About The Author
Meet The Author Of The Book Abdul-Jihad Islam
Born in Great Lakes Naval Station, Waukegan, Illinois, Abdul-Jihad Islam grew up in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Little Compton, Rhode Island. Raised in a Catholic household alongside his siblings Fred, Cookie, Bunny, and Tanya, he joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. During his service, he explored his Christian faith through an organization called The Navigators, which emphasized mentorship and personal growth.
However, his life took a darker turn, leading him into drug use and armed robbery while stationed in Arlington, Virginia. Sentenced to 34 years in prison, it was there that he discovered Islam through a former member of the Nation of Islam. Reading the Holy Qur’an unveiled a profound understanding of the Oneness of God, compelling him to embrace the Muslim faith wholeheartedly by taking the Kalima Shahada.
After his release in 1990, Abdul became an active member of the Muslim community. He retired from the federal government in 2022 and currently serves as one of the mu’adhdhin at Masjid Bilal in Richmond, Virginia, where he also contributes by providing baked goods to the ummah.
Throughout his journey, he has been supported by a close-knit family—particularly his sister Bunny—whose unwavering support has played a vital role in his life. Abdul-Jihad Islam’s story is a testament to strength, redemption, and the transformative power of faith.
Born in Great Lakes Naval Station, Waukegan, Illinois, the author now identifies as Abdul-Jihad Islam. He grew up in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Little Compton, Rhode Island. Raised in a Catholic household alongside his siblings Fred, Cookie, Bunny, and Tanya, he joined the Navy at 17. During his military service, he explored his Christian faith through an organization called the Navigators, which emphasized mentorship and personal growth.
However, his life took a darker turn, leading him into drug use and armed robbery while stationed in Arlington, Virginia. Sentenced to 34 years in prison, it was in this challenging environment that he discovered Islam through a former Nation of Islam member. Reading the Holy Qur’an unveiled a profound understanding of the Oneness of God, which compelled him to embrace the Muslim faith wholeheartedly by taking the Kalima Shahada.
After his release in 1990, Abdul became actively involved in the Muslim community. He retired from the federal government in 2022 and is an active member of Masjid Bilal in Richmond, Virginia, one of the mu’adhdhin and provides baked goods to the ummat.
Throughout his journey, he has been supported by a close-knit family, particularly his sister Bunny, whose unwavering support has played a vital role in his life. Abdul-Jihad Islam’s story is a testament to strength, redemption, and the transformative power of faith.
Abdul-Jihad Islam is a Muslim author, Navy veteran, and community leader whose works explore faith, redemption, and spiritual transformation. Born in Great Lakes Naval Station, Illinois, and raised in a Catholic family, his life took a transformative turn during incarceration, where he discovered Islam and embraced its teachings wholeheartedly. Drawing from this profound personal journey, Abdul-Jihad Islam authored Practicing Islam in Prison and Society (2025), a comprehensive guide that empowers Muslims to practice faith with discipline and clarity both within and beyond prison walls. His companion title, My Personal Journal as a Muslim: Siratal Mustaqim (2025), provides a reflective space for readers to record insights, set goals, and strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah. Now retired from federal service, he serves as one of the mu’adhdhin at Masjid Bilal in Richmond, Virginia, and remains dedicated to community service and Islamic education.