Remembering Brother Nadir Ahmad

By Dr. Chris Plum

Some leaders don’t seek attention. They earn trust over time through service.

We recently learned of the passing of Brother Nadir Ahmad, founder and longtime leader of Al-Ikhlas Training Academy, a school we serve in Detroit. 

Brother Nadir was a lifelong educator, imam, and community leader who led with care, humility, and quiet conviction. Since founding Al-Ikhlas Training Academy in 1991, he devoted himself to creating a school where young people could grow academically, spiritually, and personally. His leadership was steady, relational, and deeply rooted in service. He understood that it isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about staying present, learning through challenges, and building trust along the way.

I was personally honored to attend Brother Nadir’s memorial service, where hundreds gathered, braving snow and cold, to pay tribute to his life and legacy. The turnout spoke volumes. It was a reflection of the impact he made through decades of faithful service. His legacy lives on through the students, educators, and communities he shaped, and through the example he set for all of us who believe leadership is, at its core, a human endeavor.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Al-Ikhlas Training Academy community, and all those whose lives were touched by his work. It has been an honor to serve alongside a leader like Brother Nadir.