Page 5 - Desk of the Imam

Desk of the Imam Magazine April 2018

founder of the Nation of Islam) and others. political figure in local politics he retired from the
Meeting the Pope was another high point in the political arena in good standing turning his
attention more towards family matters. Imam Bilal
states “I am forever greatfull to ALLAH for my
family, my family has been my backbone and my
children and grand children have grounded me.”

The Vision

I asked the Imam, having done pretty much what
you’ve set out to do, visiting seven countries and
being blessed to go on Hajj, what now. “Now
Imam C. Aziz Bilal making Salat at Masjid day’s,” Imam Bilal said, “my focus is on building
Aisha in Mecca during Hajj the Umatt and strengthening ties that bind. Many
Imams life and after visiting sevn countries he Brothers and Sisters have moved on. Some have
realized that people all over the word are the same passed away some are ill. We need to provide
and oppression doesnt discriminate. support to each other.

It wasn’t but three years later in 2001that Imam This Ramadan I wish to focus on not only the
Bilal flung his kufi into the political arena. spritual aspect but also bonding in this ummat,
Regardless of the nay sayers he found he had more Isam is Islam all over the world and within Islam
supporters than he knew. He and his Campain there are many cultures we Afro-Amerians have
Manager Mary Davis, who at that time was a letter our own harratage and culture too and should
carrier for the US Postal Service, put their bid in cultivate that too, of course within the boundries of
for the 28 Councilmatic district set. Local Islam.”
th
politicans took notice, the race was heated, then
9/11 happened and the world turned against Islam. To this end Imam Bilal arranged the construtuion
The lives and wellbeing of the members of the of Masjid Al-Hamdulillah’s first website
Imams campain were threatended as well as his www.masjidalhamdulillah.wordpress.com to
own. In 2005 Imam Bilal ran for office again but extend the reach of the Masjid and create a web
was defeated by Former councilaman Rubin Wells. needed web presence. On the website one can find
out about the Masjid and view Friday Juma’s. Also
The following years was marked with tragedy, there is a YouTube chanel you can also follow
Sean Bell was shot in the New York them on Facebook.
City borough of Queens, New York, United
States, on November 25, 2006. Three men were In the near future the Imam says he plans on Live
shot a total of 50 times by a team of Casting Jummah Fridays on the webbsite so those
both plainclothes and undercover NYPD officers. who could not make to Jummah because of
Sean Bell was killed on the morning before his sickness, transpportation issues, ect. As is this is
wedding, and two of his friends, Trent Benefield not enough I’m hereing ther are plans for a
and Joseph Guzman, were severely broadcast studio according to Imam Bilal “haveing
wounded. The incident sparked fierce criticism access to this type of Technology gives the
[1]
of the police from members of the public and African American Islamic commutiy a platform to
drew comparisons to the 1999 killing of Amadou voice concerns and issues facing our communiity.
Diallo. There was public out rage and a call for END
action. Imam Bilal along with rev. Al Sharpton,
The coalition of labor, elected and civic leaders
and others took to the streets to protest the grivous
abuse of athority murder. Imam Bilal still laments
over the officers being found not guilty.
Having fought the good fight and becoming a

Masjid Al-Hamdulillah | Desk of the Imam 5