About US
Our History
Imam Basil Abdullah has a remarkable story of transformation and redemption. He was a high school basketball player at M.C. Williams before he was sentenced to 99 years in prison in 1976 for a crime involving the purchase of drugs that resulted in a death. While in prison, he delved into his own research into the laws of the universe, and through his studies, he converted to Islam. His newfound faith became the cornerstone of his life, and he emerged from prison as a changed man.
In 1983, after being released from prison, Imam Basil Abdullah and his brothers began to brainstorm ideas for their future. During these discussions, the concept of establishing a mosque was introduced and became a central focus of their plans. This led to the establishment of the First Taleem Masjid Muhammad.
In 1988, Brother Charles Rashid had a vision to create the first Taleem Masjid Muhammad. He envisioned a place where members of the Muslim community could gather for prayer and worship. After the vision was established, the first Jumah was conducted in Carver Park in Acres Home, which marked a turning point for the community. People came together to pray and listen to teachings and sermons, building a strong sense of community and support.
Over the years, Taleem Masjid Muhammad continued to grow and thrive. The community continued to gather for prayer and worship, and the mosque became a hub for community activities and events. Through the hard work and dedication of Brother Charles Rashid and the community, Taleem Masjid Muhammad became a vital part of the Muslim community in Houston, Texas, and a testament to the power of vision and community spirit.
In 1994, the First Taleem Masjid Muhammad community purchased land on Tidwell Street in the Acreage Home area and began construction of the Masjid Taleem Muhammad. The construction project marked a new chapter in the mosque's history and symbolized the community's unwavering commitment to their faith and their desire to create a permanent place of worship.
Today, the Masjid Taleem Muhammad continues to serve as a pillar of the Muslim community in Houston, Texas. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of its founders and the community that supported its growth and development. From its humble beginnings to its current state as a vibrant and thriving institution, the Masjid Taleem Muhammad is a symbol of hope and inspiration to all those who seek to build strong communities rooted in faith and fellowship.
Our Mission and Vision:
At Masjid Taleem Muhammad, our mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Muslim community, regardless of their background or level of knowledge. We are committed to providing opportunities for spiritual growth, education, and community engagement through our services, programs, and events. We strive to promote a positive and uplifting atmosphere that encourages our members to live a fulfilling and purposeful life based on Islamic teachings.
Our vision is to create a thriving and empowered Muslim community in Houston and beyond, rooted in the values of compassion, respect, and justice. We believe that by living according to the principles of Islam, we can build a better world for all of humanity. We seek to inspire individuals to become agents of positive change in their communities, working towards a future where everyone is valued and respected regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion. Together, we can create a world that is grounded in the principles of peace, unity, and love.
Leadership
Masjid Taleem Muhammad is led by a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to upholding the principles of Islam and serving the community. Our founder, Imam Basil Abdullah, is a respected religious leader who has been a guiding force in the development of our community. He is joined by other members of the community who have taken on leadership roles and are committed to the success of the mosque.
Imam Basil Abdullah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our community, having spent many years studying and practicing Islam. He has been instrumental in shaping the vision of our mosque and has been a strong advocate for the education and spiritual growth of our members. His dedication and leadership have helped to create a vibrant and dynamic community that is focused on serving others and spreading the message of Islam.
In addition to Imam Basil Abdullah, our community is led by a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to supporting the growth and development of our mosque. These leaders are responsible for organizing community events, providing educational opportunities, and helping to maintain the physical space of the mosque. They work tirelessly to ensure that our community remains strong and connected, and that our members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
We are proud of the leadership team at Masjid Taleem Muhammad and are grateful for their commitment to our community. Their hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to working with them to continue building a strong and vibrant community that is focused on serving others and spreading the message of Islam.
To Our Community:
At Masjid Taleem Muhammad, we are committed to building a strong and vibrant community based on the principles of Islam. Our community is made up of people from all walks of life who come together to deepen their faith, support each other, and make a positive impact on the world.
We believe in creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes unity. We strive to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among our members, and we are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and facilities for our community to thrive.
We understand that we are part of a larger community, and we are committed to being active and engaged members of society. We believe in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. Whether through volunteering, community service, or other initiatives, we are committed to working towards a better future for all.
As a community, we value education and personal growth. We believe in the importance of continuous learning and seek to provide opportunities for our members to expand their knowledge and understanding of Islam and the world around them.
We welcome everyone to join our community and encourage all individuals to explore and deepen their connection to Islam. Our doors are open to all, and we look forward to working together towards a more just and equitable society.
Our Accomplishments:
Over the years, Masjid Taleem Muhammad has accomplished many important milestones, and we are proud to share some of our achievements with you:
Established in 1988, Masjid Taleem Muhammad has become a vibrant and integral part of the African-American Muslim community in Houston, Texas. Our mosque has served as a welcoming space for individuals and families seeking a deeper understanding of Islam and a stronger connection with their community.
Our community has been active in providing support to ex-offenders through our Salaam Reentry Program, which focuses on promoting community policing in the area. This program has been successful in bringing together a diverse group of individuals, including imams, pastors, police officers, and community leaders, to work towards a common goal of promoting community involvement in achieving our goals.
Our dedication to education has led to the establishment of several programs, including the Taleem Muhammad School, which provides quality education to children in the community. We have also hosted several workshops and seminars focused on promoting Islamic education and providing resources to those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
In 1994, our community purchased land on Tidwell Street in the Acres Home area and then resold it for a profit, with the proceeds used to purchase the land for our current mosque. The construction of the Masjid Taleem Muhammad provided a permanent home for the community to come together and worship and symbolized our unwavering commitment to our faith.
In 2019, our community completed phase 2 of our construction project, which included the erection of the Qasim Ahmed Multi-Purpose Building. This addition provided much-needed space for community events, educational programs, and other activities and demonstrated our ongoing commitment to providing the necessary resources and facilities for our members to thrive.
These are just a few examples of the many accomplishments that our community has achieved over the years. We are proud of our history and are committed to continuing to work towards our mission and vision of providing a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith and their community.
Our Future:
Our organization is committed to the continuous growth and development of our community, and we have several plans and goals for the future. We aim to expand our outreach efforts, increase access to educational resources, and create more opportunities for our community to come together and engage in meaningful conversations and activities.
One of our primary goals is to establish a community center that will serve as a hub for all of our activities, including education, recreation, and cultural events. This center will provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals and families to come together, build relationships, and strengthen their connection with one another and their faith.
Additionally, we plan to expand our educational offerings to provide more opportunities for members of our community to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Islam. We also aim to provide support and resources for individuals and families in need, including counseling, financial assistance, and other forms of support.
Finally, we are committed to working towards greater unity and collaboration among all members of our community. We believe that by working together and building strong relationships, we can create a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community that reflects the values and teachings of Islam.
We are excited about the future of our organization and look forward to working together to achieve our goals and realize our vision for a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous community.