Rasul Hasan Madyun: 1976-2006
Last Monday (11/13/06), I received a phone call from a friend telling me that Rasul Madyun - a person that I had known for the better part of 10 years - had a brain aneurysm and admitted into the Howard University Hospital and had emergency surgery. Initially he was recovering well – though still sedated – and was transferred to the Georgetown University Hospital where he spent his last days.
During that time, dozens of people came in to visit, inquire about his condition, and offer help to his family. Some people even immediately jumped on airplanes upon hearing this news and immediately came to see about him out of genuine love and concern.
On that Sunday he took a sudden turn for the worse and passed away on the following day at the age of 30.
Everyone who knew Rasul - Muslim and non-Muslim - knew him to be very friendly and intelligent person that was extremely active in the betterment of society as a whole, highly educated, belonged to several civic organizations and was dedicated to working with the youth and took a personal interest in their lives. And as a result of his work, he was very well respected and loved.
His funeral was easily the largest (for a Muslim) I’d ever attended in the United States. I did not do a head count, but I’d estimate that there was over 1,000 were in attendance. The love that was shown for him was overwhelming. People of all stripes - many of whom flew in from out of town - were there to pay their respects to this man. Young and old, Muslim and non-Muslim, people of all colors took off work to come out to pay final respects for him.
This was only a sign of the kind of human being that Rasul and the positive impact he had on those around him.
Besides the feeling of loss, many emotions and questions have hit me at the same time.
- What will happen to me after my own death?
- What will my legacy be after my death? Have I had a positive or negative impact on those around me?
- What would be said about me after my death? A simple “inna lillahi an inna ilahi raajioon” and never to be thought of again?
A few months ago, I wrote about reality. Rasul was blessed to be surrounded by good people who came together to help his family defray the costs of the funeral in the aftermath of his death. Can we say that the same thing?
Things like family and community matter. We don’t live in a bubble. We can tell ourselves that we are concentrating on our children, but - like it or not - it really does “take a village” to raise children. This was the case with Rasul. His parents raised him. And his community raised him. A community of individuals that felt like they had nearly as much stake in his life as their own children.
All of this may sound like common sense to many of you, but these things - outside of W Deen Muhammad’s community - are taken for granted - for the most part - by Black American Muslims. There is an unwritten rule that it is blameworthy to keep family ties and try to construct a false reality around you
This was a huge mistake and its ramification are clear. The pretentious world won’t get you very far.
Finally, I want to mention that Rasul married into a very good family, Masha Allah. I met some of his brothers-in-law and they treated me like one of their own brothers from the time I met them.
I pray that God enters Rasul into Heaven and hope that this love shown by the people for him is a sign of God’s love for him
Filed under: Black American Muslims
Assalamu alaikum, to Allah we belong, and to Him is our return. May Allah grant the deceased Jannah, and may He make it easy on his friends and family. I am sorry to hear about your loss. And so many others as well, since it seems that this man touched so many lives! I willkeep his family and friends and him in my duas.
inna lillahi an inna ilahi raajioon
I knew his wife very well. We grew up in deen together, played paintball and shot hoops together when we were younger. When she 1st told me she thinks she found a brother to marry from out of town I was worried because we didn’t know him. However, she is very mature and always involved in the community and he was equally so. It was a perfect match and together they were the most active couple in the community under 30 in this area. He was very perfessional and always kind. He loved the deen and didn’t force it on people or said bad mean things about people.
He was serious, but funny and playful at the same time. The last week of Ramadhan we were kindah hiding in the kitchen from our spouses eating various pies and cakes that neither of us had no business eating, talking trash about what we would do it we got caught, chating about the upcoming ski trip MLK weekend and how much he needed a vacation.
He never ran around giving random fatwa’s and when I asked him to marry off my friend to a brother he made a phone call 1st and sought council from others right on the spot because this sister had not known the brother for very long and he didn’t feel comfortable with giving his blessing.
