It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Dr. Forough Jahanbakhsh. She passed away on 14 November 2025, after complications related to a long-term illness. Her sister, nephew, and other family were by her side in her final days.
Dr. Jahanbakhsh is best known for her book Islam, Democracy and Religious Modernism in Iran (1953–2000), which remains widely cited for its examination of Iranian reformist thinkers and the evolving trajectory of religious reform in Iran. She called Queen’s University home from July 2002, and taught courses on Islam and modernity, contributing significantly to our department’s curriculum and to the intellectual growth of countless students. She is part of a generation of scholars analyzing how Iranian reformist thinkers grappled with modernity, pluralism, and democratic theory through Islamic frameworks.
Dr. Jahanbakhsh’s contributions to the study of religion and mentorship of students has left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues on campus. Her kindness, generosity, and commitment to her field will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, students, and to all in the Iranian Canadian community who are mourning this loss. May her memory be a blessing.