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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE
EXCESSIVELY COMPASSIONATE, THE EXTREMELY MERCIFUL
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AMIR Abdallah Yasin, born June 8th, 1942, is and has been, for the past 32 years, the Amir (Commander, Overall Organizational Leader/CEO) of the International Islamic Community/Congregation (Amirate) of “Masjid Baytul-Khaliq” (Def: A Mosque named “House of The Creator”), Inc., headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. Amir Abdallah, who is also known as and often referred to as Imam Abdallah, is well known, nationally and internationally, for his Islamic work, contributions and leadership. Amir Abdallah has held a number of offices, many up until he presented resignations in 1988 when he, with his family, relocated to St. Croix, U.S.V.I. Until his resignation he had held the post of “Imam” at Newark Community Mosque (1974-1988). He was one of the founders of the Islamic Council of Essex County, New Jersey and its first presiding chairman (1979-1988). After establishing New Jersey’s first organized public ‘Eids (special post Ramadan and post Hajj prayers and festivities) in 1976, Amir Abdallah was the first and presiding chairman of the Unified ‘Eid Committee of New Jersey (1979-1988). He was one of the founders of the Islamic Federation of North America, and served as its National Treasurer for two years (1980-1982). Also, it is through his efforts that the first full time Islamic grade school became established in Newark, New Jersey (1977). The “Islamic School of New Jersey” was planned and spawned in and under Amir Abdallah’s authority, through his appointed personnel, and under the auspices of Masjid Baytul-Khaliq. [The“home” of the Islamic Community of Masjid Baytul-Khaliq is Newark Community Masjid, which is also known as the Da‘wah Center of Newark. During the 1990’s it also hosted the Da‘wah College, under the Directorate of Shaykh Heshaan Jaaber.] For two years Amir Abdallah hosted a popular New Jersey cable program entitled “Islamic Discussions” (1985-1987). He is currently the Secretary-General of the “Council of Imams of New Jersey”. Amir Abdallah has also served as one of the National Community Leaders on the Council of a National Islamic Community based in Atlanta, Georgia (1985-1992). He is currently one of the principle Islamic Leaders in the Caribbean, and one of the Virgin Islands’ primary Islamic spokespersons. For seven years he preached regularly at the local V.I. mosque (1989-1996) and for the past 13 years has been the Director of the “Da‘wah Center & First Ribat” of the U.S. Virgin Islands”. Primarily Amir Abdallah administers to the affairs of his own International Organization, internationally, nationally and locally, from his resident/organization address in the U.S.V.I. He has also represented his New Jersey based organization through the Islamic Society of North America, an Indiana based national organization and through the Saudi Arabian “Council of Mosques of the U.S. and Canada” since its inception. During the 1980`s Amir Abdallah had been one of the National Board members of the “National Islamic Assembly” based in Chicago, Illinois; functioning as its Northeast Regional Director. He is a past member of the Interfaith Coalition of St. Croix, resigning in 1992. He has spoken, lectured and preached at mosques, grade schools, colleges and gatherings locally, nationally and internationally. For two years he hosted the popular Virgin Islands radio program, “Islamic Perspectives”, which broadcast throughout the Caribbean. Amir Abdallah is a regularly published writer, and author of a well received book entitled Islamicizing America; its sequel is in the works For thirteen years he was a dedicated member of Saudi Arabia’s Propagation Team in the United States (1978-1991). Inshaa’Allah, the culminating details of this relationship shall be fully revealed in the sequel of Islamicizing America. In 1997 Amir Abdallah became the U.S. National Amir for the U.S. contingent of the World Murabitun Movement and by so doing, absorbed that body into his existing National Amirate. However, in August 2001, Amir Abdallah was compelled to disband the U.S. contingent of this group. Amir Abdallah has been an ardent worker and teacher within the New Jersey State Prison system. In 1975 he gave “Shahadah” (Proclamation of Faith) to several inmates at Trenton State Prison and organized them into that institution’s first recognized (though ‘system’ persecuted) Orthodox (Sunni) Islamic Community. In 1976 he began weekly classes and Jumu‘ah at Rahway State Prison and again organized and structured its first recognized (though ‘system’ persecuted) Orthodox (Sunni) Islamic Community. In 1987 Amir Abdallah, after besting a host of qualified candidates for the post, became the first Islamic Advisor (given the oxymoranic title of “Islamic chaplain”) at Newark’s newly constructed Maximum security institution, Northern State Prison. He organized and structured the Islamic community at this institution, allowing only the recognition of Orthodox (Sunni) Islam; closing the door on all aberrations during his tenure. These Islamic Communities continue to exist to this day. Al-Hamdu lillaah (The Praise belongs only to Allah.). Amir Abdallah Yasin has responsibly held many other posts too numerous to list here, but we shall note one other: Amir Abdallah has performed his civic duty to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In the early 1970’s, in his absence from meetings which he had not been attending, he was elected to be the president of the 100/244 Chadwick Avenue, Mount Calvary Homes, (200+ family) Tenants’ Association! The tenants held their meeting, then