I was hoping that his questions and concerns would cause this sister to slow down and wait a few more months to get to know this brother after talking to Imam Rasul. I’m proud to say that he was serious with the brother and asked him real questions unlike some other Imams do.
When Rasul said InshaAllah he didn’t say it just to say it. He literally meant it and didn’t understand how others could say it and not do what they say they were going to do. He was a visionary and a lot of people weren’t ready for various reasons to support what he was trying to do. When I think about him, I honestly can never think of a single time I heard or seen him act in a suspect way.
This is really hard on my family because my husband has only been Muslim 4 years and Imam Rasul was one of the limited brothers he liked and looked forward to hanging with him during the ski trip this MLK weekend. I’m sorry my husband’s 1st Janazah had to be Brother Rasul’s. He’s not taking it too well but I’m glad to see the Janazah was one that was very intimate considering such a large crowd and now he understands and respects the way we attend to our brothers and sisters whom pass away.
May Allah SWT forgive Rasul for his sins, make his grave spacious, bright and comfortable. I bear witness he died in a state of Islam and that he died a Muslim and a lover of Muhammed PBUH. I beg Allah SWT to forgive us for any stress I may have caused him and I ask that you please admit him into paradise.
Amin
Makes me remember the saying “”Death is enough of a warner”
How much have we done? This post didn’t hit me as much as when I read it the 2nd time, I scrolled back up and saw his birth year, same as mine.
May Allah give him the highest part of Jannah, Al-Firdaws, and grant his family the perseverance to continue his legacy of good after him.
Amin
Hijabi:
Your comments are a good example of what made the brother special, but at the same time a regular down to earth person that was not full of himself. He was the kind you could go on a ski trip with. Someone a person could confide in. He wasn’t judgemental. He was the exact opposite of the non-sense that I have mentioned on this blog.
He and Khafi were the best of friends. Everyone keep her in your du’aa. The good thing is that she - like Rasul - has a good family and community surrounding her
This funeral was sad and very heart warming at the same time.
In my case me and those I came into Islam with, we really missed the forest for staring at the leaves so hard by cutting off relations (hajr) with so many for no good reason that we couldn’t form a true community that is why I’m ashamed
Rasul (may Allah have mercy on him) was a wunderkind. When we were youth, he was the role model - I was the question mark. I’ve known him for the better part of my life and I can say from observation that whatever ‘it’ is that certain individuals have - he had ‘it’. He was a staunch supporter and organizer for the community we both grew up in. I was the rebel and outcast. This disparity only widened after I got really pretentious and jumped on the ‘manhaj’ and basically turned my back on the community that nurtured he and I both.
I have a lot of regrets with the pompous way I used to come off to Rasul during his latter years in Memphis when he was trying to bring different brothers and sisters together for common causes. I was too busy pointing out the supposed ‘errors’, bid’ah, deviance, etc. etc. to actually help him to any REAL work. However, the fruits of his character and work are apparent when we consider the phenomenal response to his passing from all over the country.
The ironic thing is that a lot of the things that he and I disagreed on during my years of judgemental self-righteousness, I have come to agree with him on over the last year or so. I just never got the chance to express to him that he was right.
I pray that Allah enter him into paradise without any accounting.
Just want to mention that Rashad probably knew Rasul better than anyone on the blogisphere
Inna lillahi…
Sorry to hear of your loss; I didn’t know him but it seems he meant alot to you and many others. Allah bless…
A deep philosopher, intellectual and scribe. A poet, statesman and student of the Qur’an, Hadith and the teachings of Imam WD Mohammed. The Prophet of Islam is recorded to have said, ” The scholars are heirs of the prophets.” Imam Rasul Madyun follows in that footsteps of deep insight and hard work. We will carry on this tradition in his name, and continue to promote the universal condition of humanity: love, honor and dignity.
We will continue to honor his work, and be part of a movement to contribute to the world in institution building and carry on legacies for years to come.
