The late Dr Daood Hamdani, economist, statistician, and historian of Canadian Muslims, was my friend. At least, I considered him so.

Palestinian Canadian Qasem Mahmud passed away earlier this summer. Although many younger Muslim and Palestinian Canadians in Ottawa may not know his name, many have been impacted by his legacy.

In honour of Islamic Heritage Month in October, Muslim Link hopes to publish an article showcasing the impact of Brother Qasem Mahmud's legacy. If you would like to share your reflections on how his community work has influenced you, from his establishment of the tradition of Muslim youth camps at Long Bay to the establishment of the Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians (APAC), we welcome your submissions of stories and photos. Please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ottawa-based writer Zul M. Khalfan gives us an overview of Brother Mahmud's life in this tribute to his friend.

Canada and Canadians joined the international community in mourning the death of South Africa's first elected Black President, Nelson Mandela.

An Ottawa Muslim congregation listened intently at its weekly Friday prayers as his enduring quality of forgiveness was recalled from the pulpit.

The Canadian Parliament rose to pay tribute to Mandela.

In a rare recent gesture, reflecting Mandela's own sterling legacy of fostering unity, the two opposing parliamentary leaders, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair, crossed the floor, in turn, to shake hands. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also praised the fallen African hero.