Tariq Nelson

Over the past few months, I have been blessed with the opportunity to speak privately to some Muslims that were part of some of the old Sunni movements such as Islamic Party of North America, Dar Al Islam Movement and the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood and they have shared some very amazing stories with me. These pioneers were key in the indigenization of Islam in America - especially here on the East Coast - and they sacrificed much to make this happen. Their is a wealth of benefit to be gained by Muslim youth regardless of background from these amazing - but largely unknown - stories. I feel that their legacy is very important and there are many lessons that can be learned from their struggles.

There is a also a need to tell these stories because it not only puts perspective on where we are now, but because there are so many Muslims that think that that Islam in America essentially started with the MSA and ISNA. This is not true.

I have found that several people have been independently thinking the same thing: These stories needs to be told! In the coming months and years, insha Allah, we will be seeing an increasing number of exciting projects, documentary films, books, and forums that will tell these stories. Among some of the projects in the works

- Sister Ankake Rasheed Abdul-Khaliq is working on a documentary entitled Miracle in America.

- Brother Abdur-Rahman Muhammad has already done a series entitled ‘Why Blackamerican Muslims Don’t Stand for Justice‘, and is working on a book of the same title, but with much more information and research.

- Brother Lut Williams, an original member of the Islamic Party of North America, will be giving a talk about the Islamic Party’s history and legacy here in Washington, DC in February 2nd for the Majlis’ ‘Islamic Salon‘. The place and time are still to be determined and will be announced soon, insha Allah.

- Dar Al Hijrah will be having a program on February 23, 2008 in which Imam Khalid Griggs will be giving a lecture on the history and legacy of the indigenous Islamic movements

This is in addition to the Bean Pie documentary that has already been done by Hassanah Tauhidi and the Islam in Pittsburgh documentary by Haroon Al-Qahtani

In the next few days, I also hope to post a very interesting piece written by Imam Luqman Ahmad giving Islamic evidences on why these stories should be told and preserved for future generations to benefit.

Make du’aa for our success