A Visionary Passes away in Chicago

 

Br. Atiq ur Rahman, a pioneer and visionary leader, died at his home in Skokie, on Thursday, March 26, 2009 .

No one who met him even briefly would forget him. Such a man was he. An untiring worker for the improvement of the community he ardently loved, he served it in numerous capacities from toiling to writing the curriculum of the MCC Weekend Schools to serving as MCC's President in its early years. He was a visionary with a passion to educate. He believed in the power of reason and reflection, constantly reminding the community to ponder on the verses of the Qur’an for their meaning and to seek guidance from them in order to better their lives and the lives of the neighbors.

He was a giant among us but he never made anyone feel small. His enthusiasm  was infectious, his optimism inspiring.  He was a man of compassion and forgiveness who never kept a grudge nor harbored animosity against anyone. He was a man of tremendous patience who bore the trials and tragedies of a life beset with enormous pain and severe  loss with dignity and grace. He suffered sickness with smile, he celebrated success with humility, he articulated ideas with candor and clarity.

His was a life of many accomplishments , a journey with many milestones. He will be missed.

 May Allah grant him a place in paradise and give to his children and their loved ones, patience to bear his loss. - Azher Quader, MCC, Chicago

 

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