Saturday, June 6, 2026
Hundreds Gather to Honour Community Builder Abdirizak Karod at Final Farewell
by Obasola Bamigbola, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
The parking lot and prayer hall of Assalam Mosque were filled beyond capacity on Saturday, June 6, 2026, as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid a final farewell to Abdirizak Karod, a respected community leader, advocate, and longtime Executive Director of the Somali Centre for Family Services.
The Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) was led by Sheikh Ismail Al-Batnuni, Imam of Masjid Ar-Rahma, and was followed by burial at the Ottawa Muslim Cemetery. Community members from across Ottawa came together to mourn a man whose impact extended far beyond the Somali community.
The overwhelming turnout reflected the breadth of Karod’s influence. Elected officials, faith leaders, settlement workers, educators, community organizers, youth advocates, and residents stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer.
For more than three decades, Karod was a driving force in helping newcomers establish their lives in Canada. After arriving from Somalia in 1992 during a period of civil war, he dedicated himself to supporting immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities. Under his leadership, the Somali Centre for Family Services grew from a struggling organization into one of Ottawa’s most important settlement and community support agencies.
In a 2013 interview with Black Ottawa Scene, Karod spoke passionately about employment, education, youth leadership, and the importance of unity within Black communities. He believed deeply that community progress depended on collective action and ensuring opportunities for future generations.
Outside the mosque, many who knew him reflected on both his accomplishments and his character.
Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, described Karod as a pillar of the city’s diverse communities.
Naqvi noted that while Karod was widely recognized for his work within Ottawa’s Somali community, his impact reached much further.
“He did so much for the Somali community, but also for the Muslim community, for the refugee community, and for making Ottawa feel like a truly welcoming city. It was always an honour to work with him, and we will miss his impact on our community.”
Similar sentiments were shared by John Fraser, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa South. “He was such a champion for newcomers, young people, and the Somali community,” Fraser said.
Among those mourning was Hector Addison, Chief Servant Officer of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), who spoke of Karod’s mentorship and influence on African community organizations throughout the city.
Ali Abdul, Director and Manager of Assalam Mosque, remembered him as someone who consistently gave of himself to others. “We have known Abdirizak since we immigrated to Canada. He was such a wonderful man. He helped so many people, especially newcomers and students. He did a lot for the Somali community, but also for the wider Black community. Abdirizak was a great man.”
Throughout his life, Karod remained committed to strengthening the voices of Black and African communities. He advocated for greater representation, youth empowerment, employment opportunities, and stronger collaboration among community organizations. His leadership often brought together people from different backgrounds around shared goals and common challenges.
His passing leaves a profound void in Ottawa’s Somali, Muslim, African, and broader newcomer communities. Yet the legacy he leaves behind in the organizations he strengthened, the leaders he mentored, and the countless lives he touched will continue to endure.
