In the name of Allah, The Most Merciful Benefactor, The Most Merciful Redeemer

"And one of His signs is that He sends the winds, ushering in good news of rain so that He may give you a taste of His mercy, and that ships may sail by His command, and that you may seek His bounty, and perhaps you will be grateful". 

                   Holy Quran 30:46

Our beloved and dearest Sister, Arlyne Michele Habeeb, 67, departed from this life, making her entrance into the spiritual realm and returning to Allah in the late afternoon on August 27, 2025 surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Sister Arlyne was born Muslim on January 5, 1958 in Buffalo, New York to Elnora and Arleym Habeeb. One of 5 children and the oldest daughter, she was an exceptionally bright child excelling in all areas academically. 

She comes from a lineage of Muslim pioneers and innovators, where her grandfather, Shafegh Habeeb, helped establish one of the first Muslim communities in America, in West Valley, NY in the early 1930’s, a fact that she was extremely proud of and grateful for. She later joined The Nation of Islam. There, she met her former husband, Hameem Habeeb, where they both transitioned back to Sunni Islam—the way of our beloved Prophet (SAW)—via the leadership of Imam Warith Deen Muhammad in 1975. Together they raised 8 children, 16 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren.

After settling in Kent, Ohio where she not only raised her family, but also contributed to the wellbeing of the community of Portage County—which she considered her extended family—she worked for the American Red Cross from 1992-1995 for HIV & Aids Awareness. While at the Red Cross, she worked tirelessly on campaigns to support Senator Elizabeth Dole and her fight for military & veteran families and their caregivers. She worked on the Board of Community Action Council of Portage County for 10 years before she was offered a full-time position as the Director of Community & Outreach Services for 15 years. As the Director of Community & Outreach Services, she provided help to Portage County residents to help them gain self-sufficiency through various programs for adults and youth, one of which being securing a $500,000 grant for a program & center for ages 14-24 to gain computer literacy and job readiness skills. Along with her work for the youth, she advocated for affordable housing for disadvantaged families and the senior living community. She was one of the founding members of the Islamic Society Of Akron & Kent. She left an indelible mark on the Muslim community, Portage County, and the North East Ohio surrounding area.

A devout Muslim all her life and a loyal and devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend, and community activist. She dedicated her life to her family, and service to the community was her love language. She was a great humanitarian and her impact was expansive, felt even through distance. She touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, offering them wise counsel, a word of advice, or an invitation to her home for a home cooked meal. The lasting community bonds she created brought her immense joy that she cherished until her last days.

Arlyne endured debilitating illnesses for the last few years of her life, but with an unmatched resilience she persevered and fought her way through to live more life and be present with her children and grandchildren. She had a full and robust life in the short 67 years she lived and her family is grateful for all the years filled up with her love. She married her former husband Hameem Habeeb on August 10, 1974, where they spent 28 years together. She is mother to Tahira Habeeb, Najmah Habeeb, Rayya Habeeb, Nashid Habeeb, Aaliyah Habeeb, Sajdah Habeeb, Ruqayyah Beck (Lauren Beck), Salahuddin Habeeb (Victoria Habeeb).

Also mourning her loss are her 16 grandchildren, Malik Butler (Courtney Butler), Rana Abdus-Shahid, Jamal Butler, Hudhayfah Abdus-Shahid, Jenna Butler (Cepeda Phillips), Haneef Abdus-Shahid, Hamza Habeeb, Abdul Wakeel Abdus-Shahid, Karim Butler, Hidayah Habeeb, Sadeen Mendez, Saaliha Habeeb, Muhammad Mendez, Imaan Habeeb, Agustina Habeeb, & Fatima Habeeb; her great grandchildren Rowan Butler, Ryella Phillips, Suhayla Abdus- Shahid, Yahya Mutakabbir, Nadira Hughes; her sisters Fareedah Freemen-Bey, Hameedah Habeeb, Donna Wilson-Habeeb, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving relatives and friends

She is preceded in death by her parents Elnora and Arylem Habeeb and her two brothers, Cornelius Wilson and Quadir Habeeb.  

Sister Arlyne Habeeb always strived for goodness and never wavered in her faith. She used the Qur’an as her guidepost and her faith as a lighthouse. She was as gentle as she was fierce. She wanted the best for her family, her community, and all of humanity. The contributions she made throughout her life made an impact that continues to ripple throughout the world. She knew that from Allah we come, and to Allah we return. 

“Verily through difficulty comes ease”

                          Holy Quran 94: 5-6

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