The Canadian Muslim community is mourning the passing of Dr. El-Tantawy Attia, a pioneering leader whose decades of service shaped the landscape of Muslim life across the country.
Tributes pour in from major community organisations and personalities, each reflecting a different dimension of his far-reaching impact.
“Today, we remember and honour one of our community’s pioneers, a man whose quiet strength, humility, and lifelong dedication to service shaped much of what we cherish today,” Islamic Relief Canada wrote on Instagram.
“Dr. El Tantawy Attia was among Islamic Relief Canada’s first board members, helping build institutions, schools, and masajid that continue to serve generations. His legacy lives on in every act of kindness and every project inspired by his vision.”
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Salma Zahid, the MP for Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East, wrote on X, “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. El-Tantawy Attia. A pillar of the Muslim community in Canada dedicated to charity and service, I first met him at Masjid Toronto and have many fond memories of his wisdom and his humanity. My prayers are with his loved ones.”
The Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT) also honored his memory, calling him a visionary pioneer who helped shape the early framework of Muslim life in Canada.
IIT’s announcement recognised his contributions to founding and strengthening key institutions, reflecting the collective gratitude of a community that benefited from his decades of leadership and service.
“Dr. Attia was among the visionary pioneers who shaped the early framework of Muslim life in Canada,” IIT wrote.
“Wherever he served, he brought integrity, clarity, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to the communal good.”
Founding Father
Dr. Attia was a respected nuclear engineer and one of the early architects of organised Muslim life in Canada.
Educated at Alexandria University in Egypt and McMaster University in Canada, he spent over 27 years at Ontario Power Generation in the Reactor Physics and Nuclear Analysis Departments, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and scientific excellence.
Beyond his engineering career, Dr. Attia was a foundational figure in community institution-building.
He served in leadership roles at Jami Mosque, the MSA Islamic Services of Canada, the Canadian Islamic Trust Foundation, the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), Islamic Relief Canada, and the Islamic Community Centre of Ontario.
He co-founded the Muslim Investment Group and played a key role in the early years of the ISNA Islamic Elementary School.
One of his most enduring legacies is Masjid Toronto, which he helped found and led as Executive Director for two decades, overseeing its expansion into two prominent downtown locations and establishing it as a respected civic and interfaith hub.
Dr. Attia received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian society.
He is remembered as a leader of integrity, a mentor to many, and a builder whose work continues to benefit generations.