We will remember……..Laylatul Qadr, La illahah illallah…..Surah Rahman…..Those of you who were there at Masjid Muhammad know what I am talking about….Those who weren’t…… a treat like no other….lead by an Imam of all Imam’s, a Shaykh of all Shuyuks, a Mufti of all Muftis and Alim of all Alim’s. I will miss you brother.
Your brother, friend and fellow soldier in the cause.
Salaams,
I wished I was in a position to have attended Rasul’s janaza. Your words about Rasul and our own future deaths are so on point. Rasul truly had a bright future as a leader. We will miss him tremendously. I pray that we find it in each of us, the spirit to make a difference in our Islamic communities as well as the community at large. Rasul left a path for us………
May Allah bless his soul and admit him into the first ranks of His beloveds.
I did not know him, but through your good words and remembrances, I wish that I had. May Allah confort his wife and family and friends.
Ya Haqq!
So sad. But may Allah make his grave full of light and sweet with the smell of Jennah. May the umma be blessed enough to be blessed with 10 more brothers just like him. May God ease his family’s and friends’ pain. It’s so sad to lose such a good person and I’m sure the places where he made sajdah are weeping for him.
As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu:
inna lillahi wa inna alaihi raji’uun (to Allah we belong and to HIM we return)
The journey of this brother back to Allah touched so many lives in such a positive way including the lives of my family that we ask Allah to grant Rasool Madyun an honored place in the Jannah where he will have no fear nor shall he grieve. We ask Allah to bless the believers that know, love and respect him the best in this world and the best in the destiny. We ask that Allah bless his family with ease in this allowable period of grieving and support from the believers to assist them in this transitional period so that they can continue to be of benefit to humanity.
With Allah’s Name, The Merciful Benefactor, The Merciful Redeemer
Oh Allah, Imam Rasul Madyun comes to you leaving behind his deeds, his family and his home. Accept the best of his deeds, give him a better family and a better home. Expand his grave for him and provide a light in his grave. Do not let his grave be a trial for him beyond what he can bear, and do not let his death be a trial for us beyond what we can bear. Forgive his sins and admit him to Paradise. Amin.
You never know when it your time to go and it can happen at any time. May Allah have mercy on him.
Rasul was truly an inspiration to all. He was an excellent example of what it is to be a muslim. May Allah grant him the highest level of Jennah Ameen
Fatima Abdus-Salaam
Innaa lillaahi wa inna ilaihi raaji’oon…
Brother,
Your words were right on point. Rasul influenced so many people. He was truly a gift to this earth. He will be missed but will continue to live through so many of us.
As salaamu alaikum Sister Tauheedah, and Brother Saleem, and Sister Kafi, I just want you to know that I will keep all of you in my duas, asking Allah for whatever you need to help you in processing Rasul’s passing. The first time I met him in Memphis I felt that there was something special about him. And then when I heard his recitation of Quran at Culture Night, I knew where that feeling was coming from. For years I wondered and worried a little bit about the future of our community or our association specifically, and it is young men like Imam Rasul, his wife, and many of their associates, male and female who have made me feel relaxed and sure that our future is secure, and in very good believing hands and hearts. But we have been so blessed by Allah to have had the privilege of having Rasul study and learn Quranic Recitation so beautifully. Allah gave him to us for so many reasons, and we thank Him, and I thank you all for sharing him with us. May Allah grant him mercy, forgiveness, and the jennah, make his grave a wide and comfortable expanse, and allow him to have his seat and station amonst those who are nearest to Allah. May he sit among those most favored by Allah. Ameen
Love you all.
Lydia Muhammad
With the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
As-Salaamu Alaikum,
When I was informed of Bro. Rasul’s passing, I was in shock, simply because I was not aware of the condition that led to his passing. However, I believe that Bro. Imam will be rewarded by Allah (SWT) for what he contributed to this life. Eversince that I have known him, I was always impressed with his character, intelligence, speech and his devoutness as a servant of Allah and a Muslim. He will be greatly missed by many people.
