Page 4 - Desk of the Imam

Desk of the Imam Magazine April 2018

24 years and Still Here .than the call to service for ALLAH But before he

Imam Charles Aziz Bilal could build he had to uproot the indigenous
miscreants which infested the building. Being well

by Kashief Bey known in the Islamic community help was only a
phone call away. Soon constrution was underway
THE ROOTS and a Masjid was born. It was all hands on deck as
he began the necessary renovation. In the process
Imam Charles Aziz Bilal, Religious Leader, the Shura (Arabic: ىرﻮﺷ shūrā) is an Arabic word
Politician, Activist, Community Leader, Family for "consultation". ... Shura is mentioned as a
Man, “Beliver.” All these words describe the praiseworthy activity often used in organizing the
person, but who is the “man”. Where did he come affairs of a mosque) was formed consisting Abdul
from? What were his roots, and more important Muhimin Mohamad, Dawud Alimin, Salim Abdul
where is he headed? In this interview with Imam Rashime and Abdul Latif together they set about
Bilal DI Magazine takes a look at the man and his the task of building Masjid Al-Hamdulillah an
vision. oassiss for Belivers in a deseart of disbelivers.

The year was 1994, Charles Aziz Bilal and his Many things occurred in this process but one of
wife Amina Bilal were looking for investment the things that stood out to this writer was the
proporty, just where was still an issue. As ALLAH opening of the Masjid doors to Muslims coming
(SWA) would have it they were riding through a home from incarceration. Being a DOC
neighborhood in Southeast Queens Jamacia, NY. (Department of Corrections) Chaplin Imam Bilal
As it was told to this was particularly
writer the area of sensitive to the needs of
Suthpin bulavard and those who my be in need
st
121 Street was not a of a safe and welcoming
place where a beliver place to start a new life.
would want to be to say It was in the original
the least. The building plans to open a half way
was in shambles, drug house. However, “Man
dealers were squating in plans but surly ALLAH
the building and selling is the best of planers.”
drugs out of it. The was only one store on the block So, that plan was not fully realized, instead Imam
was a Spanish bodaga. Next door was another drug Bilal opted to help inmates on an iduvidual basis
spot, people were dieing in the street. It was so bad setting many firmly on the path to becoming
the cab drivers didn’t even stop; a veritable Mecca productive citizes and belivers.
of illegal activity, death and destruction. As a There was also a great community need to provide
Chapline for the Department of Correctins Imam consctrutive alternitives to the street for the
Bilal was no stranger to crime. The Imam laughed neighborhood youth. In 1996 KEYS (Keep
when he recalled how his wife refused to get out Elevating Youth Services) - which is under
the car insisting that buying the proporty where reoginization - was formed it was an after school
Masjid Al-Hamdulillah now stands was crazy. program directed at providing computer skills and

According to Imam Bilal, dispite his wifes help with homework during the times between
objections, he could think of no better place for a 3pm and 7pm when our youth is more vulnerable
Masjid – right in the middle of HELL. Surly to illicit or unprodutive activities
ALLAH would bless such a beliver, the road I am sure that because of this ALLAH (SWA)
would be bumpy and building a Masjid in the opened the heavens and poured out his blessing
middle of Hell would not come without sacrifice. making it possible in 1998 for Imam Bilal to do his
From his roots in the Nation of Islam Bilal learned first Hajj with his friend and mentor W. D.
perseverance and the importance of having a Muhamad (son and sucessor of Elijah Muhamad
higher calling and what calling could be higher

Masjid Al-Hamdulillah | Desk of the Imam 4