The Mosque Of Islamic Brotherhood: 5 Unforgettable Facts About Malcolm X's Harlem Legacy And Its Recent Loss
The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB) in Harlem, New York, stands as one of the most historically significant institutions in the African American Muslim community. As of today, December 24, 2025, the community is reflecting on the profound legacy of its longtime spiritual leader, Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, whose recent passing has marked the end of a pivotal era for the mosque and the wider New York interfaith landscape.
This institution is not just a place of worship; it is the lineal descendant of the organization founded by El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, making it a cornerstone of Black Muslim history in the United States. Its story is one of resistance, spiritual growth, and unwavering commitment to social justice, continuing to shape the cultural and religious fabric of Harlem.
The Life and Legacy of Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid (1951-2025)
The most immediate and poignant piece of news surrounding the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood is the recent loss of its respected leader. Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, a true spiritual and political luminary, returned to Allah on the morning of Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the age of 74. His passing was a moment of deep mourning across the American Muslim community and among his interfaith partners.
- Born: 1951
- Died: November 15, 2025 (Age 74)
- Role: Longtime religious and spiritual leader (Imam) of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB)
- Significance: A pillar of the African American Muslim community and one of New York's most respected Muslim voices.
- Tenure: Served for over twenty years, establishing the MIB as a key institution for Black Sunni Muslims in New York.
- Advocacy: Known for his work on social justice, community organization, and interfaith dialogue, embodying the mosque's "spirit of resistance".
Imam Abdur-Rashid’s leadership cemented the MIB’s role as Harlem's oldest Sunni orthodox mosque. His sermons and activism, which often addressed issues of police brutality and systemic inequality, made him a vital voice far beyond the mosque’s walls. Organizations like CAIR-NY offered their condolences, highlighting his immense contributions to civil rights and religious understanding. His legacy ensures that the MIB remains a center for ethical guidance and political engagement.
Fact 1: The Direct Link to Malcolm X and Muslim Mosque Inc.
The historical roots of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood are inextricably linked to one of the most iconic figures in American history: Malcolm X, or El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.
The MIB is formally recognized as the "lineal descendant" of the Muslim Mosque Inc. (MMI), which Malcolm X founded in 1964 after his split from the Nation of Islam. This lineage is a source of immense pride and responsibility for the congregation.
When Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965, his organization faced a period of transition. The MIB was subsequently founded in 1964 and formally incorporated in 1967, taking up the mantle of MMI’s mission to establish a community based on orthodox Sunni Islam. The early foundation was laid by figures like Khalid Ahmad Tawfiq, who was reportedly selected by Malcolm X himself to study Islam in Egypt, preparing him to lead the community.
This direct connection means the MIB carries forward the spirit of resistance, self-determination, and intellectual rigor that defined Malcolm X's final years and his embrace of global, orthodox Islam.
Fact 2: A Cornerstone of Harlem’s African American Muslim Identity
Located in the heart of Harlem, New York City, the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood has been a bedrock institution for the African American Muslim community for over half a century.
Harlem itself is a historic epicenter of Black culture, civil rights, and religious movements. The MIB’s presence there is not coincidental; it served as one of the key anchors for New York's African American Muslim community, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.
It is often described as Harlem’s oldest Sunni orthodox mosque, providing a crucial space for worship, education, and social services for Black Muslims who sought to practice Islam outside of sectarian organizations. The mosque also includes the School of Islamic and Arabic Studies, underscoring its commitment to comprehensive religious education.
Fact 3: The Role of the School of Islamic and Arabic Studies
The full name of the institution, The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood and the School of Islamic and Arabic Studies (MIB), highlights its dual mission. Education is considered a core component of its identity, reflecting the emphasis on knowledge (ilm) in Islam.
The school provides a vital service, offering instruction in Arabic language, Islamic theology, and Islamic history. This educational arm ensures the continuity of orthodox Islamic practice and scholarship within the community.
This focus on scholarly rigor, inspired by the global vision of Islam that Malcolm X adopted, differentiates the MIB from many other early Black Muslim movements in America. It aims to connect its congregation directly to the broader global Ummah (Muslim community) through authentic Islamic teachings.
Fact 4: The Masjid’s Continuing Community Presence and Events
Despite the profound loss of Imam Abdur-Rashid, the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood remains a vibrant hub of faith and community, embodying the principles of unity and inclusivity.
The mosque hosts regular prayer services, including the weekly Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah), and various community programs. These events serve to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the congregation.
A testament to its enduring community spirit was the MIB Annual Gala, which was held recently on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the historic Alhambra Ballroom. Such events are crucial for fundraising, celebrating achievements, and ensuring the financial stability of the mosque's vital community services.
Fact 5: The Future of the MIB and the Post-Abdur-Rashid Era
The passing of a longtime leader like Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid inevitably signals a new chapter for the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood. The transition will be closely watched by the African American Muslim community nationwide.
The challenge for the MIB will be to maintain the balance between its historic commitment to social justice and the need for new, dynamic leadership. The next Imam will need to honor the legacy of both Malcolm X and Imam Abdur-Rashid, continuing the mosque's role as a political luminary while nurturing the spiritual growth of the congregation.
The institution’s resilience, rooted in its profound historical significance and its deep connection to the values of orthodox Islam and resistance, suggests that The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood will continue to be a powerful and influential voice in New York and beyond for decades to come.
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