Peace be unto all, Muslims and non-Muslims. I could say I’ll be brief but that would be an untruth. I do not know Rasul the way most of you know him. I know him as a Muslim but I was fortunate enough to have known him outside of his works. I know him as a brother. And not just the way Muslims say brother and sister. I was introduced to Rasul at Sister Clara Muhammad School in 1984 by my brother, Calvin, when I was five and Rasul was eight. Believe me when I say he was larger than life even then. And he also played the biggest part in my life than any male outside of my father. He and my older brother were friends before we became close. It wasn’t until many years later that Rasul and I truly became brothers. Rasul took on the big brother role to me in the most formidable years of a young male’s life. See, my only blood brother and I had no real relationship until a few years ago. I felt so much hurt and rejection in regards to our relationship. As a teenager, that left me with no role model or that validation a young black male needs. I believe Rasul saw the need and gladly stepped in to fill that enormous void in my life. It was easy since we both worked for his father, Brother Saleem. I couldn’t articulate it at the time but now I know. Rasul was the first Renaissance man I had ever met. But unlike most, he wasn’t ahead of his time. Rasul transcended time. His mind was far beyond my own or anyone I’ve ever met. Rasul introduced me to things I couldn’t understand as a teenager but I appreciated them nonetheless. As a teen, being in his presence was rewarding enough for me. So many held him in high regards. It was an honor to “hang” with him. He made me feel like I was a part of something great. As I stated, he validated me. From the music he introduced me to, to hanging out with him and the “bru’s” at Lemoyne-Owen College. He always had answers to any questions I had. No matter how deep I thought they were. The answers seemed to come to him easily. I often felt overwhelmed by his knowledge and his closeness to Allah. But Rasul always taught and never patronized. Even talking to him in my adult years, he still managed to have that same affect on me now at the age of 27. He possessed a glow that made others light up.
I did not know the severity of his condition since I would only hear of him being hospitalized from my brother. He was always in and out so fast I didn’t worry. I had never seen him ill or in low spirits so I couldn’t imagine his condition being so serious. I don’t think my brother Calvin knew either. That’s why my only regrets are not ever telling him what he meant to me as a brother figure and not keeping in touch as I feel I should have after he left Memphis. I believe Allah led him to a place where the people were more receptive to his greatness.
There is no one word to describe this champion. But honor, integrity, decent, innovative, wisdom, teacher, artist, and brother are just a few that come to mind. Maybe my brother was too advanced to remain in this world. (He was constantly evolving.) Maybe he felt he didn’t have enough time to achieve his vision. Or maybe the state of the world weighed heavily on his mind. No man knows. I do know Rasul was the true meaning of Islam manifested in the flesh. The knowledge, wisdom, decency, beauty, personal accountability, and artistic vision combined.
I love my brother, Rasul Madyun. To me he was a legend in life and remains so in his passing. My last memories will not be of him in a weakened state. Rasul was a groomsman at my brother’s wedding in February of this year. Rasul, my brother Calvin, Rasul’s younger brother Rashad, and myself all had a great time together. But we always did. At the end of the wedding he stepped A-Phi-A style in the middle of the dance floor while I danced around him in a circle. That was a testament to how I saw him. There was nothing but jokes, laughs, and good times when we came together. That’s the side of Rasul I know best. So I will forever remember my brother with that smile on his face.
Insha’Allah, we will meet again my brother,
Derrick Harris
As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum,
To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. Although I did not know Imam Rasul Madyun, I know his parents. In knowing his parents, I know that he was an excellent and committed servant of Allah. May Allah grant him Paradise. Aamira
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon.
Subhanallah my husband and I were discussing this the other night. he mentioned to me about your friend. Subhanallah I told him this year alone we have heard of so many people dying. I also reminded our children that they always have to be aware of what they are doing at all times. Can you imagine a person doing something haram at the time of death? May Allah bless you for writing this post. As with all of your post I find them very interesting and beneficial.
