Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, Harlem’s Respected Muslim Leader and Pan-African Voice, Dies at 74

Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid, the longtime spiritual leader of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem and one of New York’s most respected Muslim voices, has passed away. According to the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, Imam Talib “returned to Allah on the morning of Saturday, November 15, 2025,” in his New York apartment. His death marks the end of an era for a community he guided for decades with unwavering conviction, humility, and moral clarity.

Imam Talib led the Movement of Islamic Brotherhood, Inc., the lineal descendant of Malcolm X’s Muslim Mosque, Inc., and a central institution for Black Sunni Muslims in New York. After serving as an assistant imam, he assumed the full leadership of the mosque, transforming it into a vibrant center of religious practice, political education, and grassroots community organizing. Under his stewardship, the mosque became a spiritual anchor in Harlem, known for its engagement on issues ranging from youth development to civil rights and interfaith collaboration.

Beyond his religious duties, Imam Talib was widely regarded as a civic leader and an essential public voice for African American Muslims. He represented his community in local and national forums, built interfaith partnerships, and spoke consistently to the moral dimensions of public policy. The National Urban League, in its condolence statement, described him as “a pillar of the Harlem Muslim community,” noting the organization’s deep appreciation for his partnership, most recently demonstrated during the closing prayer he delivered at its Empowerment Center grand opening on November 12, 2025.

Imam Talib’s worldview was shaped by a profound interest in African history, Black liberation movements, and the global African diaspora. Over the years, he forged strong connections with Continental African communities across Harlem and the Bronx, working closely with African imams to bridge cultural and generational divides. His commitment to building unity among people of African descent led him to play an active role in the Pan African Unity Dialogue (PAUD), a platform convened by Dr. Ron Daniels. PAUD brings together Africans from the continent, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States to “practice Pan-Africanism in America” through collective social, economic, and political empowerment.

He remained engaged with PAUD’s work until the end. Imam Talib was scheduled to deliver an updated analysis on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan at the group’s quarterly conference on November 22. His previous address on the crisis, delivered at PAUD’s August 16 meeting at the Harlem State Office Building, was widely noted for its clarity and moral force.

Ambassador Sidique Wai, former President of the United African Congress (UAC), reflected on the imam’s decades of advocacy. “For those of us who worked with him on civil and human rights issues affecting underprivileged communities across New York, Imam Talib built bridges of friendship and shared his wisdom freely,” Wai said. “He stood with diverse immigrant communities and helped them find their footing in this city.”

Imam Talib was a consistent, principled critic of police abuses, lending his voice to campaigns for justice in cases such as Amadou Diallo and Ousmane Zongo, and opposing discriminatory policies like stop-and-frisk and surveillance of Muslim communities. His moral authority extended beyond New York; he represented American Muslims internationally, delivered a keynote address at a global conference on religious pluralism, and served as a “spiritual first responder” in interfaith efforts following the 9/11 attacks.

In a 2023 sermon, Imam Talib revealed that he had endured significant health challenges, including a period of severe illness that left him in a wheelchair and on extended medical leave. Though he gradually returned to preaching and teaching, his public appearances had become less frequent, hinting at the strain he continued to face.

Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid leaves behind a legacy of religious leadership, principled activism, and Pan-African solidarity. His passing is a profound loss for Harlem, for New York’s Muslim community, and for all those who drew strength from his steady, uncompromising voice.

The Janaazah, the funeral prayer for Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, located at 102 West 116th Street in New York City.

May he rest in eternal peace

In Sha ‘Allah!