PHILADELPHIA—Brother John Ali, the former National Secretary of the Nation of Islam and one of the most influential administrators in the Nation’s history, was remembered and honored at his Janazah (funeral) service held July 30 at Masjidullah in Philadelphia.
Brother John returned to Allah (God) July 26, 2026, at the age of 98. At his service, family, friends, and admirers gathered to honor a man widely regarded as a brilliant mind and helper of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Born November 3, 1927, in Avera, Georgia, and raised in Philadelphia, Bro. John’s early life hinted at an extraordinary trajectory ahead. His schoolmates included future luminaries such as the Reverend Leon Sullivan and Robert N.C. Nix, who would become the first Black Supreme Court Justice in Pennsylvania’s history.
Brother John excelled academically, graduating from Bryant College in just two years with a major in accounting and economics before becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)—an achievement rare for Blacks of his era.
But Bro. John’s destiny would not be confined to boardrooms or accounting firms. In 1954, he encountered the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad through Minister Jeremiah Shabazz.
Soon after, Minister Malcolm X brought him to New York to assist in the secretarial department of Temple No. 7 (as it was known at that time). His sharp intellect, professionalism, and administrative discipline quickly drew the attention of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
In 1960, Bro. John was appointed National Secretary of the Nation of Islam, a position he held for a decade. Those who worked with him say his impact was profound and far-reaching.
“He should be remembered as a top-notch follower of Elijah Muhammad,” said Rafiq Kalimidin, to The Final Call, a former Temple No. 12 secretary. “He handled all the books. He made a great contribution to … the Nation of Islam. He was appointed by Elijah Muhammad himself.”
Brother John’s professionalism stood out in an era when few Black people had access to higher education or corporate training. “He was a voracious reader with a very astute mind,” said Mohammad Shah, a family friend. Mr. Shah added that Bro. John brought “a very professional approach to administration.”
His administrative reach extended far beyond the walls of the Chicago headquarters. Muhammad Ikhlas, Mr. Ali’s nephew by marriage, recalled how respected he was among pioneers of the Nation of Islam.
Brother John’s younger brother, Michael Simmons, also described him as “a brilliant mind.”
Brother John’s intellectual appetite was legendary. “He read 10 newspapers a day,” Mr. Simmons said. “He was one of the most well-informed people you’d ever want to meet. He could talk to you about any subject. You always came away knowing more than you started out with.”
Beyond his public accomplishments, Brother John was remembered as a devoted family man. “John was a family man. He loved family,” said Rudolph Ali. “With all respect and love for my brother, I loved him for that.”
His niece, Aishah Shahidah Simmons, called him “a meticulous and incredible organizer, strategist, and visionary.” She recalled his commitment to attending every graduation celebration, no matter how busy his schedule.
His son, Jon D. Ali, said his father’s dedication to both family and the Nation defined his life. “He loved his daughters. He loved the children. All his grandchildren. He was a very happy man.”
He added that his father’s guiding principle was simple: “Dad, what did you do?” he once asked his father. “He said, ‘What the Messenger told me to do. I followed instructions.’”
Bro. John attributed his longevity to the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and those closest to him say nothing mattered more to him than being a dedicated follower of the Messenger. “The thing most important to him was that he had been a dedicated follower of Elijah Muhammad,” said Mr. Simmons.
Brother John Ali was preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola Simmons, his son Wallace, and his siblings Willie, Nathaniel, and Reginald. He is survived by his youngest brother, Michael. Mr. Ali leaves behind a devoted family, including his children Jon, Marie, Sultan, and Clara, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