Barak Allahu Feeq
As-Salaamu `Alaykum:
Imam Rasul, or “Mawlana Rasul” as I would jokingly address him as, was extremely beautiful brother. His large janazah and the many great comments that continue to be spoken about him are a testament to his character and humanity.
For those of you who are making hajj this year, please remember him in your du`a on Mt. `Arafat. And may we all remember him in our du`a.
Wassalaam,
Dawud Walid
هُوَ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْهِ
تُرْجَعُونَ
10:56
He alone grants life and deals death; and unto Him you all must return.
Imam W. D. Mohammed taught us during the Ramadan session this year that when you die your body goes back in to the earth and your soul goes back to your community and its their job to bring the community back to ALLAH arruring that your soul gets back to ALLAH also. So believers it is our oppertunity to bring Brothe Rasul and all the others soul back to ALLAH so I charge you with that responsibilty. A great scientist said Engery can not be destroyed nor created but transformed so the engery that ALLAH put in Rasul aint destroyed but transformed giving us more fuel to go on.
3:109
And unto God belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and all things go back to God [as their source]
6:60
And He it is who causes you to be [like] dead [50] at night, and knows what you work in daytime; and He brings you back to life each days [51] in order that a term set [by Him] be fulfilled. In the end, unto Him you must return: and then He will make you understand all that you were doing [in life].
Kalimah Azeez (that love that comes from the Chi)
I went to high school in Memphis with Rasul and when I heard the news it truly hurt me….I was in shock. I would even see him around when we were in college and I was always glad to see him. Everytime I saw him he had a smile on his face. He was a beautiful person that will truly be missed.
It’s hard for me to sit here and talk about how much Rasul will missed because I’m still waiting to wake up from this bad dream, but each day as I awake for Fajr, reality sinks in and I pray to Allah to help Sis. Tauheedah, Bro. Saleem, Rashad, Ossa, Khafi, myself and everyone that Rasul made an impact on during his life on this earth, help us make it through another day.
When I first heard, from my sister via txt message nevertheless, the news that Rasul had been hospitalized, it brought a tear to my eye, and like anyone who was blessed to have known him, I prayed for him and planned on giving him a call one he was better. I mean it was RASUL, he was always a fighter and such a strong individual, I just knew he would bounce back like he always did and I would be able to talk to my brother and joke like we always did. Day after day, I kept getting updates on how he was doing, and everything seemed to be going well so you can imagine the overwhelming shock when I got the news. Allah had other plans for him. When I got word of his passing, it hurt my heart and couldn’t help but think that it was unfair. Anyone who knew Rasul knew how devoted he was as a husband to his wife, of a mere 3yrs, and to the religion and spreading the knowledge that he possessed. Reading everyone’s comments, I could only tell you more of what everyone else has already said about what he’s done in the community here in Memphis and D.C. Rasul was definitely an inspiration. There was never a time I can remember where something he said wouldn’t make you stop and think, whether he was trying to shed some knowledge or crack a joke. He always had a smile for anyone who felt down and always had words on wisdom for anyone pondering a question that would otherwise baffle the “average person.” Rasul truly was beyond the knowledge on most 30 yr old I knew. Earlier this year his dad gave my sister a CD by Ahsan called “Destination Excellence.” If you have a chance I would definitely get a copy. Rasul is featured on 3 of the tracks on the CD. One of the tracks he is reciting Qu’ran, an ayat pertaining to the parents, even though I read the Qu’ran every year during Ramadan and Insha’allah throughout the rest of the year, his recitation of this ayat is embedding with me. It’s kinda like remembering the last thing someone said to you the last time you see them. Another track, titled “Tribute” he’s singing…if you’ve never heard him sing…take my word…he coulda made it on American Idol. The first time I listened to this song after Rasul passed, I could barely get through 30 seconds without crying, but now I listen to this song as sort of an “easing the pain” therapy. There is a part of a verse in the song that says “…don’t shed not 1 tear unless it’s of joy….” Now while this song was intended to be a tribute to parents, I can’t help but think that there was a reason Rasul is on this song and that Bro. Saleem gave the CD to my sister because listening to the words now helps ease the pain of his passing.
