MPAC Offers Condolences on the Passing of NY Leader, Ghazi Khankan

April 27, 2012


With deep sadness and heartfelt condolences, the Muslim Public Affairs Council and MPAC-NYC mourn the sudden passing yesterday of a pioneer of the New York Muslim community, Ghazi KhankanKhankan died Thursday, a few days after suffering a stroke. He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, his daughter, his son and six grandchildren.

SEE: "LI Muslim activist Al-Haaj Ghazi Y. Khankan" (Newsday)
 
For more than 30 years, Khankan was a leader in the Long Island and New York City Muslim communities and was well known to Muslims of all backgrounds.
 
Khankan was director of Interfaith Affairs and Communications at the Islamic Center of Long Island, lectured across the United States and produced radio and television programs about Islam.
 
Khankan was keenly aware of the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations of Muslims. In addition to his traditional roles of spiritual leader and event organizer, Khankan was a trailblazer in establishing a presence for the Muslim American community in media and political circles. He was also tireless in his pioneering efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and was well known to local religious leaders of all faiths.  

MPAC-NYC Board Member Zachary Ibrahim recalled a conservation he had with Khankan at a banquet last year honoring graduates from MPAC's Young Leaders Media Summit.

"He told me that seeing these young leaders up on stage gave him confidence that his work will continue after he is gone," Ibrahim said. “The New York community will sadly miss Brother Ghazi, and we pray we can continue his work and add on to his legacy. To God we belong and to Him we return.”
 
Janazah prayers for Khankan’s will be offered after jummah prayers at the Islamic Center of Long Island (835 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590).

Dr. Attia Sweillam, who will also lead the janazah prayers, will give the khutbah. The burial will be in New Jersey.




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