Bismilahir Rahmanir Rahim
As salamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu,
I used to love this blog called, “This Day in Black History”[i], but
I am not brave enough to commit to such an undertaking or believe that there is
something viable that I can personally contribute to Islamic history by way of
daily postings. So, where to begin? Ironically, I will begin with an event that
is not even listed as an event on the historical calendar of “This Day in Black
History”.
Today, it seems like all forms of media, be it mainstream or
social are talking about something Islamic related. I dare not say Islam, as
most of the articles I have encountered have scant if any real Islam included. One story that I am not surprised is not
getting much coverage is the 25th anniversary (April 26, 1992) of
the Watts Peace Treaty between the Bloods and Crips. With the recent statements of gang
representatives about the events surrounding protests and rioting in Baltimore
the connection seems so obvious.[ii] What may not be so obvious is the history of
this peace treaty. First is the fact
that such a historical event was facilitated by a Sheikh is significant. Even
more significant is the fact that this Sheikh is African American (Sheikh
Mujahid Abdul-Karim) and Shiite and this treaty was negotiated and signed in a
Shiite mosque, Masjid Al-Rasul [11211 Central Avenue, Watts, Los Angeles,
California].[iii]
There is a Wikipedia page devoted to Sheikh Mujahid
Abdul-Karim[iv] and
as much as I loathe Wikipedia this is probably the most developed resource about
this issue. Additionally there is a
photograph of the room in which this event transpired taken by American artist
Joel Sternfield which can be viewed on the website of the Art Institute Chicago[v]. I always feel more confident citing resources
where the person or person(s) involved talk about the event in their own words
and in an interview with Ali Taj Sheikh Mujahid Abdul-Karim[vi] briefly discusses the purpose of the masjid and the gang-related issues in which Sheikh Karim was able to intercede. I have posted this interview in the videos on the left hand column of this blog.
Sheikh Abdul-Karim refers to the environment that led up to
the treaty in 1992 as similar to the conflict and carnage in Lebanon in the
1980s. In my head I hear the echoes of
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s last will and testament to his sons in which he states, I
advise you, and all my children, my relatives, and whosoever receives this
message, to be conscious of Allah, to remove your differences, and to
strengthen your ties. I heard your grandfather, peace be upon him, say:
"Reconciliation of your differences is more worthy than all prayers and
all fasting."[vii]
Where are the Shia Sheikhs facilitating dialogues that
address the conflicts that exist in American society? Where is the concern for
our oppressed Muslim brothers and sisters of color? I have asked myself these
questions time and again. Sheikh
Abdul-Karim is an example. Less you confuse him with someone else I have
re-posted his picture below. Keep Sheikh Abdul-Karim and his family in your
duas.
[i]
http://dayinblackhistory.com/default.aspx
[ii]
http://videos.huffingtonpost.com/city-council-members-gang-members-call-for-peace-following-baltimore-riots-518794619
[iii]
http://www.masjidalrasul.com/
[iv]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mujahid_Abdul-Karim
[v]
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/147220
[vi]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg_jYVIegHg
[vii]
http://www.al-islam.org/articles/letter-father-son-last-will-ali-ibn-abi-talib
No comments:
Post a Comment