So I ask all to remember Rasul at his best, whether it is him reciting Qu’ran in that melodious tone of his, or sharing knowledge with those know were just plain curious, or giving Kutbahs and somehow managing to fit in his knowledge of Biology and Chemistry somewhere in there, or cracking jokes (which he loved to do and did so well), or busting out into one of his many “A-Phi” steps…just because! or simply listening to him talk/teach because he loved to do both and ever time he finished talking, you learned something you didn’t know before he started because that was and is who Rasul will continue to be, like Kalimah said, just because the body is gone, his soul isn’t . Rasul lives on in EVERYONE he touched.
Nothing in Life is certain except Death.
So Live. Simply Live
Know that there is No Forever
And Tomorrow isn’t promised
There is only TODAY!
So cherish the ones you have NOW
For you never know when
The All-Mighty may call the HOME.
I LOVE YOU RASUL, MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND.
May Allah forgive you your sins and welcome you into the Jennah.
Grace and Peace,
It is with great pleasure and love I extend a thank you for this article and all the kind words and responses written on behalf of my fraternity brother and friend who I admired. It brings such a level of confirmation and peace to know that Rasul was welcomed, accepted, loved and supported by so many people with diverse backgrounds and faith experiences. I wish one didn’t have to pass into the afterlife for us to unify ourselves like this. My prayer is that one day we all put our differences aside and unify ourselves in the present world. What a day of rejoicing that will be. I do believe that God has welcoming Rasul into a place of eternal peace and I pray we meet again for I believe the kingdom of heaven is as such… Blessing to all of you… Peace…
Min. Earle Fisher
I am the oldest of three children to my parents and along with a few other Rasul Madyun was a source of a very positive role model, without being too old for me to relate to. My father told me, “I know we realized he was special, but it is just amazing to see how many other people realized it too.”
I wish I could say I’ve never met someone as stubborn, but I know and love his brothers just as much. I wish I could say I’ve never know someone as smart, but i know and love his father, my father, and all the other father of our Masjid just as much. I wish I could say I’ve never know someone as sensitive, but who am I kidding. Our mother and dear sister are way more sensitive and Rasul would rather make a joke that watch you cry.
I can say that I’ve never known or will know another. Like so many others have said, it’s RASUL! I think the cool thing is that, knowing Rasul, he had to have know there was something rather special about him and that so many of us got a glimmer of that “specialness”
Oddly, I was so in shock at the news that he passed that it didn’t seem real and didn’t react or grasp it. And now, in my own reflections on him and those of others I’ll have to stop because I am unable to write and cry at the same time.
We Love You, We Love You, We Love You
May Allah forgive him his sins and grant him paradise.
As-Salaam-Alaikum!,
Tauhedah and Saleem Madyun, the parents of Rasul, must thank all of you for your heartfelt comments about our son. We especially want to thank Bro. Tariq for his commitment to manage this website and circulate the news of our son’s life and death. These comments are helping us emotionally and spiritually to heal during our time of grief for the loss of our son.
Through your comments, you have inspired me to write a book about Rasul’s life and death to share with our everyone. I hope to use comments from all of you in the book as a compilation of testimonials (with your permission). I will continue checking daily for comments from others. The proceeds will go to the Rasul Madyun Educational Foundation, which I will be establishing very soon, inshallah.
At this time I want to make an appeal to all of the young adult muslims to join the NYAA (National Young Adult Association) in memory of Rasul. His whole young adult life was dedicated to our association under the leadership of Imam W.D. Mohammed, especially the youth and young adults. I will, Inshallah, make this a national appeal through the Muslim Journal.
