It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our long time CCMW Ottawa Chapter member, Sister Khadija Haffajee
Saturday, October 24, 2020
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
We belong to God and to God we shall return
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our long time CCMW Ottawa Chapter member, Sister Khadija Haffajee, known to us as ‘Sister K’ on Thursday, September 17, 2020.
A prominent female Muslim leader, notable for her faith and interfaith work in and outside of the Muslim community, she was distinguishably present at community social gatherings and organized events. Many observers may have recognized her as a conservatively but colourfully dressed Muslim woman who appeared intimidating at first sight, but those of us who knew her well, were drawn by her openness and acceptance, and a ready smile and laugh.
In the Sunni mainstream community, the male mosque leaders are not known for their overtures to certain minority Muslim sects like the Ahmedis, but Sister K was not of that ilk. Non-judgmental and open minded, she did not hesitate to accompany me to an Ahmediya women’s function one year. She enjoyed the presentations and recitations by women and knew several women there as friends.
She was one of the few women elders who opened her house to many women for not only faith awareness and education, but several other creative initiatives. She hosted a book club, founded and helped organize a women’s talent event that became a much-anticipated community event called the Expressions of Muslim Women. Women who otherwise would remain unseen and unheard, found expression at these safe and welcoming places to express their talents in drama, music, spoken word, comedy and visual art. She encouraged these women to open their wings to fly further afield with the result that some of them are now recognized artists in Canada.
Our CCMW president, Nina Karachi-Khalid expressed her sorrow and captured the essence of our Sr. K
“One more Canadian Muslim pioneer passing away... I vividly remember her at Muslim gatherings when I was growing up. She was a no-nonsense woman. She carried herself with strength and confidence. She was not like other women. When she spoke, everyone listened. I liked being around her although I was a little scared of her. For the past few years, I have seen pictures of her attending functions at the Rhoda Centre in Ottawa. They were so lucky to have her as their elder leader. I am sure that they honoured her the way she deserved. May Allah have mercy on her soul and reward her for all of her efforts and good deeds. As they say... they don't make them like her anymore.”
This distinguished and recognized Muslim woman was laid to rest the same day that another eminent, unique and famous feminist passed away in the US.
Heaven must be resplendent with the presence of the two women: Notorious RBG and our own Notorious Sr. K.
Farhat Rahaman is the President of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women Ottawa.