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Hajja Safinaz Matter, known to many as Tante Safi, Sr. Safi, or Ms. Safi, dedicated over 50 years of her life to teaching Arabic and inspiring young minds around the world. Her death was recently announced by her family.
She was the widow of the late Elsayed Elmenshawy and the sister of Atef, Farida, and Niveen. She was a grandmother to Ahmed, Mariam, Aly, Nour-Eldeen, Abdulrahman, Abdullah, Selma, Mohammed, Ahmed, Amaly, Yusuf, and Ameer.
Matter, a graduate of Al-Alsun specializing in Italian and French, later earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent her career shaping thousands of students, working as an assistant principal at Hayah International Academy and teaching at Alghazaly, Miftaahul Uloom, Almaref, and Alfaruk.
Miftaahul Uloom Academy, where she was a longtime educator, paid tribute to her impact:
"Her kindness, generosity, and warm and loving nature left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with. She will be profoundly missed. May Allah have mercy on her soul and grant her the highest level of Jannah. Ameen."
Fundraiser For Masjid, Quran School, And Well In Her Name
To continue her legacy, a fundraiser has been launched to build a masjid, a Quran school, and a well in Africa in her memory—ensuring her impact extends beyond the classroom.
Organizers wrote:
"Every brick laid in the masjid, every drop of water drawn from the well, and every child who learns the Quran will continue to earn rewards long after this world fades away."
The masjid will be a sanctuary for prayer and community, the Quran school will educate future generations, and the well will provide essential water to those in need.
Supporters have already raised over $9,700 toward the $60,700 goal. To contribute, visit the fundraiser page here.
Funeral And Burial Details
Funeral prayers will be held on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Passaic County, 152 Derrom Ave, Paterson, NJ. Burial will follow at Marlboro Muslim Memorial, 340 Spring Valley Rd, Marlboro, NJ, at 2:15 p.m. An aza condolence gathering is scheduled for Sunday at 1:15 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Passaic County.
Her family and students ask for prayers in her memory, ensuring her lifelong dedication to education and faith continues to inspire.
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