types of people in this world:
Those who are physically alive but spiritually lifeless—
and those who continue to live on long after their passing because of the goodness they leave behind.
The first group fades quickly from memory, while the second, led by prophets and those who follow their example, remains alive in the hearts of people, generation after generation.
Dr. Tantawi Attia belonged to this latter group.
He lives on through the institutions he helped build, the communities he strengthened, the leaders he inspired, and the family he raised with love, discipline, and faith. His life exemplified the Qur’anic ideal of serving humanity with steadfastness and sincerity.
A Builder of Institutions, a Builder of Hearts
Dr. Attia was among the visionary pioneers who shaped the early framework of Muslim life in Canada. His leadership spanned national organizations that continue to uplift and support the community today, including:
• The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC)
• Islamic Relief Canada (IRC)
• The Muslim Investment Group (MIG)
• The Canadian Islamic Trust Foundation (CITF)
Wherever he served, he brought integrity, clarity, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the communal good. He sought no recognition or praise; instead, he embodied the prophetic teaching:
“The best of mankind are those who are most helpful to mankind.”
“The best of you are those whom people seek for benefit.”
These descriptions fit him perfectly. He was the person people naturally turned to for counsel, leadership, and hope, meeting every request with quiet dignity and genuine humility.
A Personal Tribute
My relationship with Dr. Attia began in the late 1970s when he served on the Majlis of the Jami Mosque. Even then, he stood out for his calm presence, strong organizational skills, and deep sincerity. Over the decades, our friendship deepened, strengthened by shared commitments, mutual respect, and the warmth of family ties.
Our families were intertwined, and our children grew up together, forming bonds that mirrored the trust and affection their parents shared. His children reflect his values: grounded, generous, service-minded, and dedicated to the community’s well-being.
Dr. Attia was a man who elevated others simply by being present. His words carried weight, his actions inspired confidence, and his character left a lasting imprint on every heart he touched.
A Legacy That Outlives a Lifetime
True legacy is not measured in titles or achievements but in the light one leaves behind. By that measure, Dr. Tantawi Attia’s legacy is immense.
He lives on in:
• The institutions he helped found and strengthen
• The families he supported and uplifted
• The leaders he mentored
• The community he served tirelessly
• The children and grandchildren who embody his values and continue his mission
His life serves as a reminder that death does not erase goodness; it unveils it, allowing the fragrance of one’s deeds to spread even more widely.
A Final Prayer
We ask Allah, the Most Merciful, to shower His blessings upon Dr. Tantawi Attia, forgive his shortcomings, expand and illuminate his grave, and grant him a place among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous in Jannat al-Firdaws.