IRHSCA

Talib Abdul-Samad

Talib Abdul-Samad, Executive Director and Member of Advisory Board, IRHSCA. Taalib Abdul-Samad is a native Washingtonian whose first experience with Islam was under the influence of Elijah Muhammad, the late leader of the Nation of Islam in 1973. His focus was self-reliance and independence for African - American people. Upon the death of Elijah Muhammad one of the Worlds greatest reformers, he along with the majority of his followers converted to orthodox Islam in 1975 and began a new era with Imam Warith Deen Muhammad as their religious leader.

As with the Nation of Islam, Talib continued his service as propagator and assumed responsibilities as an Assistant Imam at Masjid Muhammad under the tenure of both late Imams Khalil Abdel-Alim and Sultan Muhammed (rahimullahuma) where he was appointed as Director of Religious Affairs. Through the encouragement of Imam W.D.Muhammad (rahimullah) Imam Talib began pursuit of the Arabic language and islamic studies at the Institute of Islamic Sciences and Arabic Language in America.

It was his 1st Hajj in 1977 that really began his true awakening and as he would say, "This was my true awakening as to my purpose of life, to call people to Islam. It was at that time that he became truly reliant on Allah (The Most High). Having traveled to Palestine and Egypt fortified his commitment to dawah even more, as well as taught him the lesson of tolerance and respect for all fellow Muslims.

Some of his local accomplishments are: Co-founder of C.O.P.E. (Citizens Organized Patrol Efforts) a non-profit grass roots effort to rid the neighborhoods of drugs and violence; founding member of An-Nur Academy of P.G.M.A.; founding member of The Ivy City Masjid and Educational Center and founding member of The Islamic Research & Humanitarian Service Center of America.