Ibrahim Abdul Matin Obituary, Death Cause:- Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, a visionary leader and champion of environmentalism, social justice, and interfaith collaboration passed away suddenly on June 21, 2023 in California. He was 46 years old and leaves behind his wife and three young children. His funeral service (Janaza) took place on June 23, 2023 at the Islamic Society of Orange County, Garden Grove, California following the Friday service (Jumuah) at 1 p.m.
Abdul-Matin was a prolific author, activist, strategist, and consultant who dedicated his life to promoting equity, justice, and sustainability. He was the author of the ground-breaking book “Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet,” which explored the intersection of Islamic teachings and environmental responsibility. He was also a former Community Affairs Director of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, an Adjunct Lecturer at Baruch College (in NYC), and the principal partner at Green Squash Consulting.
Through his work, he collaborated with people, organizations, companies, coalitions, and governments committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges. He also served on various boards and advisory boards of organizations that focused on empowering the next generation of environmental leaders, fostering dialogue and understanding across faith traditions, supporting the arts and community organizing, and advancing scientific research and innovation.
Abdul-Matin was a proud Muslim and New Yorker who inspired countless individuals to embrace sustainable practices and to find common ground to build a more equitable and inclusive society. He was recognized for his insights and expertise by various media outlets such as CNN, Democracy Now!, The Brian Lehrer Show, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Al Jazeera America, NPR, among others.
The loss of Ibrahim Abdul-Matin is being deeply felt by those who have been touched by his wisdom, passion, and dedication. His multidimensional approach to environmentalism, social justice, and interfaith collaboration has left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the future of our planet and our communities.
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Ibrahim Abdul Matin’s Early Life, Family & Education
Ibrahim Abdul-Matin was born on April 14, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York to a family of activists and community leaders. His father was Imam Talib Abdul-Rashid, a prominent Muslim leader in Harlem who founded The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood. His mother was Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, a pediatrician and women’s rights advocate who served as a presidential appointee to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Abdul-Matin grew up in a diverse and vibrant environment that exposed him to different cultures, religions, and perspectives. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School where he excelled academically and athletically. He then went on to study political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he graduated with honors in 1999.
Abdul-Matin’s interest in environmentalism and social justice was sparked by his involvement in various grassroots movements and campaigns. He worked as a community organizer for ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), where he advocated for affordable housing, living wages, and voter registration. He also participated in protests against police brutality, racial profiling, and the Iraq War.
Abdul-Matin’s passion for environmentalism led him to pursue a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on urban environmental policy at Baruch College. He graduated in 2007 and joined the NYC Department of Environmental Protection as the Community Affairs Director. In this role, he helped implement PlaNYC 2030 – a comprehensive sustainability plan for New York City that aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.
Abdul-Matin’s work at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection inspired him to write his first book “Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet” which was published in 2010. The book challenged Muslims to re-examine their relationship with nature and to adopt eco-friendly practices based on Islamic principles. The book also appealed to non-Muslims who were interested in learning about Islam’s perspective on environmental issues.
Abdul-Matin’s book received critical acclaim and recognition from various sources such as Publishers Weekly, The Huffington Post, The Boston Globe, and The Christian Science Monitor. He also received endorsements from prominent figures such as Van Jones, Cornel West, and Imam Zaid Shakir. He also became a sought-after speaker and commentator on topics related to environmentalism, Islam, and social justice.
Career
Abdul-Matin’s success as an author and activist led him to launch his own consulting firm, Green Squash Consulting, in 2011. Through his firm, he provided strategic planning, stakeholder management, and partnership development services to clients who shared his vision of creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Some of his clients included The Trust for Public Land, The Union of Concerned Scientists, The International Living Future Institute, The Scherman Foundation, Sapelo Square, Green City Force, Collective Diaspora, Interfaith America, and New Yorkers for Clean Power.
Abdul-Matin’s work as a consultant also allowed him to pursue his passion for interfaith collaboration and dialogue. He was a Senior Fellow with Interfaith America and New Yorkers for Clean Power, where he helped foster relationships and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds. He also served as a board member of Sapelo Square, an online platform that celebrated and analyzed the experiences of Black Muslims in the United States.
Abdul-Matin’s dedication to empowering the next generation of environmental leaders led him to serve as a board member of Green City Force, an organization that trained young leaders to contribute to a green and inclusive economy. He also lent his expertise to Collective Diaspora, a global initiative focused on developing cooperatives throughout the African diaspora.
Abdul-Matin’s involvement in various boards and advisory boards exemplified his commitment to supporting the arts and organizations that used community organizing and advocacy to build a more just and equitable society. He was a board member of The Scherman Foundation, which supported arts and culture, human rights and civil liberties, environment, government accountability, and education in New York. He also contributed his expertise to The Trust for Public Land (NYS), The Union of Concerned Scientists, and The International Living Future Institute as an advisory board member.
Abdul-Matin’s insights and expertise were widely recognized and respected by various media outlets and organizations. He appeared on CNN, Democracy Now!, The Brian Lehrer Show, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Al Jazeera America, NPR, and many others as a speaker and commentator on issues related to environmentalism, Islam, and social justice. He also received numerous awards and honors for his work such as the 2011 Environmental Quality Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the 2012 Green Muslims Award from Green Muslims, the 2013 Muslim Leader of Tomorrow Award from American Islamic Congress, and the 2014 Faith Leader Award from GreenFaith.
Ibrahim Abdul Matin’s Wife, Children & Funeral
Ibrahim Abdul-Matin passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2023 in California. He was survived by his wife Danielle Barnum Abdul-Matin, a photographer and artist; his three children Zaynab (9), Ibrahim (7), and Amina (4); his parents Imam Talib Abdul-Rashid and Dr. Laila Al-Marayati; his siblings Aisha Abdul-Rashid, Khalil Abdul-Rashid, Zainab Abdul-Rashid, Yusuf Abdul-Rashid, Maryam Abdul-Rashid, Fatima Abdul-Rashid, Muhammad Abdul-Rashid; and many other relatives and friends.
Abdul-Matin’s funeral service (Janaza) took place on June 23, 2023 at the Islamic Society of Orange County, Garden Grove, California following the Friday service (Jumuah) at 1 p.m. His burial followed at Westminster Memorial Park Cemetery.
Ibrahim Abdul Matin Obituary
Ibrahim Abdul Matin Obituary’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from those who knew him personally or professionally. Many people shared their memories and tributes on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Some of the messages expressed admiration for his work and achievements, gratitude for his friendship and mentorship, sorrow for his loss, and prayers for his family.
Abdul-Matin’s legacy lives on through his family, his books, his writings, his speeches, his projects, his collaborations, and his impact on countless individuals and communities. He will be remembered as a trailblazer in environmentalism, social justice, and interfaith collaboration who inspired a generation to take action towards a more equitable and sustainable future.