إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
As I reflect on the life of my dear friend, Shahabuddin Ahmad, the profound words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) comes to mind: “The best of you are those who, when they are seen, remind others of Allah, the Almighty.” (Reported by Ibn Majah).
This statement beautifully captures the essence of Shahabuddin’s life—a life that radiated devotion and reverence, inspiring others to remember Allah.
Shahabuddin’s connection to his faith was profound, unwavering, and deeply personal. His heart resonated with the remembrance of Allah. I remember the many times he would come to me with a notebook filled with dhikr and du’as. He was keen to get the pronunciation of every invocation just right. His pursuit of spiritual perfection was clear in every part of his life – from his thoughtful emails seeking a deeper understanding to his commitment to refining his acts of worship. Shahabuddin always strived to improve, grow, and sincerely serve his Lord.
A Life of Accomplishments
Shahabuddin Ahmad was born in 1931 in Moratalab, Bihar, India. From an early age, he showed a strong passion for serving others and a deep sense of responsibility. As a young man, he attended a rally in Patna where Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was speaking, and he helped raise funds for the Muslim League, demonstrating his early dedication to his community and country.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Dhaka University, he married his beloved wife, Roshan, and embarked on a career that spanned continents. Shahabuddin’s professional journey took him from Karachi to France for postgraduate studies in airport construction and then to Libya, where he oversaw the construction of airports. His expertise and leadership led him to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where he became Chief Engineer for the Hodeidah Airport project in Yemen. His later years at ICAO headquarters in Montreal were marked by distinction and dedication until his retirement in 1985.
A Legacy of Service and Faith
Yet Shahabuddin’s most incredible legacy was not his professional accomplishments, but his unwavering commitment to Islam and his community. In 2010, he moved to Toronto and became a pillar of the Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT) and the Islamic Foundation of Toronto (IFT). Despite the challenges of aging, Shahabuddin’s devotion never waned. He could be found standing in Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan—long after many younger individuals had been sitting.
His contributions to the Muslim community in Canada were immense. As President of ICNA Canada, he helped establish DawaNet and oversaw the construction of the Islamic Community Center in Brossard. By founding the Al-Falah Center in Mississauga, he showed himself as a visionary leader and dedicated community servant.
On February 25, 2024, Justice For All Canada honored Shahabuddin with the Lifetime of Service Award for his decades of tireless service. This award is a testament to a life lived in devotion to Allah and service to others.
A Life Well Lived
Shahabuddin Ahmad is survived by his beloved wife, two children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, Masha Allah. He will be remembered for his achievements and how he lived—a devoted family man, a steadfast believer, and a genuine leader whose actions illuminated the path for others.
His life embodied the ideal in the Quran—the heart attached to the mosque, the tears flowing in solitude out of love for Allah. Even in his final years, Shahabuddin continued to engage in acts beloved to Allah, offering janazah prayers regularly and taking part in community activities despite the physical challenges of age.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Among those blessed with the shade of Allah are those whose hearts are attached to the mosques… and those who remember Allah in solitude with eyes flowing with tears.” (Reported by Bukhari)
Shahabuddin’s life was a living reflection of this blessing. His unwavering commitment to faith, kindness, and tireless service to his community continues to inspire us all.
He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 16, 2025.
May Allah have mercy on him, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and allow his legacy of goodness to continue to benefit others. Ameen.