Abdul Rahman Muhammad Affan was the son of Notharis A L M Abdul Rahman of Kandy, Sri Lanka. He had three brothers, A R M Zarook, A R M Mukthar and A R M Thowfeek, who were all involved in business in Colombo.
Affan married Masooda Izzadeen and lived down Kinross Avenue in Bambalapitiya in a large house that was noted for its green colored roof.
He has two sons, Ismeth & Rushdi, and three daughters, Zahar, Thahira and Siham.