flooding into the halls, came to the door of his 3rd floor apartment and “drafted” Amir Abdallah to be their president and tenant leader. Amir Abdallah gives due credit to his excellent Administrative Action Team of Tenants: his Building Captains (Carl Brown and Helen Sancho); his Chief Officers (James Blair, Barbara Dabney, Mrs. Larnes) and many, many other tenants. Their collective actions effected the longest running rent strike in “partially subsidized” private housing in the United States! Those were difficult times but he led them through 30 months of court battles for improved living conditions in those two new, gigantic, yet cheaply constructed buildings. During this entire time, due to his leadership, not one person got evicted! [(During the same period of time Toby Henry was leading a similarly successful long-term strike in one of Newark’s public housing projects. He and Amir Abdallah were greatly assisted by Ellsworth Morgan, Director of the non-profit “Newark Tenant’s Organization, Inc.” which assisted tenants in redressing legitimate grievances by being a liaison between tenants and the local Legal Aid Association through one of their primary Legal Advisors, Attorney Stanley Varon, who was often assisted by students from local Law schools.) Amir Abdallah and Ellsworth Morgan, consulting with the officers of the 100/244 Chadwick Tenants’ Association, guided two young Law Students, Lee Hollick and Woody Widrow in the drafting of an exemplary Rent Control Act for the City of Newark. Amir Abdallah introduced it to an acquaintance, city councilman Earl Harris, who was very impressed. So much so that he brought it to the Newark City Council and fought for it until it became Newark’s first Rent Control Bill signed into law! Amir Abdallah only supported two local politicians with the Political Strength of the 200+ families he represented, and their extended families; Councilman Earl Harris and Councilman Sharpe James, who is the current Mayor of Newark now seeking his fifth term!] Amir Abdallah’s formal schooling and higher education took place in New Jersey and in New York. Having began his college/academy schooling in the area of “aircraft design” he eventually pursued a career in the field of Municipal Engineering. He remained in this Engineering Profession for nearly twenty-five years and retired from it in 1985. In addition, he has successfully completed a number of intense courses and semesters of study at several Islamic Institutions of higher learning in the United States and abroad, including King Abdul-Aziz University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He has also completed and received certificates for Managerial Training, etc. Amir Abdallah has four children from his first marriage (ages given for 2005): *Khadijah Yasin: age 42, a prominent doctor of Gynecology & Obstetrics *Kamilah Yasin: age 35, a successful Banking & Finance Executive *Aliyah Yasin: age 33, having completed college, did
post-grad study, worked, entered & graduated from Med School, and is now a
Pediatrician. Amir Abdallah has three children and a stepson (all brilliant & and determined to succeed) from a subsequent marriage in which his wife died in 1984 after ten months of hospitalization, leaving him with four young children, ages 10 months, two, four and seven years of age. Currently: Amir Abdallah’s stepson, Abdur-RaHman Isma`il, age 28, has degrees from the University of Delaware in Business Administration & Nursing Administration and, seemingly, has found his niche in the latter field. His 25 year old daughter, Yasmeen Yasin, a winner of several Literary Awards, had begun an educational pursuit towards a career in Journalism at New Jersey’s Bloomfield College. However she is now a Communications Specialist with a National Telecommunications Company. Amir Abdallah’s 24 year old son, MuHammad Yasin, a Graduate Chef from a well respected Culinary College, is employed with an International Dining Establishment, and is working toward owning his own Bakery and Family Restaurant (inshaa`Allah). His 22 year old daughter, Asmaa Yasin, who is gainfully employed, has a real literary knack, and (inshaa’Allah) great things are expected of her. Amir Abdallah makes daily du‘as for all of his children and his grandchildren. He sends prayers daily for all of our children as well, and he makes no “bones” about the obligation we American Muslims have to Islamicize America and not just “be here”. He says: “We must pray for each other.” He also says: “This work, this da‘wah, is to truly establish Islam in this land. It is our obligation, our duty, which can only be carried out organizationally. The results belong to Allah, alone. Therefore, seeing it happen in our lifetime should not be our concern. The work, here and now, is!” Amir Abdallah, having (al-Hamdu lil-laah) returned stateside after residing for nearly 17 years in the U.S. Virgin Islands, resides in the beautiful Tuskegee, Alabama, and in Newark, New Jersey. From this dual residency, he administers to the affairs of his organizations, preaches, teaches and engages in literary pursuits. His initial relocation to the USVI in 1978 was the result of careful organizational planning as an expansive Organizational endeavor, which after his arrival, due to his preaching and growing popularity was fraught with nearly nine (9) years of VI State and federal opposition and deliberate persecution, which (al-Hamdu lil-laah) he survived. For the past 16 years Amir Abdallah has been married to Attorney Jannah C. Yasin. They have fought many battles together, and by Allah’s favor, won most, survived others, but never lost. Clearly, inshaa’Allah, there is yet much work for Amir Abdallah & Company. He says of the work: “If not now, when? If not by us, who?”
