Muslims mourn passing of Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur Rashid
One of the most revered voices in Black American Islam, Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, has passed away, leaving Harlem and the broader Muslim community in profound grief. His death marks the end of nearly five decades of leadership, scholarship, and activism rooted deeply in the tradition of Malcolm X and the Black liberation legacy of Harlem.
Imam Talib served as leader of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood since 1988, succeeding the late Shaykh El-Hajj K. Ahmad Tawfiq al-Azhari, under whom he trained as assistant imam. His spiritual lineage traces directly back to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, making him, as community leaders describe, “a living chain” to one of America’s most influential Muslim figures. His impact was felt far beyond the walls of the mosque, reaching deep into the civic, cultural, and political life of New York City.
This past week, Imam Talib delivered the closing prayer at the Urban League Empowerment Center grand opening in Harlem. Today, the organization expressed sorrow over his passing, saying they were “deeply grateful” for the wisdom he shared and would hold his words “even closer” as they mourn alongside his family and community.
Community tributes have been pouring in since the announcement of his death. Global Islamic historian Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick described him as “a courageous Imam, a deep thinker, a beloved father, and a dedicated community activist.” He prayed that Allah accept Imam Talib’s sacrifice and reunite him with the Prophet at the Hawd, the sacred fountain on the Day of Judgment.
Adama Bah, immigrant rights activist and founder of Afrikana, spoke emotionally about the weight of losing an elder who fought tirelessly for future generations. “You can’t talk about Harlem without mentioning his name, and you can’t talk about Black Muslims without honoring his legacy,” she said. “The legacy they leave behind lives on through the people they struggled for.”
Muhammadd Anwaarul-Haq, an Islamic scholar, emphasized Imam Talib’s role as a direct intellectual and spiritual descendant of the Malcolm X tradition. “He served the NYC community for almost 50 years,” he said, noting Imam Talib’s mentorship under Shaykh Tawfiq, who himself studied under El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. “That means he is our direct sanad—our spiritual chain—to Malcolm X. Along with being an impeccable scholar dedicated to knowledge, worship, and piety, he was a dynamic community leader who understood that spirituality and service must go hand in hand.”
Anwaarul-Haq also revealed the Imam’s behind-the-scenes influence in civic life, noting that Imam Talib played a significant role in helping Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani build community trust during his rise to political leadership. “His advice, experience, and community networks were priceless. He was active until yesterday, still posting community updates.”
Imam Talib’s passing leaves a void in Harlem and across New York that many fear cannot easily be filled. For decades, he stood at the intersection of faith, justice, and community, mentoring youth, advocating for the poor, challenging oppression, and protecting the legacy of Black Muslim history. His mosque became a beacon not just for worship, but for organizing, healing, and empowerment.
As Harlem mourns, the call to honor his legacy grows louder: to continue the work he dedicated his life to—uplifting the marginalized, pursuing justice, and embodying the compassion and dignity he preached.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn.
To God we belong, and to Him we return.
May Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid rest in eternal peace.
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