Page 6 The Islamic Bulletin Issue 15 “Son, You didn’t get cheated” From Imprisonment on Death Row to a Respected Leader in his Community. By Imam Abu Kadr as told to the Editor Q: What is your current occupation? A: I am the Imam for the San Francisco Muslim Community Center (850 Divisidero, SF.) and also director of a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Program which focuses on people from the criminal justice system with a history of drug and alcohol abuse. Previously I had worked as a counselor for quite some time in this same area. Q: What was your very first contact with Islam and how did you come to accept Islam? A: At about 15 years old, an elementary school friend whose family had become Muslim through the Nation of Islam teachings introduced me to some of the basic concepts. That was my very first contact with the teachings of Islam very basic, such as the name “Allah” and the name “Muslim”. We maintained contact and over a period of time they would introduce ideas about Islam. About a year later my older brother started attending meetings, bringing books and literature home. I began reading. It was Nation of Islam literature, but they were introducing the Qur’an as the “perfect book”, Allah as God, not a Trinitarian belief, and Mohammad as the Prophet (PBUH). There was some confusion in the message, but that was my 1st exposure. Q: What brought you to the transition away from Nation of Islam? A: As a member of NOI we were taught that there was someone coming after Elijah Muhammad who was going to teach us the religion. He saw his job not as teaching us the religion, but cleaning us up morally - bringing us away from indecent behavior, bad morals, laziness, drinking, smoking, generally becoming decent people. So we were ready for a change or transition. We had the Qur’an, but he taught that there was going to be a “new book a little book” coming. Our understanding of the Qur’an at that time was also corrupted by other information from his teachings. We weren’t able to understand the Qur’an clearly. Q: Did you find the transition difficult? A: It became more comfortable for me when Imam Warith deen Mohammad became the leader of NOI and introduced prayers and emphasized the Qur’an and the examples of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was more what I was seeking. I found it more fulfilling, as there were less contradictions and a broader perspective on Islam. Then I found great benefit in being involved. It was more of what my soul was looking for. Q: Do you feel that the difficulties in your life have made practicing Islam easier or more difficult? A: Islam has made my life easier because now I have guidance in my life. Many Americans have difficulty in trying to find the purpose of their lives. I have a purpose; I have a responsibility to Allah, I’ve come to understand that my behavior needs to conform to what Allah requires of us in the Qur’an. That is the best way for me to realize the fullness of my human potential. Being obedient to Allah, gets easier as I grow. I am comfortable following the guidelines as they are set down for us in the Qur’an. I’m uncomfortable doing many things that are available in this society. Society is filled with temptations, and that is challenging. At this point in my life, it’s less of a struggle because I have had the benefit of the teachings of the Qur’an and have grown in that environment. I know through my life’s experiences the dangers of this society. I made a conscious choice to leave that lifestyle behind. Q: Do you feel racism affects a persons understanding or practice of Islam? A: Certainly it can. I believe there is racial influence worldwide. Color consciousness permeates the world community, both in and out of the US, but it is more subtle overseas. In the U.S. there is separation along racial lines, such as neighborhoods, etc. We also tend to socialize along ethnic lines in this society. Frommy personal observation in the Middle East I saw the value system that goes along with color classification also. Q: How do you deal with the issue of race both in your job and in the community? A: In my work I try my utmost to maintain professional ethics and performance of my tasks with excellence, integrity, and respect for what Allah requires of me. This gives me an advantage over someone who doesn’t have those guidelines. I try to follow what Allah has proscribed and strive for excellence regardless of stereotypical assumptions from others. A Muslim is one who endeavors to improve and perfect his behavior. I employ that in my work ethic. I’m willing to strive and improve. This has enabled me to be competitive in this society. Q: Which Islamic principles do you feel are most important to African Americans overcoming the problems facing their communities? A: All of the principles are valuable. The Five Pillars of Islam are essential to the African American community. I think it’s important for us to see the Qur’an with our own eyes and not allow someone else to see for us... we are not blind. If we are going to develop healthy community life in this country, it requires vision from the people who have grown in this environment. I have reached the conclusion that Islam is the “natural religion”. All of us have a natural capacity for this religion and it is innate. When we allow our own thinking and experiences to be seen in the light of the Qur’an, we benefit to a more significant degree than if we allow someone else to do that for us. Q: If you had to describe the Five Pillars of Islam to someone who was raised in this society, how would you explain it in a simple way to help them understand the message? A: The Prophet (pbuh) explained that Islam is structured on certain principles. The way you build your Islamic life is similar to the way you build a house. It requires effort and striving. First you start with the foundation, then the walls, roof, electricity. There are many elements that go into building a house. The same is true of your spiritual life. It must start with the foundation, which is the belief in the Oneness of Allah. What is built onto the foundation are the walls which metaphorically can be seen as the five daily prayers…keeping the whole together in conjunction with the foundation. Practicing the faith by fasting Ramadan, believing in the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and practicing Zakat or charity provides a fortress, not just a house, for our souls in this life and the next. Q: What is the relationship between yourself, the Masjid and the Arab Muslim community? A: Formalized relationships are cordial, but it’s not a significant meaningful relationship at this point. Usually the only interaction is for Eid, special occasions or crisis’s. If there is a problem we all come together. There are a few individuals that I have a special relationship with, but as an organized entity we all work individually within our own Masjids. I would like to see us working together with more concerted efforts. Q: What do you see as the most significant challenge facing Muslim prisoners in the criminal justice system? Why i embraced i sLam
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