Obituary

On August 23, 1948 Arif was born to Owen and Mary Knight, in Philadelphia, PA. Arif matriculated through the Philadelphia School District, and graduated from Germantown High School in 1967. Aside from his inquisitive nature, he was also very athletic; played Junior Varsity Football and was a member of the Cross Country Track Team during his Jr. year. In 1974, he graduated from Virginia Union and received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. Arif completed his Master of Education Degree at Lincoln University in 2000 and was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi, International Honors Society in Education Tau Zeta Chapter in 2001.

Additionally, Arif was a member of the Germantown Republican Club, spent many years as a committeeman in the Germantown/Philadelphia Region, pursued Real Estate at Temple and became a licensed Broker. He went on to become a Biology/Science Instructor, Dean of Students and Academy Coordinator at Lincoln High School in the Philadelphia School District, where he retired from in 2015.

In his spare time, Arif was an avid reader, researcher, and educator of African History. He was most passionate about the often untold contributions of Africans on civilization. His depth of knowledge in this area knew no end and neither did his excitement. His fervent quest for knowledge grew daily, as evidenced by his massive collection of rare books, dvd's and artifacts. In 2016, Arif donated a historical collection of 238 books and dvd's to Lincoln University Library to inspire and encourage others. His life's work and Legacy is available on his website www.africancontributions.net.

In 1991 he married the love of his life Jennell with whom he enjoyed strolls along the beach, many laughs and family. In addition he enjoyed teaching himself to play the piano, his saxophone, and providing care for his family and friends.

Arif was the portrait of a true husband, son, brother, father, confidant and teacher. He lived to serve never expecting anything in return and he will be profoundly missed. Arif was preceded in death by his Mother Mary Alice English Knight; Father Owen Kilpatrick Knight; Sister Karen Knight. He is survived by his Wife: Jennell Zahir; Sister: Cynthia McDaniel; Daughters: Maryam Zorndorf, Lenora Miller (Jeff Miller) and Ladesha Albury (Lawrence Albury); Son: Ronald Williams Jr.; Grandchildren: Jasmine Miller and Ciasia Williams. He is also survived by Nephews: Andrew Knight and Kirby McDaniel; Beloved Cousins: Kenneth and Sheila, as well as his extended Jennings and Norris Family.

Arif was always a man of faith and substance and for the last 5 years, Arif and Jennell were members of Community Christian Church in Decatur GA, under the Pastorate of Dr. Charles Oggs. In his final days he spoke passionately about the peace that the Lord had given him, and called on the name of Jehovah Rapha (The Lord who Heals) and Jehovah Shalom (The Lord who brings peace) and we know that he has received his ultimate healing and eternal peace with Jesus Christ his Lord. To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.