Sister Latifa Ilyas Remembered

Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ilaihe Rajioon.

Sister Latifa Ilyas passed away on March 9, 2014 in the early morning. As one of the pioneers of the Baltimore jama’at, she was 76 years at the time. She was survived by her son, Jamal Ilyas, and will be deeply missed. Sister Latifa is remembered as a kind, funny, honest, humble, and giving person.

Sadr Sahiba relates that at times cold water would be only coming from the sinks, and Sister Latifa would wash dishes never to complain. Sister Latifa made many contributions to the jama’at, though her presence was enough. For instance she had the inside of the mosque painted, with not a penny from the mosque’s funds.

Her service to humanity (khidmat-e-khalk) was enormous. She would buy supplies for a nearby handicap school, the list is never-ending.

Sister Latifa was introduced to the community in her teens through Halima Aina’s family (parents).She went to live with her uncle(Halima Aina’s father) after her parents were deceased.

Sadr Sahiba says she can still see Sister Latifa walking down Garrison Blvd toward the old Baltimore mosque. She was truly a loving, and forgiving human being that is an example to us all. May Allah grant her an elevated status in Janat-ul-Firdous, and may God grant her loved ones the strength to bear this sad loss.