INTERVIEW
How did you come to realize you were wrong for supporting the interpretation of jihadists? Like I said, things ISIS did. The rapes, the murders, the killings of other jihadists, the bombing of mosques, the setting prisoners on fire, the beheading of children... It all hit me like a ton of bricks. This can’t be Islamically justified. Can you tell others the most important lesson you’ve learned from your experiences experiences? ? The most important lesson I learned is that Islam is about peace. Yet when there is a war as jihad, Muslims have certain guidelines from the Prophet (PBUH) to follow. If these guidelines are not followed, then the cause, the jihad, is not just. I joined an unjust war, and that was a very important lesson I learned while in prison. It cost me my life, but I learned it before it was too late, meaning death. How has Allah blessed you to see the light of the Islam you follow now? By allowing me to see the signs He set for me at the outstart. . The first translation of the mushaf I read was by a Sufi, Abdullah Yusuf Ali. I’ve come to see the truth of the Sufi path in Islam. Yet, I’m not a sufi. The only label I accept is Muslim. Butthe spiritual realization the Sufis teach has showed me a new purpose in life, the goal to overcome my lower self. A jihad al nafs (struggle of self) is the jihad I participate in now. Can you tell us the most amazing spiritual story of your time in prison? Has something happened that stands out as a time when despite the difficulty you realize peace and contentment? After my earlier morning dhikts and meditations, I feel the evolution evolution of my spirit. I feel inner peace, calm and tranquility, tranquility, nearness to Allah. Even though I’m in a maximum security prison I feel a force within and around that I can’t explain. Is there anything else you would like to say about your experiences, thoughts or feelings now? I think I’ve said it all. It’s more than politics, more than religion, more than philosophy. It can’t be limited to one aspect. It’s a complete way of life that Allah has set for the universe, so its destruction is impossible. Although the powers of darkness try tr y to destroy Islam’s image reputation and adherents, it’s impossible. The spiritual awakening I’ve experienced in prison makes all the trials and tribulations worth it. Can brothers and sisters reach out to you for advice, to support you and an d to benefit from your experiences. If so, how can they contact you? Yes. Anybody wishing to reach out can write me directly at Abdullah Hakim Muhammad ADC # 150550 EARU MAX UNIT P.O. Box 970 Marianna, AR 72360
34
