West Philly Celebrates Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid By Imam Nadim Sulaiman Ali

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West Philly Celebrates Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid By Imam Nadim Sulaiman Ali 

On Sunday 4/16/23 a multitude of philadelphians gathered to honor a man who has meant so much to the city.  He had contributed greatly to the local Muslim, and overall community.  Imam Asim Abdur Rashid(RA) was the Imam of Masjid Mujahideen located in West Philadelphia, and he was the national leader of Al-Ummah or The National Community.  Imam Asim transitioned over a year ago after a lengthy illness.  The impact of his death continues to be felt in Philadelphia, and across the nation, specifically in the Muslim community.

The commemoration was held on the 400 block of S. 60th St. in front of Masjid Mujahideen where he served as the Imam for decades.  The event was MC’d by City Council member Janie Gauthier.  There were a host of speakers present, and spoke highly of Imam Asim.  

State representative Joanna McClinton was able to share how Imam Asim was supportive of her efforts politically.  Pa. State Senator Sharif Street was able to share how impactful Imam Asim was in facilitating the growth of the Muslim community in the metropolitan Philadelphia area.

Imam Khalil Salaam, who succeeded  Imam Asim as Imam at Masjid Mujahideen, was able to reflect on how Imam Asim was the only Imam that he had known throughout his life, and how impactful h was in his development.

Fatim Abdur-Rashid, the eldest daughter of Imam Asim was able to share what it was like growing up in a household with Imam Asim.  She was able to share how he sacrificed family time for the sake of building the Muslim community in Philadelphia.

I also traveled to Philadelphia to witness this momentous occasion.  In prepared remarks I shared my thoughts about a man whom I have known for over forty years. 

After the unveiling of the street sign renaming the 400 block of S.60th St. Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid Way, a talk was presented on the power of dua for Muslims by Imam Nuhu AbdulAi of Masjid Al-wasatiyah in Philadelphia. 

The event culminated with a grand iftar prepared by Southside Zabiha Catering, a company owned by Hussain Thompson, the son of Imam Asim.

Muslim Philadelphia was well represented, and 60th St. took on the feel of a “halal block party” after the breaking of the fast, and the offering of the maghrib prayer.

May the work that Imam Asim, and others contributed be a reminder for the coming generation of Muslims that Islam grows when Muslims are active, and serious about Islam.  Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid epitomized these attributes.

May Allah(SWT) expand his grave, and give him the highest heaven.  Here is a poem that I penned for the occasion:

 

Imam Asim Abdur Rashid

Available to those in need. 

Leader others from his youth

To his transition. 

Clear about 

his lifelong mission. 

To serve the Creator,

And assist the creation 

Working to establish Islam in this nation. 

Firm in belief

This Shiekh of da streets 

Unwavering in his devotion

Known from ocean to ocean.

Imam Asim Abdur Rashid

Available to those in need.

May Allah The most High

Shower you with his mercy, 

And may he expand your final resting place,

And fill it with light, tranquility, and grace.

Imam Nadim Sulaiman Ali, 09/23/44/AH-04/14/23/CE

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