“Crazy John” Ilhan has died

Ina lilah wa ina illahi raje’oon. “Crazy John” Ilhan, a prominent Australian Muslim businessmen who became one of the richest men in the country, passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 42 from what appears to be heart failure. One can read tributes from various community leaders can be read here and here. The Age have a summary of his life today as does the Sydney Morning Herald.

Obviously, unmentioned in the various media tributes is that he also gave very generously to Islamic projects and causes. In the late nineties, for example, he sponsored Ahmad Deedat’s visit to the country.

Update: His funeral will be at Broadmeadows Mosque this coming Friday after dhuhr prayer.