photo credit: Khalil AbdulKhabir

At its height, the Dar included a network of 30-40 mosques across the country, mainly in predominantly African American urban hubs, including New York City (Brooklyn), Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. Over the next 10-12 years, the growing Dar movement institutes many remarkable programs and initiatives, contributing to the educational, social and economic upliftment of the community. Some of these programs included:

• Dar-ul Miska and Halal Meat Store  – the Dar operated its own incense factory and butcher shop which allowed Dar members to purchase meat slaughtered according to Islamic law (zabiha). The incense factory contributed greatly to the poularization of incense and oils in Brooklyn and other communities.

• Madrassah tush-Shaheedain “School of the Two Martyrs – a full time alternative to public education for children in pre-K to 8th grade, established in 1974. Its curriculum included rigorous Islamic Studies and “secular” studies and enrolled nearly 200 students. Kamal Hassan Ali, a Dar member was encouraged to pursue a doctorate in education at University of Massachusetts and completed his dissertation in 1981 titled: “Muslim school planning in the United States : an analysis of issues, problems and possible approaches.”

• Jawala or “Muslim Rover” Scouts for Boys/Young Men: “The Muslim Rover Scouts aim to teach the art of serving and following instructions, which is the process of building good leadership. In order to have our youth and our community in the future and please Allah. When a man-child becomes a Rover Scout he becomes a member of the Jamat, and can longer think only of himself, but he must become part of a brotherhood.” – Al Jihadul Akbar, Fall 1973

• Al Binatul-Mu’minun, the Daughter’s of the Believers (later know as Alima Scouts): similar to Jawala Scouts, specialized programming for Musli girls 5-12 years old.

• Muslim Prison Ministry: Dar members implemented a robust Prison committee and is instrumental in the establishment of Masjid Sankore at Greenhaven Correctional Facility in 1968. This represents the first officially recognized Islamic Institution in a NY Prison. In fact, Muslim inmates influenced by this dawah (calling to Islam) were credited for playing an important role in the protection of guards and preservation of order during the infamous Attica Uprising in 1971.

• Riyadaah  Conference or “Muslim Olympics”: According to al-Ummah, In 1983 Imam Jamil Al-Amin reestablished the national athletic competition, convening the 1st annual Riyaadah in Atlanta, Ga. It is a multi-day event featuring both sports, youth activities, a bazaar, and workshops on subjects ranging from business to family life. The Riyadaah continues to the present, now in its 38th year. 

The significance of these efforts cannot be overstated. They contributed to the sense of independence and empowerment that was a hallmark of the movement.