For the record: Under Amir Abdallah, the Amirate of Masjid Baytul-Khaliq has established many firsts (and Allahu‘Alim): 1. Was the first to host a multi-day conference designed to develop an Islamic Educational System for area Muslims (October 1977) 2. Was apparently first to activate, or reactivate, the Islamic Custom of Aqeeqah in the New Jersey area. (1974) 3. First in the area to establish a truly public Community (Congregational) Masjid and maintain the five daily salaah, including Jumu‘ah and the ‘Eidain (Jan. 1976) This is “Newark Community Masjid”, located at 214 Chancellor Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. (This mosque is still the only true Community Masjid in the region! It is so by name and intention.)
Anas bin Maalik reported that the Messenger of Allah (may the blessing of Allah and Peace be upon him) said: “Prayer (salaat) of a man in his house is one prayer, and his prayer in the mosque of the tribes is prayer by 25 times, and his prayer in the congregational (community) mosque is prayer by 500 times, and his prayer in the farthest mosque (of Jerusalem) is prayer by 50,000 times, and his prayer in the mosque of mine (in Madinah) is prayer by 50,000 times, and his prayer in the sacred mosque (at the Ka’ba – Makkah) is prayer by 100,000 times. Ibn Majah.
4. First member organization of the Council of Imams of New Jersey (developed through Amir Abdallah’s initiative) to truly organize and structure the ‘Eids each year, along with festive activities. 5. First to provide outpatient residential care for two self-sufficient, yet marginally mentally challenged among us. 6. By Amir Abdallah’s order, after due consultation, was first in New Jersey, and first among the few others elsewhere, to implement and enforce an Islamic code of dress, particularly among its women (1974). When that order was given and not rescinded, the Community lost half its members because too many of the men had too little or no authority over their wives. It is evident that many of those who broke their bay‘at, because of the Amir’s decision, are people who still hold rancor in their hearts against him. Yet, today, al-Hamdu lil-laah, those among them who are still in Islam are properly covered! This order of Amir Abdallah’s was a giant Islamic step and dramatically changed the face of Islam in New Jersey at that time, and its effects are evident today in every New Jersey Muslim community. 7. First to daily announce the adhaan for each salaat over the streets of Newark via a “public-address” system (Jan. 1976); a practice which has continued. Al-Hamdu lil-aah. 8. In the late 1970’s was the vehicle by which several Saudi sponsored shaykhs (Sh. Anas, Sh. MuHammad, et. alia.) were first introduced to the Newark area. 9. Among the first to have sponsored a learned brother (and his wife) to live on the masjid premises to be of service to the area Muslims 24/7 (for eight years). 10. First to hold weekly scholarly classes on Islam conducted by Shaykh Ibrahim Isma‘il from 1975 until his death in 1980. May Allah have mercy upon him. (Never promoting himself as an Islamic Authority, Amir Abdallah has always striven to have one on board.) 11. Each year, since the mid 1970’s, has distributed thousands of dollars in zakaat and sadiqah, including purchasing appliances for the needy, etc. Al-Hamdulil-laah. (Over the years only the Amir and his Treasurers knew the details of these distributions.) 12. Was first to establish the Sunnah of Islam into the New Jersey State Prison system as Organized entities, with organized jamaa‘ats. (Rahway State Prison / 1976; Trenton State Prison / 1976; Northern State Prison / 1986) 13. Among the, first nation-wide, to introduce young Muslim men and teens to outdoors life (in the wilderness and the shooting sports). 14. First to introduce the youth to the hobby-sport of building and flying gas powered model airplanes. 15. Among the first to appoint women to high administrative office and real representation in the running of Organizational affairs. 16. First to appeal to the Newark Board of Education on Islamic concerns, such as appropriate gym wear, etc., and to provided written Certification for the (now federal) right to attend Friday Islamic Services. 17. First to initiate a public system of da‘wah in 1975 by actually taking Islam to the people in the streets; holding public talks at such places as on street corners, non-Muslims’ homes, schools and synagogues, etc. 18. Among the few who initiated the proper “wali “ and his role for the women. 19. First to develop an enduring Islamic Training Program for American Muslims in cooperation with the then leadership of the Islamic Center of Jersey City. For approximately 18 months, weekly classes were held at the Jersey City Center and for 12 months at Newark Community Masjid [Shaykh Abdul-Hayy bin Yusuf (his mentor was Shaykh Sulaiman Donya)] 1975-77 20. First to insist that American Muslims respectfully acknowledge their leaders by their respective religious titles, as do people of other faiths.
There were many other firsts, but the point is that Masjid Baytul-Khaliq tried and it did! (Al-Hamdulil-laah.) It gave Newark Area Muslims and the general communities its very best. Al-Hamu lil-laah. May Allah continue to bless the Amirate of Masjid Baytul-Khaliq and ALL striving Islamic Organizations. Ameen. Ameen. Ameen.
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