In Loving Memory of Imam Nadir Ahmad
On A Personal Note
There are a few individuals whose mere presence- even in a virtual meeting- lift up the entire gathering. While I never met Imam Nadir in person, we met on numerous occasions on ISLA Zoom Meetings and Webinars, and in turn, I was blessed to know him. Imam Nadir made it a commitment to join the ISLA monthly Admin Meeting whenever he could, even after his own hospital stays or while caretaking for loved ones. Such was his dedication as a leader and director of Al-Ikhlas Training Academy, a proud, active member school with ISLA.
Every time I see Imam Nadir’s photo, I remember his booming, clear and commanding voice- yet ever kind- which always seemed to be matched with his radiant smile. He had a poise and dignity to him that came through even in his silence.
It is hard to believe that Imam Nadir has left us, but I know he left behind numerous forms of sadaqa jariah that will continue to enrich his scale of good deeds, inshallah. May Allah accept Imam Nadir’s tireless efforts to establish Islamic education in the United States through his tireless work at Al-Ikhlas Training Academy, and beyond.
With duas,
Shaza Khan, Executive Director, ISLA
In Memoriam: Imam Nadir Ahmad
January 22, 2026
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘oon. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, husband, father, teacher, and leader, Imam Nadir Ahmad, who returned to Allah on the afternoon of January 22, 2026.
Imam Nadir Ahmad was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, humility, and remarkable talent. His life was one of service to Allah and to the community, and his legacy will continue to live in the countless hearts he touched.
He was born on September 26, 1949, in Sussex County, Virginia, where he grew up on a farm as the son of a sharecropper. In 1973, he embraced Islam alongside his wife and his sister, beginning a lifelong journey of devotion, learning, and service to the Ummah.
In 1978, he helped establish the Sister Clara Muhammad School in Petersburg, Virginia, demonstrating early his commitment to Islamic education. In 1980, he moved to Detroit to enroll in the Muslim World Studies Program at Wayne County Community College, joining brothers from across the country who traveled to study under distinguished scholars. Soon after, his family relocated from Virginia, and Detroit became the center of his life’s work.
He was a man of many gifts: a skilled painter and mechanic, an exceptional reciter of the Qur’an, and a devoted educator. He served as a teacher at Detroit’s Sister Clara Muhammad School, later becoming its assistant principal and then principal.
In 1991, when the Detroit Sister Clara Muhammad School closed, Imam Nadir courageously founded what would become one of his greatest legacies: Al-Ikhlas Training Academy, a K–12 Islamic school established with limited resources but unwavering faith. He served as Principal and Director of Al-Ikhlas Training Academy for 29 years, guiding it from its earliest days in mosque classrooms to a respected institution that educated generations of students.
Beyond his own school, Imam Nadir was instrumental in advising, mentoring, and assisting numerous other Islamic schools across the region and beyond, sharing his knowledge of administration, curriculum development, and community building so that quality Islamic education could flourish in many communities.
He also served as Imam of Masjid Al-Ikhlas on Detroit’s east side for eight years, leading with wisdom, compassion, and sincerity.
Imam Nadir was deeply committed to making Islamic education accessible to all. He intentionally kept tuition affordable, created scholarship programs, and personally paid tuition for students whose families could not afford it—never turning away a child because of poverty. He believed the Qur’an should be infused into every subject and that education was an obligation upon both men and women.
He was also known for his beautiful Qur’anic recitation and commitment to learning. He attended and excelled in early morning recitation classes after Fajr at Masjid Wali Muhammad under Dr. Abdulalim Shabazz, standing out even among devoted students.
Beyond his public service, he was a loyal friend and brother. He shared simple joys—running on the track near the masjid, traveling long distances to visit family, teaching others how to paint, and encouraging those around him to strive for excellence in both faith and character.
Above all, Imam Nadir was a devoted husband and a loving father. He shared 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sister Hadiyah Ahmad, who stood by his side not only in life but also in service, working alongside him for decades at Al-Ikhlas Training Academy as his secretary and administrative partner. Together they built a home rooted in faith, discipline, love, and service, and raised a family grounded in Islam and strong character.
Imam Nadir Ahmad is survived by his wife, Hadiyah Ahmad; his children Anthony Hill (Tawana), Askia Ahmad, Balayla Ahmad, Salih Ahmad (Sinyet), and Ameerah Ahmad; his cherished grandchildren Aaliyah Ahmad, Eden Ahmad, Adam Ahmad, Mikhail Ahmad, Samirah Ahmad, and Ramiz Ahmad; and countless loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings Mildred Meade, King David Meade, Mertie Griffin, Daisy Harvelle, Nadirah Loughery, and Wilbur Parker. He is also survived by his loving siblings Elder James Parker, Elder Curtis Parker, Sr., Dr. Michael Parker (Marquerita), Irean Jones, Sarah Parker, and Michelle Berry.
He leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, leadership, humility, and sincere devotion. He will be remembered as a brother who lifted others, a teacher who shaped minds and hearts, a husband who loved faithfully, a father who led by example, and a servant of Allah who walked gently upon the earth.
We ask Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, to accept his good deeds, to expand his grave with light, and to grant him the highest ranks of Jannatul-Firdaws. May Allah grant patience, strength, and comfort to Sister Hadiyah, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and the entire community who mourn his loss.
Allahumma’ghfir lahu warhamhu, wa adkhilhu al-Jannah al-Firdaws al-A‘la.
