In the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland, the roots of the Muslim Page 2 of 427community are deeply intertwined with the efforts of Afro-American Muslims. In 1969, three remarkable individuals—Yusuf M. El-Abdullah, Salativel Bey, and Aly T. Holley—established the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB), laying the foundation for the thriving Muslim communities we see today. Their dedication and vision were instrumental in creating a space for Muslims to practice their faith and build a supportive community.
Baltimore's history is rich with the contributions of Black Muslims, who founded the first Masajid in the city. Masjid ul Haqq and Masjid as-Saffat stand as enduring symbols of their unwavering faith and commitment. Without their pioneering efforts, the Islamic communities in Maryland would not have flourished as they have.
The passage of the Immigration Act in 1966, fought for by Black Americans, paved the way for Muslims to immigrate to America. The immigrant community is forever indebted to this struggle. As we reflect on our history, we must also consider how we can improve as a community. Shaikh Yaseen once said, "I was reading [a survey] that was very alarming… that a significant portion of African American Muslims feel that they are treated differently than Muslims from other cultures. It’s important to work towards closing those gaps… for us to reflect on our behavior, within our communities, within our Masajid, and see where we are going wrong."
To our dear Black brothers and sisters, Allah (SWT) has honored you. It was you who allowed the love of Allah (SWT) to flourish in this country. We honor you. We remember your history as our history. We respect you. We love you—past, present, and future. Oh Allah, guide us to break down barriers and bless our Black brothers and sisters.