Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid...Farewell Our Beloved Comrade!... رحمه الله

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

www.khadijahsfuneralsvc.com‎;'‎‎"/>

Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid

Salima Diop is at The Philadelphia Masjid.

· Philadelphia, PA  · 

Please come out to pray Janazah for my Abu , Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid tomorrow at Philadelphia Masjid, 4700 Wyalusing Avenue. Please wear a mask.

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

A TRIBUTE TO IMAM ASIM ABDUR-RASHID (RIP)

I don’t exactly recall when I first met Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid. What I do know is that I was a teenager when it happened. Although he wasn’t a tall man, the Imam commanded the respect of many men in Philadelphia and around the country, becoming successor to Imam Jamil Al-Amin (may Allah set him free) in leading the Al-Ummah National Community, a national organization of communities united under one leader, formerly of the Darul Islam Movement.

I knew Imam Asim very well. I regularly attended Masjid al-Mujahadeen as a teenager and into adulthood. At the age of 15, I visited the Masjid to utter the testimony of faith (shahadah) even though I was already a practicing Muslim, and my parents converts who had moved away from the early teachings of the Nation of Islam. Not only did I spend many hours of my youth in the masjid praying and reading. My father, similarly, found it to be an appropriate environment for him to read, make the call the prayer, and contribute positively to the masjid in other ways.

Masjid al-Mujahadeen where Imam Asim served as Imam since its establishment was stigmatized by many as promoting a “militant” or “radical” interpretation and approach to Islam. The brothers there were known for the important focus they placed on security, respect and obedience to the Imam, elders, and other leaders, military style training, and a strong sense of brotherhood. When I was young, I was given the opportunity to participate in Raad training with the elders and my peers. Despite the negative opinions others had of the brothers at Masjid al-Mujahadeen, I know first-hand that there was nothing diabolical or nefarious about any of these activities. Their customs were in reaction to conditions in America that radicalized so many during the era of Jim Crow and the fight for civil rights.

Dr. Khalid Blankinship once said to me of the brothers of Masjid al-Mujahadeen that, “They approach Islam with the same spirit the Sahabah had.” If the Prophet said, “Don’t do that!” the Sahabah didn’t ask, “Do you mean it’s forbidden or merely disliked?” And when he said, “Do this!” they didn’t ask, “Are you saying it’s compulsory or simply recommended?” You would find this same spirit amongst the men and women around Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid. He inspired trust in so many people around him.

Being a tight-knit bunch who understood the importance of unity and commitment to leadership, they treated every believer, regardless of ideology as one of theirs anytime a believer was in danger. All Muslims in Philadelphia knew then and know today that even if you didn’t always agree with Imam Asim’s understanding or wisdom, Imam Asim and the brothers of Masjid al-Mujahadeen always had your back when the going got rough. They would show up in some of the most unexpected of circumstances ready to sacrifice their health, safety, and lives to protect the members of the Ummah.

In all of this, Imam Asim was their most respected leader. Known for his readiness to do battle for the right reasons, those of us who knew him often saw his gentle side. He was an extremely sincere soul with a great sense of humor as well as a good brother. He trained dogs, rode horses, and practiced archery, remaining in step with the demands of the Sunnah of the Best of Creation—Allah’s blessing and peace on him.

Imam Asim was a fixture of Philadelphia who is rightfully called one of the city’s Muslim pioneers. From him and the brothers and sisters at Masjid al-Mujahadeen I learned a healthy distrust of the American government and federal authorities. These were courageous people who represent a temperament which at one time constituted the national community’s conscience and moral compass. If there is any legacy left by Imam Asim which is worthy of deep reflection today, it is this healthy distrust of the political and economic elite: Allah alone has the right to legislate for humanity. Only the pious can be trusted. Believers are brothers, one of another. We stand firm against the enemies of God. And we show compassion to those who put their faith and trust in Him.

May Allah be kind to our Imam as he transitions into the next phase of his existence. May he be loved and remembered for the good that he did and forgiven for any of his flaws and oversights. May he be resurrected among the righteous and in their company. May his wife and children be given patience. And may Allah show us all mercy when our time comes as well.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Farewell Our Comrade!

Salima Diop

Thank you to everyone who came out to pray Janazah and pay respects for our father, Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid yesterday. The abundance of love received was overwhelming and we couldn’t be more proud. May our du’aa be accepted, Ameen. Special thanks to Philadelphia Masjid and Local No 332 of Laborers Dist Council of Metro Area of Phila & Vicinity for your hospitality.

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Widow of Imam Asim Abdur Rashid

Support For The Widow Of Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid. | LaunchGood

The impact of Imam Asmin

Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid lived his life in unwavering worship to Allah (swt) upon the deen of Al-Islam, based upon Quran and Sunnah. We are taught the essence of service to humanity by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and this was one of the guiding principles that Imam Asim lived by. 

He served his community, Muslim and non-Muslim, for over 50 years. He was revered as a community leader and ambassador, he offered chaplain services to incarcerated Muslims, and worked tirelessly to stop senseless violence in his community.  

Imam Asim Abdur- Rashid was the strong fearless leader and Amir of Masjid Mujahideen, one of the oldest Masjids in Philadelphia. He was also the Amir of the Majlis Ash-Shura of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley and our national jamaat, Al- Ummah. He was admired and respected as a devoted Muslim who never hesitated to answer someone's call for assistance. His dedication to advancing and establishing Islam in Philadelphia, the country and globally will be a lasting legacy.  

He was called by Allah on Saturday January 29,2022 and several thousand people attended his salatul janaza at the Philadelphia Masjid on February 01, 2022. 

May Allah forgive his sins, expand his grave with Nur and allow him to enter Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen 

We are now asking you to assist his widow with resources to address daily living expenses. Imam Asim’s wife was his spouse, support, and caregiver for almost 41 years. She will be without an income while going through her grieving period. Funds will be going towards:

• Imam Asim’s lasting medical expenses that were incurred after a lengthy illness.
• Living and care expenses for Imam Asim's wife.

Whether you have known him for 1 year or 60 years, Imam Asim was a rare gem and shining light in our lives. He was our brother and worked tirelessly for our communities. He taught us to keep Allah (swt) first and be good to people regardless of circumstances. In Shaa Allah, honor our brother’s legacy by being a resource to his family at this time.  

May Allah reward you tremendously for your generosity.