Al Hajj Jamal Abdul-Malik was born and raised in Elmira NY as a 5th generation member of the Wilbur J. and Beatrice Reid family. Brought up in the traditions of the AME Zion Church, he accepted Islam in October 1972 at the young age of 19.  He was introduced to Islam at Farmingdale State University and later while performing at Elmira Correctional Facility found guidance from two Muslim inmates who were connected to Brooklyn’s YaSin Mosque’s Muslim Prison Committee. 

His desire to acquire a copy of Quran and read the words of Allah, in particular reference to Jesus (s.a.w.s.), i.e.; “Surah Maryam 19:16-35”, prompted them to provide the address to YaSin Mosque where he visited that next weekend. Considering himself a knowledgeable young man in the studies of middle eastern religions, he traveled downstate to visit the Mosque.  The quiet, warm, and welcoming demeanor he encountered piqued his curiosity to learn more about the way of life that could bring inner peace to even the angriest and most conflicted of persons who accepted its tenants.  It was there, at Brooklyn’s YaSin Mosque during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan, where he took his Shahada (Declaration of Faith), received his first copy of the Quran and was introduced to the concept of Tawheed: “Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4) and the 5 foundational Pillars of Islam:

1. Belief in “One God – Allah”; and that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was the last and final messenger sent to guide mankind, belief in the Angles, the books and the Messengers.
2. Observance of the Salah; 5 daily prayers. 
3. Giving Zakat; and obligatory charity to those less fortunate.
4. Practice of Fasting; during the Month of Ramadan for purification of the Heart and disciplining the  Body.
5. Performing the Annual Hajj to Mecca at least once in your lifetime.  

Jamal has studied and practiced the way of Islam for over 55 years. Performed Hajj in 1983 and each year for 30 days during the holy month of Ramadan, he fasts from before sunup to sundown, taking nothing to eat or drink during daylight hours. Each night during prayer he recites 1/30^th portion of the Holy Quran, until its completion on the 30^th day. This is a time of spiritual renewal, introspection and recommitment for every Muslim around the world. It is a very deep and personal duty each Muslim performs individually, and communally. 

During his lifetime, Jamal and wife were fortunate and blessed to live in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE an Islamic country, where He worked in the Oil & Gas industry for 17 years as Senior Engineer, Project Manager and Asset Management SME (subject matter expert).  This posting allowed them to be fully immersed in the language, culture and spiritual practice of the religion.  

Upon retirement in 2015, he returned to his roots of El-Mira, to build upon his family’s legacy and make meaningful contributions to his hometown.   Jamal is married, has raised 10 Adult children (one deceased), has 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  He’s civically engaged in local and State Democratic politics, active in his local mosque and continues the daily practice of polishing his heart to reflect the light of Islam and that of his Creator.

In-Person option at:

110 N. Main St.
Elmira, NY 14901
Chemung County Democratic Headquarters
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