Again, Thank you for your support and encouragement to move forward with everything my son stood for during his lifetime and pray that with the help of Allah, we will continue those efforts. His life and death were all for Allah.
Thank you,
Saleem and Tauheedah Madyun
I was at work and had just gotten through with a case when I passed a friend of both mine and Rasul who broke the sad news to me. Not only was I in shock but I felt a sense of immediate grief. Like so many, I loved Rasul. We went to high school together as well as college and he always was like a walking angel. I have never seen anyone so graceful and full of life. He loved to draw and was very active. It was always a pleasure to see him and he will be deeply missed. I now see that Rasul touched not only my life but so many others and even though his physical being isn’t here anymore please remember all the good he stood for and those precious memories that will live on forever. Rasul, I Love You and I know you are still touching lives up above.
My husband and I were shocked to hear of his death. That someone so young, so strong and dynamic could pass on is a reminder to us all. he radiated warmth and caring for his community mashaallah. May Allah grant him eternal bliss - ameen.
ASA,
I can remember attending my first young adult conference under the leadership of IWDM in Atlanta. I drove from wisconsin by myself and had recently embraced Islam. While at the conference I watched as the Imams sons/daughters and CMS graduates congregated and socialized with each other, then this short, well dressed, dark skinned brutha stepped to me and said “ASA man where you from?” It was Rasul, we talked for a while, he introduced me to his friend Muhammed from Memphis and a host of other “young adults”
I was impressed with how balanced and cool he was…. unapologetically muslim and unashamedly African-American.
Years later I moved to Memphis and became Rasul’s roomate. That cat was amazing, I would come home from work and see him sitting at the computer, he would talk into a microphone and recite the Holy Quran, then play/compare it against Abdul Basits and make corrections. His recitation was remarkable because he worked on it more than the required five times a day. He taught me Sura Al-Quaria and would recite it everytime we saw the moths by the light outside of our apartment.
We sat up drinking Chai tea and talking about his upcoming move to DC and marriage to Kafi.
I pray Allah eases his parents pain and helps them cry tears of joy because he was an great brutha and exceptional believer.
T
O Soul…in Complete
R est
A nd
S atisfaction with
U ndying
L ove for Allah
To Saleem & Tauheedah
Oftentimes, we don’t know what to say when someone has lost a love one to really help to ease one’s mind…but the Remembrance of Allah is always a wonderful start…..and so I thank Allah for allowing us to know Rasul. I was happy to see him marry and move away…simply because it would allow him an opportunity to grow and challenge himself in other areas, which he did. Many times parents are afraid to “let go” of their children believing that they have control over their destiny and forget that we are all on loan from Allah. (From Allah we come and to Him is our return)….But I know that you and Saleem were encouraging to Rasul. The results of your believing that you had done your best in his upbringing combined with trusting in Allah to take care of him, as he moved away (physically), was exemplified in the out-pouring of love many have shown. Continue to hold on to the Rope of Allah, never letting go…. Asr or Time heals……We pray that Allah does not charge him in his grave and grant him His Paradise……Much love from your other Family
Amir & Charmagyne Akram, Memphis, TN
As-Salaam-Alaikum
May Allah grant Imam Rasul paradise and may he bless the family and friends he left behind to continue his great humanitarian work. I met his Mother and Father 3 months before Rasul’s birth and remain close to this day. They are the family that adopted me and my family when we arrived in Memphis, December 1975.
I remember a brief time caring for him as a baby when his mom worked outside the home. I was often in his home, his grandparents home, at the Memphis Masjid, or in his presence at the Sister Clara Mohammed School where he attended (preschool-seventh grade) and where I served as a teacher and principal.
Rasul was precocious, inquisitive, charming, and receptive to knowledge especially language. Allah created the human being intelligent and inclined to intellect. Rasul was more inclined than the average in that he was willing to work at perfecting knowledge. He often read to me when he was three years old. He was articulate and a fluent reader back then.
