Br. Naziruddin Ali passed away Friday Dec 1, 2006 in Chicago leaving behind a grief struck community of family and friends. He had a life long association with ISNA and its predecessor MSA. Many knew him as the quiet and unassuming general manager of the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT), where he supervised and monitored the financial world of ISNA and its many affiliated institutions spread across the country. He was a founding member of MSA, served as chair of some of the early conventions and rose to be the President of the Association before taking the responsibility of NAIT.

A man driven with a missionary zeal, he quit his engineering career early on to dedicate his life to establishing Islam in America. A tireless worker, a sincere friend, and a person of impeccable integrity, his word was dependable, his promise was always kept. He spoke little, smiled a lot, remained humble in spite of his numerous accomplishments. A man of deep convictions, he lived a disciplined life, making no compromises in matters of faith. He showed us to show gratitude in abundance and in scarcity. He lived modestly, practiced moderation, taught us to live with dignity and grace enduring pain and persevering with patience.

As we bid him farewell we salute him for his many successes in life, for his many contributions to our community and for the many sacrifices he made to secure the faith we love in this land we now call our home.

May Allah grant him a place in paradise and may He give to his family and loved ones, patience to bear the loss.