Honoring Imam Abdul Hafiz Life of Service

For over 22 years as a Federal Bureau of Prisons Chaplain, and more than 15 years volunteering across county, state, and federal correctional facilities, Imam Abdul Hafiz has committed himself to the mission using Islam to re-build the character of men, many wrote off as expendable.

“I couldn’t foresee anything but another sensation through heroin,” 44-year-old inmate William Walker said of life before prison. But then came Abdul-Hafiz, who “inspired me to find another way. . . . I don’t know what my path would have been if I hadn’t been incarcerated and found Islam.” Source LA Times Article

Imam Hafiz used available resources like the Qur’ans, books, prayer rugs, hijabs, kufis, to build bridge and re-establish trust and hope among the brothers.  He established Islamic libraries, facilitated Ramadan observances, and ensured that incarcerated individuals had access to authentic religious guidance and experiences.

As Director of the Shura Council’s Prison Outreach Program for over a decade, he worked tirelessly to build trust with correctional institutions, navigating complex systems, overcoming skepticism, and opening doors for the broader Muslim community to serve. This work was not easy. It required patience, sacrifice, and resilience. “The challenge is overcoming mistrust and opening your life to constant investigation,” he reflects. “But the mission is greater than the discomfort.”

Honoring Imam Abu Ishaq Abdul Hafiz Life of Service

“The mission is Greater than the Discomfort.”

There are leaders who speak. There are leaders who act. And then there are those rare individuals who quietly dedicate their entire lives to serving humanity often in places the world forgets.

Today, we honor one such servant of God, Imam Abu Ishaq Abdul Hafiz, recipient of the 2026 Community Service Award from the Southern California Shura Council. This is a recognition of a lifetime spent walking into the hardest spaces with faith, dignity, and unwavering compassion, answering the call in spaces few want to go.

But to call this simply an “award” would be an understatement. He is fulling daily the purpose of which the Quran says, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (51.56) 

Born Albert Eugene Simms Jr. in Gary, Ind., Abdul-Hafiz discovered Islam during his junior year at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. “One of my African history professors was a Christian, . . . teaching us the basics of Islam in Africa,” Abdul-Hafiz said. “He said they believed in Jesus as a prophet of God, not God incarnate, and I thought, ‘Wow. All my life I’ve been thinking that. . . . This makes sense to me.’ ” After studying several religions, Abdul-Hafiz took his Islamic oath of faith July 7, 1971, and adopted his Arabic name.

Restoring Humanity Behind Bars

When he was hired at Lompoc, he became only the second imam to work full time in the federal prison system. “I wanted to help those in the least position to have access to Islamic information,” What makes Imam Abdul Hafiz’s work truly transformative is what he awakened within inmates. In environments often defined by isolation and despair, he brought presence.

He reminds us: “Every visit leaves you with a sense of purpose… the joy on their faces is life-changing.” Many of those he served had never been visited by a Muslim before. Many discovered Islam while incarcerated. Many were searching not just for religion but for identity, dignity, and belonging. Through his service, Imam Abdul Hafiz helped restore all three.

Despite this recognition, Imam Abdul Hafiz remains deeply humble. He does not seek praise. He issues a call to action. “These men and women deserve to be valued members of our Ummah. This is not a one-person effort. We must love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves.”

Prison Outreach Services & Beyond

As the resident Imam of Masjid Al Shareef in Long Beach, Imam Abdul Hafiz continues to lead in purpose. His impact extends beyond prison walls through: youth development initiatives, community interfaith partnerships, mentorship and spiritual leadership, and board positions with organizations like the ILM Foundation.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

In true humility, Imam Abdul Hafiz attributes his journey to those who came before him Brother Earl Shah, Imam Abdul Kareem Hasan, Imam Jan Diwan, John Fakir, Sister Shaheeda Muhammad, Al Hajj Papa Naim Shah Sr., and most importantly his lifelong partner of over 50 years, Al Hajja Safiya Abdul Hafiz. Their influence lives on through his work.

This award honoring Imam Abdul Hafiz is a reminder that service is not always visible, impact is not always celebrated, and the most meaningful work often happens in the most overlooked places. Imam Abdul Hafiz did not choose the easy path; he embraced the necessary one.

At ILM Foundation, we are proud to stand alongside Imam Abdul Hafiz. He embodies the true essence of service, compassion, and faith in action. His life’s work challenges all of us to ask who are we serving? And more importantly who are we forgetting? Today, we celebrate a Leader who never forgot his Lord, his Messenger, his Religion, his family, and humanity.

“But seek the Home of the Hereafter by means of that which God has bestowed on you; do not forget to take your portion [of the Hereafter] in this world." Be good to others as God has been good to you…” 28.77