DEARBORN — Khalil Alawan, one of the Islamic Center of America’s (ICA) original founders passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 26. He was 83 and widely referred to as “Chuck.” Family members tell The Arab American News he died of heart failure. 

His dedication to spreading awareness and breaking down misconceptions about Islam touched the lives of countless Muslims and non-Muslims in southeast Michigan. 

For decades, Alawan, who lived in Farmington Hills, worked to build bridges of understanding between diverse ethnic and religious communities.

“His legacy will be remembered by the thousands of people that benefited from his knowledge and wisdom and the deep spiritual faith he shared with sincerity and humility…May God rest his soul and comfort his grieving family in this most difficult time,” read a statement issued by the ICA on Alawan’s passing. 

Alawan.

Alawan was born in Detroit. According to the ICA, his father, the late Ibrahim Alawan, was from Damascus Syria, and his mother Katie Ankouny was of Lebanese and French Canadian descent. 

Alawan is survived by his wife Camille Alawan; his children Scott, the late Barrett and Leslie; his brothers Haidar and Eide; and his sister Mariam.

Alawan is the recipient of the Keep the Dream Alive for Interfaith and Race Relations Work award, the Islamic Merit Award, and the State of Michigan’s Minuteman Governor’s Award for Meritorious Service to the Community. Boy Scouts of America and the National Committee for Community and Justice have also honored him for his work. 

Alawan earned an engineering degree from Wayne State University, and he also studied at the American University of Beirut. He was retired, after working as the vice president of sales for the consulting firm Fayz Enterprises. He also served as a Muslim Chaplain for the Detroit Area Council.