He visited with my family in California and Atlanta and his bedroom at his parents home became our guest room. He gave it up willingly and cleaned it up before our arrival always leaving behind money–mainly a lot of pennies. There is much that I would like to say about the special moments we shared.
When he first got sick his mother Sister Tauheedah called and I immediately sensed the seriousness and sought a ticket to DC. I heard he had gotten out of the hospital, but I wanted to see him. I had planned to surprise him and show up at the Clara Mohammed School where he worked. I put the address in my purse and covinced myself that I could find my way there. My f irst stop was Atlanta and I worked so hard there I did not catch my 5 am flight to DC. Allah is the best planner. I wanted to show my love and concern for him and to thank the CMS DC for supporting my research. I did not get to him before his passing. His Eide lecture is providing me with the knowledge and inspiration to be a better person, Muslim, and to do the uplifting social work that is needed today.
Rasul stayed in my home on one of his visits to Atlanta and conversed with me on how he looked forward to the establishment of the model community where African Americans would have their own housing, schools, medical facilities, etc. It was very clear to him and clear to me that the brother got it–had accepted the leadership role in our community.
When I was struggling to write my dissertation on the Clara Mohammed Schools I consulted him. Rasul shared that Imam W.D. Mohammed once said to write our history from our own perspective as best we could and that would at least leave a foundation for future scholars to build on. This lightened my burden tremendously and enabled me to complete my doctorate in educational leadership.
I just found out about Imam Rasul when I received the Muslim Journal containing that nformation. I had met Rasul at the Youth Camp in Columbiana, Alabama about 5 yrs, ago, and was pleased to find out that his mother was Sis. Tauheedah, with whom I had shared a room on Hajj. I was impressed with Rasul’s leadership role at the camp, and I kept up with his progress over the years. When I saw him at various events I would smile and speak to him in an effort to communicate my appreciation for him and other young leaders. I am thankful for this site, because I wanted to know more, and be “connected” with others during this time. Surely the Best of knowers is Allah. My sympathy to his wife, to Sis Tauheedah, Bro. Saleem, brothers and other relatives and friends, including Michael Tarik Pratt, whom I just inquired about a few days ago. My 31 year old nephew Ivory Achebe Toldson is a professor at Howard U, and an Alpha, so I will be inquiring to see if he knew Rasul. May I take this opportunity to wish all who read this a very blessed Eidul Adha.
[...] For everyone in this area who knew Rasul Madyun, his mother, Tauheedah, has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Keep the family in your du’aa as [...]
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As-salaam Alaykum brother tariq this your brother from memphis abdul majid.I did not know the brother Rasul died.I bemoan this and say inna lillahi wa inna ilay hi rajiuun.
SubhanAllah…I was not aware that the brother had passed. I remember when I first embraced Islam, he just so happened to be one of the first brothers that I had met. The last time I saw him was about 2 years ago at LeMoyne-Owen College during Muslims in Memphis. We never had that many conversations with each other, but when we did, I enjoyed talking to him. May Allah forgive him. “Work for this world as long as your extent in it, & work for the next world as long as your extent in it. Peace!
I just heard this news. I worked with Rasul at the Potomac School for several months two years ago. He taught Biology as a long-term substitute teacher at our school. He was a wonderful person, deeply dedicated to mentoring and helping young people. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
As-Salaam-Alaikum,
I am so honored to have known Imam Rasul. I always saw him at the Ramadan Sessions and I admired the fact that he was so young, yet a staunch supporter and committed student of Imam Warith D. Mohammed. I was equally impressed with the impact he had on our youth. He was at Kamp Khalil and all of the young Muslims adored him. He connected so well with them. The children really appreciated him. I pray to Allah(swt) that they carry out the tasks he charged them with. He was always laid back and cool. He had a gleaming smile that was full of sincerity. He had more understanding of this deen at the age of thirty than some who attain the age of sixty. May Allah(swt) forgive him his sins and grant him Paradise.