Sadaqa Jariya for Ibrahim Ali

It is with a heavy heart to share the tragic story of Ibrahim Ali, a dear friend, brother, son and a lively soul whose life took an unexpected turn on April 29, 2024. Ibrahim, 31, was a former computer engineering student at Ryerson University, excelling in his academics, with a bright future ahead of him. Ibrahim was diagnosed with schizophrenia which forced him to leave his studies and battle a condition that is often misunderstood and stigmatized, especially among young Black men.

On April 21, 2024, Ibrahim was transported to a near by hospital after sustaining severe brain trauma due to an altercation with an inmate in Toronto South Detention Centre. Ibrahim remained in a coma until he was taken off Life-Support and pronounced deceased. Ibrahim was a young man suffering with Mental Health challenges who was non-violent when detained and charged for stealing a pack of cigarettes. Ibrahim was awaiting his trail at Toronto South Detestation Centre, where his life was taken. All charges were withdrawn and he was not guilty with any offence, so our Brother was an innocent man when he passed away.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for better mental health awareness and support; especially for young Black men who are frequently Racialized, Marginalized and stigmatized coming from urban communities. Ibrahim’s journey highlights the critical importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in young Black men within the Correctional Facility and Prison Systems. Too often, their struggles are dismissed, leading to devastating consequences for the families and community. Ibrahim was more than a victim of a senseless altercation; he was a beloved friend and a kind-hearted individual who struggled with mental health issues. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how the person thinks, feels, and behaves.

People with Schizophrenia may seem they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them, their families and friends to navigate the challenges and find helpful resources and support. Ibrahim was a compassionate, kind, cheerful individual who became more reserved, talked to people less and kept to himself outside of his family. Ibrahim was a high achieving intellectual student who inspired to further his studies in hopes that he can give his mother Khadra and 7 siblings a better live one day. It is unbearable and negligent that Ibrahim was placed in Toronto South Detention Centre in the Mental Health Ward where his life was taken by another inmate.

I am incredibly grateful for any support you can provide, whether through a donation, sharing this Go-Fund, or offering words of encouragement. Your kindness and generosity will make a profound impact on our lives seeking Justice for Ibrahim Ali, as we navigate this heartbreaking and challenging time. We thank you from the bottom of my hearts with sincere gratitude.

We are seeking the support of our community members, friends, colleagues and anyone who has experienced Mental Health challenges to bring awareness to this vital issue in ensuring that Ibrahim’s family receives full Justice for the misconduct, negligence and unjust treatment of Ibrahim Ali, while incarcerated. We started this Go-Fund campaign to raise money so that we can donate on behalf of the deceased. If you would like to help and donate, the money will be used as Sadaqa-Jariya on behalf of the deceased. Sadaqa Jariya is an important concept within Islam - it is a gift that not only benefits others in this life but also benefits us and our loved ones in the next. (Hadith of the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم, narrated by Muslim) “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.” Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un | ا نَّ ِإ ِإ ِ نَّ هّلِل ـا هّلِل َوِإ ْي ِه ِإ لَ ِج ِإ ع َون ِإ راَ" | Surely, we belong to Allah and to Him shall return’’. Every dollar raised will provide crucial assistance during this incredibly difficult time. Any amount, no matter how small, will bring us closer to our goal and help alleviate the financial burden we are facing, seeking legal council and funeral expenses.

Kind regards,

Abdirahman Ali.